Like many others, Andreas came to practical humanism by studying theology. He became a controversial advocate of a world view that does not require a “higher being” or reference to the hereafter for its justification and work.
When the Freireligiöse Landesgemeinde Württemberg acquired its own house in Stuttgart city center in 1997, Andreas Henschel, who had come from Berlin, was also hired as the new “pastor”. As a man with a wide range of cultural interests, Andreas subsequently developed the house in Stuttgart into a cultural and ideological center. In terms of ideology, he accompanied and shaped the Freireligiöse Gemeinde’s path towards practical humanism and the Baden-Württemberg regional association of the Humanist Association of Germany.
In addition to looking after members and his work as a celebratory speaker, it was important to Andreas to support the Young Humanists in Württemberg and the association of young people at a national level. Without Andreas, the Baden-Württemberg Humanists would not be where they are today.
In addition to his work as Managing Director in Baden-Württemberg, Andreas has been involved nationwide, for example as Vice President of the Humanist Academy for many years and most recently as a board member of the HVD Federal Association.
Andreas was torn from our community by a serious illness. We mourn with his family, especially with his partner of many years, and with all humanist-minded people in our Baden-Württemberg regional association. The Federal Executive Board is deeply grateful for Andreas Henschel’s diverse and committed work in our association. We will miss Andreas very much.
