Ep. 71: What is a Humanist Celebrant? – Sarah Ray

About this episode

Sarah Ray discusses the role of humanist celebrants and the Humanist Society's contributions to secular ceremonies.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Ray, the President of the Humanist Society and an Endorsed Humanist Celebrant and Invocator. We learn about how these roles are secularizing, the deep roots they have to humanism, as well as (because we know you are afraid to ask) what exactly humanist celebrants and invocators are. The discussion also includes how the Humanist Society aids the training and professionalization of aspiring chaplains, even those who hold the position in a religious function but have left their faith. Sarah also schools Todd and Nathan on why a “true” humanist would prefer Star Wars to Star Trek. The Humanist Society: thehumanistsociety.org Humanist Trek Podcast: humanisttrek.com Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

People in this episode

Guest: Sarah Ray

Topics covered

• humanism
• celebrants
• secularism
• training
• chaplains
• Star Wars
• Star Trek

Keywords

• humanist celebrant
• secularization
• Humanist Society
• chaplains
• Star Wars
• Star Trek

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Humanist Society, Atheists United Studios

More episodes of Beyond Atheism Podcast

• Ep. 75: The Awakening – Joseph Lyttleton · February 23, 2026 · 1h 11m
• Ep. 74: Humanism and Neurodiversity – Alastair Lichten · July 2, 2025 · 1h 5m
• Ep. 73: Unbelief in Iran, Past and Present – Arash Ghajarjazi · May 27, 2025 · 1h 13m
• Ep. 72: The Omega Course – Paul Clark · March 4, 2025 · 1h 6m
• Ep. 70: How to Build a Secular Country – Maggie Ardiente · October 25, 2024 · 1h 13m
• Ep. 69: What is a Humanist Parent? – Alastair Lichten · August 2, 2024 · 1h 25m