Home

The Sunday Assembly is a godless congregation that meets on the first Sunday of every month to hear great talks, sing songs and generally celebrate the wonder of life. It’s a service for anyone who wants to live better, help often and wonder more.

Come on down to hear inspirational speakers and to enjoy a morning that is part-foot stomping show, part-atheist church.

It turns out lots of people like the sound of that so, due to popular demand, we have created Sunday Assembly Everywhere - a way for anyone to start their own Sunday Assembly.

The rest of the Sunday Assembly Everywhere Guidelines are here. If you want to start one, drop us a line here.

Each service has a theme – the next one is on ‘Play’ on Sunday May 5th at the Conway Hall – with stories, readings and a final address on that topic.

No matter what the subject the goal of The Sunday Assembly is to solace worries, provoke kindness and inject a bit more whizziness into the everyday.

Sunday Assembly London meets in The Conway Hall on Red Lion Square in Holborn,  (for directions click here), and it will start at 11 am (latecomers go straight to HELL!). It would be a pleasure to see you there.

104 thoughts on “Home”

  1. Hi! Absolutely LOVE this! Just wish I could go, have you thought about branching out across different counties? Or do you know if there will be anything in Gloucestershire?

    Reply ↓

    • My heart sank when I read, “have you thought about branching out?” That’s what has damaged the Christian church – central control. Historic Celtic Christianity had no reservations or constraints on the role of women. They also were not controlling. not centrally organised and were in harmony with nature, the seasons and the environment. Essentially controlling Roman Christianity, today’s model, couldn’t cope with them and snuffed them out. What you have is organic and real – don’t try and export it. I write as a Christian outside the system.

      Reply ↓

      • I had been thinking about establishing The Reformed Church of The Sunday Assembly but now I’m having second thoughts.

        Reply ↓

        • Paul, I thought of creating a People’s Front of Sunday Assemblies to compete with the Sunday Assembly London as I was worried about the central control too. But someone beat me too it and the domain was gone. So in the end I had to go with Sunday Assembly’s Popular People’s Front, after a near miss with the Sunday Assembly’s Peoples Front. I urge all you men (or women) to blow the Sunday Assembly London off and join my splinter group. We’re based in London, but are in no way associated with the Sunday Assembly London, or the Popular People’s London Assembly Sunday for that matter.

          I hope that makes sense, please try and find out website at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb_qHP7VaZE

          The SA is a framework, not a system. Lack of a framework will mean lack of an SA.

          Reply ↓

    • I’m in Glos too… and just added to a thread on the Sunday Assembly Everywhere page. So that’s at least three of us!

      Reply ↓

      • I have just started making enquiries for starting a sunday assembly in hereford – anyone interested please get in touch

        Reply ↓

  3. If you are in Toronto, Ontario, you might want to check out First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto. The message is very similar, but perhaps more inclusive – atheists, theists, humanists, are all welcome. It isn’t about belief but attitude.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi there, yes, it is all about attitude and we have good friends at the Unitarians in London. Thanks for the comment, S

      Reply ↓

    • Or West Hill United in Scarborough which identifies as “growing out of the Christian tradition.” Our congregation has moved to a non-exclusive style of service which means that it speaks to the values that underlie many belief systems. So we are home to atheists, agnostics, and traditional believers but we do not privilege (or use much at all) the words or texts of any religion.

      Reply ↓

      • So a Unitarian group in all but name with a Christian attachment. Why not just affiliate with the UU’s and cut the hype?

        Reply ↓

  4. May I suggest further guidelines of 1. ROTATION, so a dominant figure doesn’t start growing his own band and getting people to rely on HIM more than on the gathering itself? This would mean leaders have to grow leaders as part of the deal. And even if people chant “We want (say) Jimmy! We demand Jimmy! All Hail Jimmy!” certain days have to be led by someone other than Jimmy. A thought. 2. An outside treasurer or auditor?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Peter, rotation is a good idea. We’re trying to create something that is lightweight enough so that we can give everyone a go quickly, and that is a way of doing it. There are more guidelines to come (we just wanted to give people a flavour), but that has a good chance of being one of them. Thanks! Sanderson

      Reply ↓

      • Also, we have to understand that there are naturally going to arise disagreements, if this becomes a large enough movement. They can definitely be amicable disagreements, of course.

        Reply ↓

        • Yes, a lot of people joke about schisms and how ludicrous that would be but it wouldn’t be surprising, or a bad thing. Different people like different stuff.

          Reply ↓

  5. I know it’s early days but we need to work on making this weekly.
    That way we can form a stronger community.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Marc, you seem excellent at the community stuff. I will get in touch with you about helping on that front. We will work to increase the frequency. It will require a lot of work.

