There’s a global thing going on called Sunday Assembly for people who want the community aspects of religion, without the religious bits.
And it’s coming to Canberra with the first meeting this 25 November.
Here’s the blurb from the local organisers:
Following the unprecedented success of The Sunday Assembly in London, a group of Canberrans are organising the Capital’s first godless congregation later this month on Monday 25 November, from 7.30 to 8.30pm at the Polish Club, 38 David Street,Turner.
The theme of the first Assembly is ‘Beginnings’, with British Comedian Sanderson Jones, co-founder of the Sunday Assembly giving an opening address. Randolph Sparks, ANU Academic and clinical psychologist will give a guest talk on “the beginner’s mind”. There’ll be singalong-able music, philosophical words to inspire, and many equally curious individuals to befriend. Oh and yes, there will be tea and cake and potentially even ping-pong!
This is what Sunday Assembly Canberra is about; it’s simply a community for people to meet regularly, to discuss how to live better, help often, and wonder aplenty.
Co-founder of Sunday Assembly Canberra Richie Merzian says “The Sunday Assembly Canberra aims to simply bridge a gap for individuals in modern society disillusioned with religion but who would like to have a better sense of community. We feel that this is especially relevant in a place like Canberra that can often feel transient and isolating for many individuals”.
Richie goes on to say “Churches did a great job of building community and creating camaraderie – something we want to replicate – just without the religion. We’re not out to un-convert people or prove an ideological viewpoint. For us, we simply want to provide a welcoming space for people, agnostic, atheist, religious or trapeze artists to come together to reflect on the themes of life and how to live it better”.
The Sunday Assembly was started in January 2013 in the UK by two comedians, Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans. It has accidently grown into a worldwide movement, which the Canberra chapter has just become a part of. Essentially the founders wanted to create a community that would build on the positive elements of the Christian church, such as a focus on community and altruism – but without the mandatory requirement to believe in the supernatural.
Sunday Assembly is structured around monthly meetings with set themes such as happiness, gratitude and harvest and involves readings, song, guest speakers, and of course, tea and cake. Free ticket/s to attend the inaugural assembly can be found here: http://sundayassemblyact-eorg.eventbrite.com.au/
Contact Details
For more information on the Sunday Assembly Canberra and to discuss media opportunities, please contact Rahul Prasad at sundayassemblycanberra@gmail.com or call 040 726 7643.
For general information on the Sunday Assembly visit www.sundayassembly.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/SundayAssemblyCanberra
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