Every November 11, people across BC and Canada take a moment to remember those who've lost their lives in war, and that includes the many atheists and non-religious people who've served.
Yet every year, we receive reports that various public Remembrance Day Ceremonies, which are run by local Legions, feature explicitly Christian prayers and invocations to the exclusion of any other worldviews.
The BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion has said that they "do not have rules which force branches to use specific prayers or invocations."
This year, we've already helped challenge religious content in the Port Coquitlam Legion's ceremony and we'll be paying attention for any other stories.
We're also helping Vancouver Peace Poppies organize a special event in the afternoon on November 11 to remember the civilian casualties of war and conflict. Please let us know if you're able to volunteer for that event.
Finally, please also let us know if you're a veteran so we can help debunk the myth that there are no atheists in foxholes.
Member survey & volunteers
We're going to close our membership survey at the end of the week so please respond if you haven't already.
Also let us know if you're able to volunteer to help with any of our projects.
Last chance to sign the anti-blasphemy law petition
The petition to repeal Canada's blasphemy law has received over 7200 signatures since launching in June!
To understand how important this is, read any of the dozens of articles that have been written over the past decade.
The petition closes on Thursday before it goes to the federal government for a response, so please sign if you haven't already.
New on our website
News
• Religion in Remembrance Day Ceremony challenged in Port Coquitlam
Blog
• Why do science issues seem to divide us along party lines? from The Conversation
Upcoming Events
Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 10:00 AM
- Sunday Meeting - David Simpson - Morality Without God at Oakridge Seniors Centre, Vancouver
Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM
- Sunday Meeting - Teresa Gagné - White Poppies and War's Civilian Victims at Oakridge Seniors Centre, Vancouver
Tuesday, November 01, 2016 at 07:00 PM
- Book Club - The Most Good You Can Do by Peter Singer at Goldis' Home, Vancouver
Sunday, November 06, 2016 at 10:00 AM
- Sunday Meeting - The Psychology of Magic - Robert Teszka at Oakridge Seniors Centre, Vancouver
Friday, November 11, 2016 at 02:30 PM
- Let Peace Be Their Memorial: Mourning less-recognized victims of war at Seaforth Peace Park, Vancouver