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 bannedThe importance of physical infrastructure and visible presence for secular communitiesHow humanism serves as an ethical alternative providing meaning, guidance, and community—without supernatural beliefWhy inclusive, values-led services matter in a plural society, and how secular support systems can serve everyoneThe Humanists Shelter Program and the three-year diplomatic effort to bring humanist Mubarak Bala to safetyThe need for political engagement, funding, and infrastructure to build influence and lasting changeA powerful personal reflection on defending humanist values in times of crisisAbout Michael Bauer  🔗  michaelbauer.info📰 Interview with In-sight PublishingConnect with Humanistische Vereinigung   🔗 humanistische-vereinigung.de📷  @humanistischevereinigung🐦  @HV_Presse🌳 Linktree: humanistischevereinigungReferences:Humanists Shelter Program, Humanistische VereinigungCause for celebration: Mubarak Bala arrives in Germany, Humanists InternationalSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Humanism Now & Join Our Community!Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSkyHumanism 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 [email protected]: Blossom by Light PrismPodcast 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.