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Atheist to speak in Newton

B.C. Humanist Association president Ian Bushfield will speak to the congregation of South Fraser Unitarian Church Dec. 4.
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Ian Bushfield is to speak to the congregation of South Fraser Unitarian Church Dec. 4.

The president of the BC Humanist Association will be speaking to the congregation of South Fraser Unitarian church Dec. 4 “to explain why many people reject religion and the belief in God.”

Organizers say Ian Bushfield is to discuss how humanism – described as a rational philosophy informed by science, inspired by art and motivated by compassion – promotes living a good and moral life without the need for divine revelation.

Bushfield will also explain why humanists choose not to rely on immutable words and holy books, but instead find value and purpose in life through reason and science.

Bushfield is attending as part of the congregation’s Community Interfaith Series, held on the first Sunday of each month, in which leaders from different faith traditions are invited to speak about the values and beliefs that are important to them.

“It is important that we provide opportunities to better understand one another,” Royce Rourke, a member of South Fraser Unitarian Congregation’s board of directors, said.

“There are people in our community that identify as atheist, agnostic or humanist, so it is critical that we open up dialogue to build understanding and trust.”

The Dec. 4 service gets underway at 10:30 a.m. at the Newton Seniors Centre, 13775 70 Ave.