      Reply ↓

    • Shameless self-promotion. I lead West Hill United in Toronto and am an atheist. We’ve shifted this Untied Church congregation to one that is beyond doctrine. And we post the Perspective(s) – that’s our (copyrighted, boys and girls) idea of a sermon – on our website. You’ll never hear any doctrinal beliefs unless they are being exposed as untrue or deconstructed and we’re happy to let you use them without the 10% charge! (a donation is always nice, though! We are a small congregation that is doing a huge thing.) my website: http://www.grettavosper.ca; west hill’s http://www.westhill.net; and we’re both on FB. I tweet at with_withoutGOD; and grettavosper.

      Reply ↓

      • How can you copyright the word perspective?! Does it only apply with a capital P? can I write down my point of view and call it my perspective but I can’t call it my Perspective? Are you trying to claim exclusive access to parts of the english language?

        Reply ↓

  8. If I’ve understood your history correctly, your first Assembly was held on 6 January of this year. May I ask, please – for the sake of calculating a Chart (Ok, ok; stop snickering! This is serious business) :What time did it begin? Was it at 11 am?

    Will you please verify The Sunday Assembly’s “birth data”?

    With Thanks

    Reply ↓

  10. Have you considered that your desire for communal gatherings to celebrate life may be evidence for the existence of the Christian God? Let me explain what I mean. If God is a communion of Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and man is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 2-3), then man could be created to be in communion. And keeping a regular schedule for leisurely communal gatherings, away from toil and work, especially if it’s weekly, points to an interior desire for a sabbath. Just some thoughts from a happy Catholic onlooker.

    Reply ↓

    • Couldn’t agree more. I think what atheists are realising by creating their own assembly is that there is a seed within everyone needing communion. Isn’t it interesting that you are now starting to form a philosophy that is no longer simply “We deny god exists” but want and need to be more inclusive with people of other beliefs, Christain, Muslim and so on. So the non-belief of atheism in time could develop it’s own dogma and belief systems. The irony is you may well be following this seed planted by God, and simply worshipping in your own way that is an acceptable, modern way to you. Maybe all religions in their early stages started with doubts like these. A few will stick with denial, but I suspect many who start thinking and appreciating the communion may well turn back to the mainstream religions, modern variations, or perhaps a totally new modern belief will emerge. This bringing together of atheists into communion may not have the effect the lead atheists think. The whole point of many atheists is they haven’t thought logically and simply been in denial.

      Reply ↓

  12. Errr… just one problem. You know all those annoying believers who say “atheism/science/skepticism is just another religion”. This might be used as evidence to support that (false) idea!

    Reply ↓

    • Totally understand the worry but if people are making false arguments they can use anything to back them up. We decided to let other people’s wrong ideas limit our actions. It turned out to be the right call, I think.

      Reply ↓

      • Of course. I agree. Certain people will believe what they want, whatever the facts might be. My original comment was somewhat facetious.

        Reply ↓

          • I just discovered The Sunday Assembly, but have had similar ideas about creating an organization of this sort. When I am faced with the “Isn’t that a religion too?” argument. I point out that religion seeks to go from an infinite # of belief options to a single one, while what I (and I believe the Sunday Assembly as well) seek to do is to push people away from holding a singular belief, and to being open to the infinite # of options the universe holds.

    • LOL – actually you are not godless, atheism is your god, your faith and of course, atheist is your religion )))) LOL and may your almighty atheist-god bless you abundantly with gloriuous emptiness, fake hope and conditionally love ))

      Reply ↓

  14. I absolutely love your idea. I hope someone starts a Sunday Assembly in South Africa, particularly in my hometown Cape Town. Although one shouldn’t worry too much at the beginning, there is a danger of a ‘cult of personality’ developing. I suggest that the ‘Twelve Traditions’ of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous has some good pointers to maintaining a democratic and impartial ‘fellowship’ through groups all over the world, and guidelines on a self-supporting economy and remaining free from any outside help or sponsorship.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Sheila, there is already someone in Cape Town who wants to start one. I will put you in touch. Also, we will soon have some good online tools that will allow you to organise things. Thanks for being interested! Sanderson x

      Reply ↓

  16. J’aime!
    I Love the idea and would be very curious to come and celebrate with you!
    But London’s soo far (for my budget) Anything getting started in Paris?

    Reply ↓

  17. Watching all the fun stuff going on in Rome this morning with the conclave to elect a new pope…..perhaps you will reconsider the FUNNY HAT rule….oh and the robes look rather fab also! And those fancy shoes…..although the snack of crackers and a sip of wine could be improved….possibly beer and pizza?

