Member News
As the papal visit to the UK approaches, a public debate will be held next week between those who support the Pope's visit and those who oppose it. It promises to be a controversial start to the run up to the Pope's arrival on 16 September.
Human rights activist Peter Tatchell and philosopher AC Grayling will line up against Catholic journalist Austen Ivereigh and Fr. Christopher Jamison to debate the question "The Papal visit should not be a state visit". Polly Toynbee the renowned Guardian columnist will be chairing what promises to be a lively debate.
Alan Palmer, chair of the Central London Humanists said, 'We know that many people are angry that the State Visit of Pope Benedict XVI is going to cost the UK taxpayer a lot of money. Some wonder whether in the current economic circumstances we should be spending millions of pounds to provide a state platform for a religious leader who has already criticised our legislation and condemned the way we organise our society.
'Our criticism of this State visit is not an attack on Catholics or on the rights of people to follow their religion. We want to give people the opportunity to debate the issue. Clearly many of our supporters are very unhappy with some of the statements made by the Pope in the name of the Catholic Church and Vatican State. This adds to the dismay many feel at our government honouring a Pope whose pronouncements fly in the face of the human rights that we support. Of course there is also considerable disquiet about the way the Church and this Pope have handled the question of child abuse.
'Central London Humanists champion the idea of an open society and freedom of speech. We genuinely want to hear the arguments in favour of the state visit. We welcome everyone whatever their political conviction or their religion or belief to explore the issues and participate in the debate.'
The debate – part of a series of events by the Protest the Pope Campaign – will take place at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL on Wednesday 1 September 2010 starting at 7pm, doors open 6.30pm. This is a free event.
The debate is being organised by the Central London Humanist Group in partnership with the British Humanist Association and the South Place Ethical Society.
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