give
Instructions for assembly Instead of solemn hymns and sermons, there are upbeat pop songs; instead of a priest, cheery speakers take to the stage. Clare Wiley visits the atheist church that’s spreading across the north
On the second Sunday of every month, a congregation gathers in the serene setting of Manchester’s Victoria Baths. There’s quiet reflection, singing, authoritative speakers, even stained glass windows. From the outset it looks just like any other church. But at this gathering the audience claps and laughs, the speakers give motivational talks and the songs include The Beatles’ Help, Wonderwall by Oasis and (not without some irony) Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. This is Sunday Assembly, a so-called atheist church. These godless congregations meet up on Sunday mornings to talk, learn, sing and eat cake – but not 18
worship. Launched in January 2013 by the charismatic London-based comedians Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, Sunday Assembly has rapidly expanded across the world, with gatherings springing up everywhere from Manchester and Leeds to Melbourne and Silicon Valley. There are currently 28 atheist assemblies; the organisation predicts that number will jump to 100 on five continents by the end of the year, including Sheffield, Liverpool and Lancaster. The controversial notion has made headlines around the world too, grabbing attention for its seemingly contradictory nature. But the idea seems relatively simple: Sunday
Assembly celebrates life, working under the motto “Live Better, Help Often and Wonder More”. Each hourlong service features an opening statement, four songs, a short contribution from a congregation member and a central talk by a guest speaker that all relate to a particular theme – roughly adhering to a church-like format. In Manchester, which attracts anywhere between 50 and 200 people every month, an astronomer has discussed the theme of wonder, a therapist addressed how to keep resolutions and a Samaritan talked about the importance of helping others. “People say: ‘That sounds like a cult – are you sure you’re not
THE BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH · 11-17 AUGUST 2014
BITN 1042_18,19,21 (aithiest).indd 18
08/08/2014 11:40
On the second Sunday of every month, a congregation gathers in the serene setting of Manchester’s Victoria Baths. There’s quiet reflection, singing, authoritative speakers, even stained glass windows. From the outset it looks just like any other church. But at this gathering the audience claps and laughs, the speakers give motivational talks and the songs include The Beatles’ Help, Wonderwall by Oasis and (not without some irony) Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. This is Sunday Assembly, a so-called atheist church. These godless congregations meet up on Sunday mornings to talk, learn, sing and eat cake – but not 18
worship. Launched in January 2013 by the charismatic London-based comedians Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, Sunday Assembly has rapidly expanded across the world, with gatherings springing up everywhere from Manchester and Leeds to Melbourne and Silicon Valley. There are currently 28 atheist assemblies; the organisation predicts that number will jump to 100 on five continents by the end of the year, including Sheffield, Liverpool and Lancaster. The controversial notion has made headlines around the world too, grabbing attention for its seemingly contradictory nature. But the idea seems relatively simple: Sunday
Assembly celebrates life, working under the motto “Live Better, Help Often and Wonder More”. Each hourlong service features an opening statement, four songs, a short contribution from a congregation member and a central talk by a guest speaker that all relate to a particular theme – roughly adhering to a church-like format. In Manchester, which attracts anywhere between 50 and 200 people every month, an astronomer has discussed the theme of wonder, a therapist addressed how to keep resolutions and a Samaritan talked about the importance of helping others. “People say: ‘That sounds like a cult – are you sure you’re not
THE BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH · 11-17 AUGUST 2014
BITN 1042_18,19,21 (aithiest).indd 18
08/08/2014 11:40