    Reply ↓

    • Oh yes Im totally into the beer and pizza bit, but being in Oz I think thongs ( footwear called flip flops in the UK ) should be mandatory. :-)

      Reply ↓

  18. What a great idea, some sense at last!!! could you bring it to Australia it would be just as welcome here Iam sure.

    Reply ↓

      • You’re using a statistic that is basically meaningless, to prove that Aussies are mostly Christian- most Aussies, when asked if they have a religion, will say some form of Christian- as that’s what they were brought up/ christened as.
        More often than not, they only give the answer because they think they should have an answer.
        A bit like how I got my AFL team. I didn’t really care that much, but I was always asked, so I picked the one my friends followed.

        I ask this question every time I get an admission to my hospital, and if given the option to leave it blank, or N/A, most people will take that in preference, even if they originally gave a hesitant answer confirming a religion.
        Like “ah, dunno… Umm.. church of England?”

        So, don’t be so quick to assume the stats are right!

        Reply ↓

  20. As part of the community spirit, ask people to care for the people and environment around them. Just 1-5 square miles around their home. Plant a tree, starte a veggie patch on common ground, pick up some litter, talk to your neighbour etc. Imagine if everyone did a little bit? (Please follow this discussion with Imagine by John Lennon)

    Reply ↓

  22. Hello Im in Western Australia and I just heard about this on the radio driving home.. what a cool idea! I think we could form a “conclave” in Perth. We are a very parochial but somewhat nutty part of the world and need some more left of centre thinking! I will read your D.I Y. bit and hope to be involved with other non religeous people who would like to meet and also do good for others..from the goodness in our hearts.

    Reply ↓

  23. I like the idea but I can’t help but think you haven’t cast your net wide enough.

    It shouldn’t only be for atheists. There are plenty of people who believe in a god, but not subscribe to an existing religion. These people, such as myself, would love to have a “church” to attend, but don’t feel that a Christian church is appropriate for them.

    Also, what happens if an atheist wants to take their Christian partner to Sunday Assembly? They would have the same uncomfortable feeling as an atheist does in church.

    Instead of treating it as a godless/atheist church, just call it a secular church and keep religion and lack of religion totally out of it. Then anyone can attend! And I would attend :-)

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Christopher,

      Thanks for making an excellent point. We are very open to people of all faiths. We only include the word atheist just to let people know that there’ll be no faith based thinking. During the service there is no aggressive militant atheism or bashing of religions. We’re very firm on that.

      Indeed, we know that lots of people who do come are believers who don’t like some parts of other churches.

      Thanks for the comment!

      Best, SA

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Christopher,
      You are talking about what it is we have created at West Hill United in Toronto. Starting with a mainline Liberal congregation and an atheist minister (me), we transitioned it to a “non-exclusive” spiritual community. We use share our ideals and values, support one another as we seek to live them out and allow a place for reflection and inspiration. There are many who couldn’t make the transition and they are now in other churches but those whose religiosity was intrinsic have stayed and find it very supportive. We are also, of course, now attractive to atheists and freethinkers, etc., etc. Feel free to check us out on the web. You can google either West Hill United or me.

      Reply ↓

  25. I live in Perth, Western Australia and also heard the interview on local radio. Great concept and I think really worth a try as an alternative to normal religious ‘church’ concepts where people can join in a community spirit.

    Reply ↓

  26. I also live in Perth WA and heard you talking to Russ on the radio on the way home. I feel inspired. I was just watching the news re new pope and everyone looks so serious and sad – that is the church as I know it. The idea of coming together to be joyous is wonderful and something we all need especially in these days of isolated families. Sounds great look forward it happening in Perth .

    Reply ↓

  27. Hope someone can start this movement in Montreal very soon!
    I think it’s a wonderful idea..
    To be able to meet with people that want to share about life, love, anything, without the pressure’s of religion and having to believe in God.. well,needless to say I really commend you all for starting this movement!
    People will always find something to criticize about, that’s just how it is.. Just keep doing what you’re doing !

    Cheers.

    Reply ↓

  30. Would love this in Sydney – so desperate for some sense of community…. sounds wonderful… please let us know if it happens down under.

    Reply ↓

  33. und was ist schon in deutschland in dieser richtung passiert ?
    gibt es schon eine web-seite ?
    es grüßen goethe schiller und mozart

    Reply ↓

  34. I love this. I have repeatedly affirmed in my books and essays that we need an alternative to religion and insisted I do no mean an alternative religion but an alternative to religion. The Sunday Assembly is a step towards that.

