For 130 years, New Humanist says it has been a platform for journalism and commentary on science, technology, culture, and politics. As part of Humanists UK, the magazine says its readership will increase to more than 130,000, with a print circulation of more than 26,000. The majority of these readers will be subscribers, with New Humanist also available in newsagents across the country, added the magazine. New Humanist says this expansion will transform it into the UK’s newest major print publication, ready to tackle the pressing global challenges of our time.
In an era of misinformation and division, New Humanist says its expanded voice aims to champion freedom of thought and expression, human rights, and a rational approach to contemporary problems. As questions around meaning and purpose in life are being brought into ever sharper relief, too many people are finding answers in false and divisive narratives – from nationalism to new age beliefs, resurgent white supremacy to conspiracy theories on the left and right, continued the publisher. By providing a platform for diverse voices and in-depth analysis, the magazine says it aims to galvanise the humanist movement and foster a more reasoned and compassionate public discourse.
Humanists UK, with over 130,000 members and supporters, says it has itself experienced significant growth in the last two decades, bucking the trend for many charities, and reflecting the increasing number of people in the UK who identify as non-religious. In an era of fake news, hasty reactions, and ‘cancel culture’, the humanist movement has continued to champion freedom of thought, speech, and freedom of expression, along with universal human rights, in the media, law, and public policy. Its education work and non-religious ceremonies benefit over one million people each year, while its specialist services like asylum support and emotional support in hospitals and prisons help provide support to people in their darkest times. Now nearly four times the size it was just over a decade ago, the charity says it continues to see increased demand for non-religious weddings and funerals, and a growing pile of casework supporting non-religious families with issues to do with religion in schools in particular.
In addition to publishing New Humanist magazine the merger means that Humanists UK will also acquire the Rationalist Press Association, a historic publisher of humanist and rationalist literature, particularly of cheap reprints for a working class readership. It will be relaunched later this year as the Rationalist Press, added Humanists UK. The Rationalist Association’s President, Professor Laurie Taylor, has also become a vice president of Humanists UK.
Humanists UK chief executive Andrew Copson commented: “We live in times as troubled as any in the long histories of our organisations. More than ever, we need a strong humanist movement for the twenty-first century and this merger is a great strengthening. Humanism has a bright future in the UK.”
Niki Seth-Smith, editor of New Humanist, commented: “With Humanists UK as our publisher, we can do more than ever to reach the majority of people in our country and globally who are open-minded, curious, and care deeply about the state of the world.
“We have big plans to use the boosted readership for the magazine to make it even more impactful and influential and I look forward to working with the editorial team to achieve this.”
Clive Coen, outgoing chair of the Rationalist Association, commented: “The Rationalist Association’s Trustees are pleased with this merger. Finding a place for New Humanist magazine within Humanists UK secures its future, while strengthening the voice of humanism and the aligned voice of rationalism.”
Professor Jim Al-Khalili, vice president of Humanists UK, commented: “As a scientist I rely first and foremost on the power of evidence and reason in seeking answers to scientific questions about how the world works, and my training means I try to apply this to my everyday life as well. Of course, evidence-based arguments, rational thinking and reason are not the sole preserve of science; in our increasingly complex world, we need organisations that champion these values more broadly.
“Humanists UK and the Rationalist Association always shared these goals, but by working separately, their impact was diluted. During my time as President of Humanists UK, I questioned why the humanist/rationalist message was being diluted through the activities of two separate organisations, so I am delighted that we are finally joining forces amplifying our voice, and reaching a wider audience.”
Professor Alice Roberts, vice president of Humanists UK, commented: “As a biological anthropologist and someone deeply interested in the human story, I have learned that one of humanity’s superpowers is our ability to cooperate with each other. Humanists UK and the Rationalist Association both sought to understand our place in the world, to celebrate our shared humanity, and to promote critical thinking. Together, they create a vibrant hub for intellectual exploration, ethical debate, and compassionate action. So I think of this as a very positive evolutionary step – a merging of strengths to better adapt to the challenges of our time. We can now share our knowledge, our networks, and our resources, creating a stronger voice for reason and empathy in the UK and beyond. These are challenging times and a strong coalition fighting for rational thinking, compassion and empathy is needed now, more than ever.”
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