With the new name “Humanist Association of Germany | Hesse”, the affiliation to the Humanist Association of Germany will be clearly recognizable for the public, politicians and partners. “A common image strengthens the perception of humanism as a social voice,” says Timo Saueressig, President of the Hessian state association.
“We are delighted about this step and congratulate the state association of Hesse on this decision,” says Katrin Raczynski, spokesperson for the board of the Humanist Association of Germany | Federal Association. “A unified presence of the federal and state associations is an important prerequisite for representing humanist positions effectively, visibly and credibly throughout Germany.”
The renaming is part of a longer-term development: more than ten years ago, the Hessian state association adopted the name “Humanistische Gemeinschaft Hessen” after leaving the Bund Freireligiöser Gemeinden Deutschlands. The existing local communities in Hesse are not affected by the renaming and can continue to use their previous names.
Organizational developments at federal level also play a role here. In November 2025, the Humanist Association of Germany | Federal Association successfully completed its constituent founding meeting to establish a nationwide public corporation. In this context, a clear, joint presence of the federal association and its state associations is becoming increasingly important.