    Reply ↓

  36. Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?
    This could possibly achieve world peace one day.
    “Let’s make religion history”

    Reply ↓

  37. I was glad to read in my newspaper Trouw: a reportage of Wilfred van de Poll who attended a Sunday Assembly in East-London. All my life I work on the new belief: in humanity, in the power of humanness, lying in its ability to confer with each other. No other species can this. With this ability (linguisticness) we can solve problems together. Its also the power of democracy and the basis of the (real) free market that freed us from the suppressing churches, but leaves us without ‘creation story’. We can make it! And I show it. See my (clumsy, sorry) website.

    Reply ↓

  40. You should really record your assemblies and post them on a weekly basis for those of us thousands of miles away! It would inspire more people to come forth and spread the message! Good moral people getting together without all the guilt!

    Reply ↓

  41. Hello Sanderson, (I’m from Aust just listened to ABC with Wendy & Angela)
    Laughing so much had to write and thank you for your intelligent and wonderful ideas re Sunday Assembly.. Sounds like fun. What made me write was Fayette saying without God the world would be in chaos! Wonder if she’s looked around at the world lately?
    Good on you and cheers.. If there’s a S.A close to where I live I’d love that..pixie
    Red hill.. Victoria

    Reply ↓

  42. Thank you so much! This is an amazing thing your doing. Giving people a meeting please without a religous commitment. I hope it spreads all over the world and that I get a chance to visit you guys. All the love in the world to you from Sweden!

    Reply ↓

  43. My name is Morgan Schmitz and I am currently a student at Regent’s College. We are we interested in your concept or a godless church and especially a godless Easter service. We were wondering if anyone would be willing to be interviewed by us for our class project. We were also wondering if we could attend your service (if that’s what you call it?) and be able to film. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you very much!

    Reply ↓

    • If you haven’t already, and they haven’t privately replied, I advise asking them on their Facebook page as they seem to respond to that quickly. The assemblys are open to all so pop on down anyway but as for filming i’m not sure.

      Reply ↓

  44. This is a wonderful idea, which I hope continues to develop. There needs to be a means, for those who don’t have a religious faith, to share the benefits of a congregational community. Is there anybody in the Derby area who is involved with this?

    Reply ↓

  45. This looks incredible. I have been working on something along similar lines, but did not think I could to it on my own. I am dead keen on getting a group together down here in Cape Town, and I already know a lot of people who would be interested in joining.

    I’m sending an email through to your info@ address. My main focus, is setting up a community for people who genuinely want to improve but not rely on a fictional book, especially for kids. There is too much brainwashing targeted at our kids these days, there must be an alternative “playgroup” to church !

    Reply ↓

  49. Has anybody considered recording the sermons and starting a youtube channel with them? It would be nice for those of us who don’t have one in the area(and not quite willing to start our own) to at least have access to the material.

    Reply ↓

    • That is a great idea, and one that we are doing. We just need to edit them. It will be done ASAP. Just hold on a little bit longer.

      Reply ↓

  50. LOL – actually you are not godless, atheism is your god, your faith and of course, atheist is your religion :) )))) LOL and may your almighty atheist-god bless you abundantly with gloriuous emptiness, fake hope and conditionally love :) ))

    Reply ↓

  53. Ladies and gentlemen, what we have here is nothing but the first steps of a new ‘secular’ cult in the making. If people so fiercely want to believe in and belong to something, why not adopt some good existing tenets as guidelines for your life and meet up at your local pub to create camaraderie and share over a couple of pints. Do you really need to create yet another ‘church’?

    a good thought
    a good word
    a good deed

    These will get you through the day, every day…
    Cheers!

    Reply ↓

  54. Hi Ana, thanks for your comment. We think there are parts of humans that can’t be reached by going to a pub. I know that whenever I go to the pub I lose my drive to do anything constructive, and then the next day my willpower is diminished (and I don’t have much of that). We’re trying to do all we can to help people find and fulfill their full potential, and we’re going to take good ideas from anywhere to help us do it. Come on down some time. We’re the most fun secular cult on the block! x SJ

    Reply ↓

  55. Hi! Great project. We’re interested in attending this Sunday.

    I have two questions. Firstly are there any restrictions on bringing the kids over. Secondly is anyone setting up an atheist church in Bromley.

    Cheers Ali

    Reply ↓

    • Kids are welcome, as are you. Also, there is a picnic afterwards. We’d love it if you could stay for that. The weather will be lovely!

      Reply ↓

  57. If you enjoyed being at Conway Hall, and if you have no Assembly this Sunday, 19 May, why not come again and hear the Ethical Society’s lecture, ‘Inside Britain’s Creationist Schools’ by Jonny Scaramanga (see the CH website for further details). We start at 11.00 am and would be very pleased to see you.

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CAPTCHA Image

*

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>