Dear humanists,
2022 is coming to an end. After two years of the coronavirus, we had hoped that we would have to deal less with diseases and could focus more on the important, ‘burning’ climate problems.
But then Russia launched its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine – which continues to this day – a breach of civilization the likes of which we have not seen in Europe for a long time and which has caused almost unimaginable suffering. Chancellor Scholz spoke of a “turning point”. We did not want a risk-free and cheap energy supply at Ukraine’s expense. Some had to abandon an idealistic view of the world. Those of us who courted Putin as a democrat with whom peace could be achieved turned their eyes away from Chechnya, Crimea, Donbass and Syria.
Bild: Konstantin BörnerWe still have to work on a lasting turnaround in our minds. We have to redefine for ourselves what disregard for human rights is worth cheap oil, cheap clothes, cheap medicines and cheap means of communication. Pomp and prosperity for a few locals in Qatar on the back of cheap labor distracts us from our everyday use of miserably paid workers in the sewing factories of Bangladesh or Cambodia, in Indian chemical companies, in the huge factories in China where indentured workers assemble our cell phones.
The turnaround is also a long time coming in our relationship with the climate crisis. It is fine for the state to help poor people financially with heating and travel costs in the face of horrendous price increases. The fact that the state is not in a position to impose a speed limit on us, that diesel is still so cheap that we can constantly cart tomatoes, flowers, yoghurt, drinks etc. across Europe without the transport route hitting the cash register, casts a bad light on our turnaround. Taking an e-bike up the mountain because you need the downhill thrill? I get upset, but I’m also just wearing a sweater and driving a car, where with a little time and good will, public transportation would also be available. Well, we still need a lot to change in our heads.
Another turning point seems to be coming of its own accord, the dawn of the secular turnaround is being proclaimed. But here too, the numbers of people with and without religious affiliation are changing for different reasons. The enforcement of human rights, even in our country, is a longer, more arduous process. The debate about autonomy at the end of life did not begin with a trip to Karlsruhe. The fight for women’s rights, currently for self-determined abortion, has been going on for a long time. These goals have nothing to do with religious freedom. Religious people are also campaigning for this.
But all these challenges and changes also have to do with us, because it takes our courage and our commitment to consistently bring together the achievements of the Enlightenment with our numerous approaches to practical humanism. Even if it is difficult, the numerous crises must not cause us to despair. Because, as we advocate every day, change can only be achieved by people for people. And this is not always a walk in the park, but requires courage and sacrifice, compassion and consistency.
With this in mind, I wish all the people who are committed to practical humanism in and around our association that you can continue to do your part for the good and that you will not be discouraged. Because it takes many committed people to meet the current challenges. With this in mind: remain undaunted!
I wish everyone a happy and peaceful end to the year, preferably in the company of loved ones, and all the best for the coming year.
For the Federal Board of the Humanist Association of Germany
Erwin Kress
