Proposal for a Memorial Day for all those who have Died as a Result of Religion

To those who have died in sectarian conflict

The churches are, as usual not slow to see an opportunity to assert their dominant and divisive role in our society, by using what should be inclusive memorials, in this case choosing to follow the American lead and make September 11th a service of remembrance.

American Atheists have been furious at the way their President and government, have used this event for a massive propaganda exercise for the religious right. Non-believers, Atheists, and Humanists etc, not to mention other religions have felt excluded from what they all see as a national disaster.

This is a particularly inappropriate, given that Sept 11th was an act of pure sectarianism, perpetrated by one set of religious fanatics, against what they see as a country of another religion, for real or perceived hostility. That the memorial should be held by one of the parties, i.e. the Christian church is peculiarly ironic.

It has been suggested that the secular movement should establish a day on which to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in sectarian conflict, and those killed for their atheism, past and present.

This would illustrate the extent of the involvement of the bringers of peace and light, followers of omnipotent, good and loving god/s, in the violence, brutality and killing done in their name throughout history.

We would call upon the International Humanist and Ethical Union, to consider this proposal and initiate discussions towards such an end.

We also call on the organisations representing British non-believers, BHA, NSS, RPA. and Ethical Union to join together to discuss as a matter of priority how it would establish such an event, and consult on an appropriate day on which to hold it.

There are already small events which could be built upon, e.g. the Commemoration event for conciencious objectors, Hiroshima Day, this years demonstration against the blasphemy laws, and the demonstration against the death sentence and imprisonment of Dr Shaikh for blasphemy.

We could establish a roll call of historical events with approximate numbers killed.

This could be done in chronological order from Rome to the present day, by religion and by continent. At least we could make a start!

Ancient - Rome & Greece - Europe, Italy, Egypt

Middle Ages - The Crusades, The Inquisition in Spain, Europe, and Britain. The Conquistadors, Incas, Maya, and the Aztecs Holy wars, The English Civil war, The Reformation, Ireland ....,

Recent Israel vs Palestine - India vs Pakistan - The Balkans - South Africa -

- Ireland, Jihad, Intefada. Indonesia, Nigeria, Ruanda...

Those who have died in war, massacre, genocide, human sacrifices, 'witches' burned or hanged, those who have died from starvation as a result of overpopulation, and from AIDS and other STDs for refusal to allow barrier methods of birth control. Women who died from septic abortion, and the many who have died because of the indirect effects of religion.

Jews vs Christians - Christians vs Muslims - Muslims vs Jews - Christian vs Jews - Catholics vs Protestants Hindus vs Muslims - Christians vs Pagans - Muslims, Christians, and Jews against non-believers - 'Infidels', blasphemers and heretics.

Draft Tuesday 13th August 2002 -

This resolution was passed and  sent to IHEU, BHA, NSS by  Bromley Humanist Group in 2002.