34. Michael Bauer on Community Services Without Religion: Practical Humanism for a Secular Future

“The highest value, the most precious value we have is not peace—it’s freedom.” — Michael Bauer This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by Michael Bauer, CEO of Germany’s Humanistische Vereinigung—a 175-year-old humanist organisation offering professional community services without religion, grounded in ethics, dignity, and freedom. From ceremony to solidarity, Bauer shows how organised humanism is more than a philosophy—it’s a movement of services, institutions, and action. Discover how practical humanism is creating a visible, inclusive, and values-driven future. We discuss: How the Humanist Association of Germany began in the 1848 and how it survived twice being banned The importance of physical infrastructure and visible presence for secular communities How humanism serves as an ethical alternative providing meaning, guidance, and community—without supernatural belief Why inclusive, values-led services matter in a plural society, and how secular support systems can serve everyone The Humanists Shelter Program and the three-year diplomatic effort to bring humanist Mubarak Bala to safety The need for political engagement, funding, and infrastructure to build influence and lasting change A powerful personal reflection on defending humanist values in times of crisis About Michael Bauer 🔗 michaelbauer.info 📰 Interview with In-sight Publishing Connect with Humanistische Vereinigung 🔗 humanistische-vereinigung.de 📷 @humanistischevereinigung🐦 @HV_Presse🌳 Linktree: humanistischevereinigung References: Humanists Shelter Program, Humanistische Vereinigung Cause for celebration: Mubarak Bala arrives in Germany, Humanists International Send us Fan Mail Support the show Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community! Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live a podcast production agency based in London, serving charities, companies, and individuals across the globe. Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at humanise.live or hello@humanise.liveMusic: Blossom by Light Prism Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices