“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 banned
• The importance of physical infrastructure and visible presence for secular communities
• How humanism serves as an ethical alternative providing meaning, guidance, and community—without supernatural belief
• Why inclusive, values-led services matter in a plural society, and how secular support systems can serve everyone
• The Humanists Shelter Program and the three-year diplomatic effort to bring humanist Mubarak Bala to safety
• The need for political engagement, funding, and infrastructure to build influence and lasting change
• A powerful personal reflection on defending humanist values in times of crisis

About Michael Bauer 

 🔗  michaelbauer.info

📰 Interview with In-sight Publishing

Connect with Humanistische Vereinigung  
 🔗 humanistische-vereinigung.de

📷  @humanistischevereinigung
🐦  @HV_Presse
🌳 Linktree: humanistischevereinigung

References:

• Humanists Shelter Program, Humanistische Vereinigung
• Cause for celebration: Mubarak Bala arrives in Germany, Humanists International

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Music: Blossom by Light Prism

Podcast 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.