Archives for March 2020

ST: Police probe Facebook post linking holy texts, toilet paper

21 March 2020 by humanist j

In March 2020, the Singapore Police began investigating a Facebook post linking holy texts to toilet paper. Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam deemed the post offensive to Muslims and Christians.

The Facebook page named NUS Atheist Society had posted an image of the Bible and Quran, which are holy texts in Christianity and Islam respectively. An accompanying caption read: “For use during toilet paper shortages.”

Read the news article here:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-probe-facebook-post-linking-holy-texts-toilet-paper

The Straits Times quoted the Humanist Society (Singapore) statement:

In a statement on its website, the Humanist Society (Singapore) said the post was “neither reasoned nor compassionate” and unhelpful given Covid-19, which affects all regardless of race or religion.

“We would like to encourage productive and rational dialogue during this crisis. We should focus on disseminating facts, providing comfort, and promoting public unity amidst the pandemic.”

Our full statement can be read here.

Statement on a Facebook post made by NUS Atheist Society

20 March 2020 by humanist

You may have seen the article regarding a recent police investigation involving a post made by an ‘NUS Atheist Society’ Page on Facebook.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/nus-atheist-society-facebook-post-offensive-shanmugam-police-12560286

The Humanist Society (Singapore) finds this post unhelpful amid the current crisis. We are a community of non-religious people, founded upon values of reason and compassion. The post made by NUS Atheist Society is neither reasoned nor compassionate. NUS has also since stated that the Page is not affiliated with the university.

The evolving Covid-19 situation affects us all, regardless of race or religion. We would like to encourage productive and rational dialogue during this crisis. We should focus on disseminating facts, providing comfort, and promoting public unity amidst the pandemic.

Executive Committee
Humanist Society (Singapore)

Announcements, Blog, Press

Getting “the people thing” right

16 March 2020 by Tattsi Tan

Seven years is a long time, as long as three of the four MNCs I used to work for in my 26 year career before HSS. I see things like Darwin sees evolution, something that volunteers with a couple of years at a stretch do not and cannot see.

Celebrating Life’s Moments

12 March 2020 by Tattsi Tan

Like people with religion, humanists go through the trials and tribulations of life. We laugh together, we cry together, and mostly revel at the precious time, in the one life we have. To be able to share these moments with our loved ones, through rituals, is second nature – it’s human nature.

Humanists celebrate birth, baby naming, confirmation, marriage, god parenting, vow renewals, and death. Yes, death, for the life well lived.

The following are some of the past humanist celebrant-led ceremonies :

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Nanthini & Rangarajan (Marriage)

(15th Feb 2020) Nanthini (Singaporean) and Rangarajan (UK) were married by JP PY Tan, and ritually by Tan Tatt Si, on 15 Feb 2020. Their photos will be uploaded only after 24 May, when they’ve had their traditional wedding ceremonies in Chennai.

Lily & Theo (Baby naming)

(19th Jan 2020) What would a five year-old sister, and a one year-old brother, have in common besides their families and village of friends ? That both Lily & Theo had names for a while, and yet a Baby Naming ceremony was still relevant for them, and for today’s society.

Chiara & Andrew (Marriage)

An Italian wedding is very tearful despite the tropical heat.

(3rd Jan 2020) Chiara (Italy) & Andrew (Australia) flew to each others’ continents , met at a work meeting in Melbourne six years ago, and decided to marry on Sentosa, Singapore. Together, they have a ‘son’ – a rabbit called ciaro – who joined them in their family unit.

Sandy & Nick (Marriage)

Sonny in the Gazebo looked on , and broke into a blissful smile. (*Cite photographer)

(10th July 2019) Sandy (Singapore) & Nick (UK) tied the knot after the Raffles Hotel reopening. Nick’s 30yo son – Sonny – welcomes Sandy to the family, and shows that love does not count the years or number of times.

Alicia & Ryan (Marriage)

Kilts and dress, walking down an aisle together, isn’t an every day sight in Singapore.

(9th June 2019) Alicia (Singapore) & Ryan (UK) got hitched at Labrador Park. The most memorable parts are how different cultures have very similar ritual manifestations : the Quaich two-handled cup of welcome, and the Chinese tea ceremony.

Aparna & Darroch (Marriage)

Warming of the Rings , where family and friends can bestow the wedding bands with best wishes for the marrying couple.

(30th Mar 2019) Aparna (Singaporean) & Darroch (UK, Ireland) , in Sofitel Sentosa. This was the first joint Solemniser/Celebrant ceremony.

Narumon & Peter (Marriage)

A contingent of Narumon’s brides maids flew from Thailand for the ceremony.

(Sept 2018) Narumon (Thailand) & Peter (Singapore) got married on the evening seaside of Changi, witnessed by many friends who flew in from Thailand. They chose handfasting , to depict tying the knot, to seal their new relationship.

Carissa & Brad (Marriage)

(11th Nov 2017) Carissa (Singapore) & Brad (Australia) got married in Swiss Club.

Bev & Richard (Marriage)

Unity Candles on Tanjong Beach, Sentosa.

(20th Sept 2016) Bev (UK) & Richard (UK) had their families flown in from UK and Australia, for their wedding rituals here (to coincide with F1 race), before both moving to Australia to start a family. The happy couple, today, has a son – Harry (below).

Little Julian (Godparent)

A child’s village, is made up of family and friends with different race, religion, and creed.

(28th Aug 2016) Andrew & Cameron (Australians), wanted their baby Julian to have godparents, a practice common in many societies. They got a better deal – the whole village showed up.

A little holy water from Lourdes won’t hurt (referring to the humanist celebrant).

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