The Humanist Group meets on the last Sunday of the month at 7:30 pm. Humanism is a philosophy that encourages people to think for themselves, valuing science and reason. It is focussed on human means for comprehending reality and pursuing good. Humanist ethics are based on respect for all life and regard human values as having meaning in the context of human life rather than the promise of life after death.

Register in advance for meetings. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining a meeting.

2025 – 2026 Church Year

September 28: Can we learn from the past? Can we act on what we learn? Referencing the book, One Day, Eveeryone Will Have Always Been Agaisnt This by Omar El Akkad, Marilyn will lead a discussion of the past and the future of civilization.  

October 26: Al Sather will use Mark Twain's very critical poetic essay, The War Prayer to introduce discussion.

November 30: Join us for a special conversation with Don Shafer — broadcaster, scholar, and recent PhD graduate from UBC — as he shares highlights from his dissertation, Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones: Exploring the Power of Words in a Polarized World. Don will guide us through key moments from his thesis defence — complete with audio clips and stories — before opening the floor for a conversation on how language, identity, and empathy shape our most difficult dialogues. This promises to be a thought provoking and deeply human evening. Participants are encouraged to read the abstract and Chapter 4 of Don’s dissertation beforehand.

December 28: No meeting this month.

January 25: Join us for a special conversation with Don Shafer, broadcaster, scholar, and recent PhD graduate from UBC, as her shares highlights from his dissertation, 'Sticks & Stones, Roots & Bones: Exploring the Power of Words in a Polarized World'. Don will guide us through some key moments from his thesis defence presentation - complete with audio clips and stories - before opening the floor for discussion around how language, identity, and empathy shape our most difficult conversations. This session promises to be thought-provoking, timely, and deeply human. You're encouraged to read the abstract and chapter 4 of his thesis (click here) before the meeting. For more information on Don, click here.

February 22: “High Conflict” discussion facilitated by Earl Morris.

When healthy conflict transforms into “high conflict” the unlucky individual or group becomes unhappy and less effective at resolving the conflict.  They become trapped in the high conflict and can’t seem to get out.  At its worse “high conflict” leads to violence and war.

We will discuss how to avoid falling into high conflict ourselves and how to get out of it and help others get out.  Everyone is welcome.

It is not necessary to read Amanda Ripley’s book “High conflict” for the discussion. Nor is it necessary to watch her 80 minute interview with Dan Harris:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5KUotaIy0U

March 29: TBA

April 26: TBA

May 31: TBA

June 28: TBA