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Humanist Canada partners with the British Columbia Humanist Association on their Saguenay Project . BCHA's Researcher, Teale Phelps Bonderoff explains it here:
This month Humanist Canada is celebrating 28 years of officiating weddings in Ontario.
“An historic event took place in Ottawa, Ontario on August 14, 1996 when the Humanist Association of Canada performed its first marriage ceremony.” (Press Release, Sheila Ayala). Thanks to the vision and tireless lobbying of the Ontario Government, by Simon Parcher, Sheila Ayala, Colin Downie, Doug Bourne, Richard Thain and other members of the Humanist Association of Ottawa, the Humanist Association of Canada was granted the right to propose individuals for licensing as Humanist Officiants empowering Simon Parcher to officiate that first marriage ceremony described in the press release as a “moving yet simple ceremony.” Spokesperson, Colin Downie reflected that the “years of waiting in anticipation are now behind us and we are at last providing an alternative to theistic ceremonies.” Excerpt from a message to members in 1996.
If it can be lived, it can be celebrated with a meaningful Humanist ceremony. A Humanist Officiant works to create, write and conduct a wide range of deeply significant and personal ceremonies that celebrate special milestones beyond recognizing only the major life transitions of marriage, birth and death. We often say that our officiants are our 'ambassadors for Humanist Canada'.
Our program has developed considerably. The Humanist Canada Ceremonies and Officiant Program Committee oversees the careful screening and training of about thirty five new officiants a year. The training program now represents over twenty hours of detailed instruction in ceremony development, presentation and the understanding of humanism. We have 140 active officiants and over 1,000 ceremonies were conducted in 2023. Our officiants participate in regular professional development activities including best practise sharing, mentoring and a yearly conference. A Governing Official is appointed by the Board of Directors to act as a liaison with the Office of the Registrar General and ensure the organization is compliant with all applicable legislation. We look forward to the continued development of this important pubic facing program within Humanist Canada.
Over coming editions of The Voice of Humanist Canada we will feature programs within Humanist Canada. Next up: What is the Role of a Humanist Chaplain.
If becoming an officiant is of interest to you please learn more about the requirements by following the link 'Pathway to Becoming an Officiant' from within your membership portal.
Humanist Canada is proud to once again be a conference sponsor .
If you are a Humanist Canada member and will be attending the conference please introduce yourself to our ED, Bettianne Hedges and receive a
Humanist Canada mug!
SUMMER IS THE PERFECT TIME TO EXPLORE OUR BOOK CLUB
or enjoy one of their recommendations
The members of our popular book club have made their book choices for the next several months, please see below. Anyone is welcome to join. Read the book and join via your portal at 7:00 PM EST on any of the dates below.
September 3rd - Crosses in the Sky: Jean de Brébeuf and the Destruction of Huronia by Mark Bourrie
October 8th - The Stone Home by Crystal Hana KimIn
November 5th - No Judgement: On Being Critical by Lauren OylerIt
December 3rd - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van
January 7th - Can We Talk about Israel by Daniel Sokatch
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