Community:
Inclusion, Harmony, Compassion
Our Mission
Independent Humanist Ceremonies work on behalf of those who seek to live ethical lives on the basis of reason and humanity. We promote Humanism, a secular state, and equal treatment of everyone regardless of religion, belief, gender or sexuality. We encourage people to think for themselves about what is right and wrong, based on reason and respect for others to find meaning, beauty and joy in the life we have because we believe people can use empathy and compassion to make the world a better place for everyone.
Independent Humanist Ceremonies trains and accredits celebrants to conduct wedding celebrations, funerals and memorials, and naming ceremonies among other celebrations of important life events.
Independent Humanist Ceremonies is a Scottish organisation promoting a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities.
Members meetings are regularly held online (usually every 3 months) and open to all members. An AGM is held every Autumn and can be attended by members both in person and online. Should you wish to attend a meeting, please email us, letting IHC know your ceremony date, Celebrant and contact details.
“Love is love. Whatever shapes that takes.”
JANE SMITH
How we are funded
IHC is a non profit organisation. We take no donations from the public and make no charges or ask for any fees for any of the services we provide. Our Celebrants make voluntary contributions to the organisation, to cover administration, charity donations (Kirsty's Gift) and to cover costs for the good work we do in the community, including our presentations, end of life companionship, free ceremonies for families bereaved of a child and free ceremonies for couples facing a terminal diagnosis
Community presentations
IHC Celebrants are available to make presentations to community groups and organisations about our perspective on Humanism in Scotland today. These are intended to be engaging informative and non confrontational. They are pitched to be accessible and not academic in nature.
Meet our celebrantsCompassionate and Caring
End of life companionship
IHC Celebrants are available to provide companionship to those who want to have company in their final days, who perhaps are without family and don't want a religious figure to talk to. IHC Celebrants do not have professional personal or bereavement counseling training. We just offer a friendly face and ear to those who want it.
Funerals and memorialsOur Constitution
Download the IHC Constitution to explore the guiding principles that underpin Independent Humanists and ensure it operates with transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Download our ConstitutionKind words
"The ceremony was just what we wanted - friendly, warm and fun. So many people commented that it was the best ceremony they had been to and very heartfelt. Guests asked us if we knew you or you were an old friend... as it seems like you knew us very well and seemed so personal."
Jo and Scott
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