Secular Sunday #94 – Slim Pickings

Another slimline edition this week following an extremely long Second Sunday brunch. (For all I know the die-hards are still there!) It may sound like some Bacchanalian extravagance but it was a relaxed and sober affair, the emphasis on conversation much more than food or drink. If you haven’t been to one before – or indeed if you have – do consider coming along to the next one.

– Derek Walsh, Editor

News

• The Minister for Education is seeking submissions from the public on the issue of inclusiveness in schools. The views expressed will help shape Government policy and will input into the preparation of a White Paper next year.
  Atheist Ireland has advice for parents and other citizens who are making a submission to the Department of Education’s consultation on promoting greater inclusiveness in primary schools. Read more
• On Tuesday Derek Walsh took part in a debate hosted by the UCD Law Society. The topic: “This house believes God loves gay people too.”  It was not recorded but you can read a transcript of Derek’s contribution here.
• On Wednesday Michael Nugent debated scientist and Christian Dr. David Glass, in the Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, on the topic “Does God Exist?”. You can watch the video of the debate and the Q&A session following it here.
• Jane Donnelly took part in the recording of an episode of RTÉ’s religious discussion show Beyond Belief, about RTÉ’s broadcasting of the Angelus. That episode will be shown on RTÉ1 tomorrow Monday 14 October at 11:15 pm.
  Roger Childs, the Editor of Religious Programmes on RTÉ will also be appearing, arguing the case for keeping the Angelus. Those who disagree with his stance may wish to contact him by email to let him know.

Calendar

All events are free and open to everyone unless otherwise stated.

• Monday 14 October, 11:15pm, RTÉ1 television
  Beyond Belief will be discussing RTÉ’s broadcasting of the Angelus and whether it has any place in modern Ireland. Jane Donnelly will be among the guests.
• Wednesday 16 October, 8:00 pm, Absolute Hotel, Sir Harry’s Mall, Limerick (map)
  The Mid West Humanists are meeting. By this time members will have started going to TDs in the region, as the Constitutional Convention is to discuss the Blasphemy provision on 2-3 November so they will be discussing feedback from visits to TDs. The Mid West Humanists are now on Facebook and Twitter.
• Saturday 19 October, 7:00 pm, The Exchange, Exchange St., Dublin 2 (map)
  Dublin Skeptics in the Exchange: Confessions of a Former Health Food Shop Worker. Rebecca O’Neill talks about her time selling vitamins, supplements and natural remedies. Facebook event page