Humanists are everyday people who espouse the principles of humanism. The principles of humanism include helping others, concern for our environment, meeting in community with others of like mind, making connections and growing by connection with others who hold diverse beliefs, and building a legacy that makes our world a better place.

The Humanist Society provides information, endorses clergy, and builds connections in service to a laity of humanists wherever they may be. The Society was first recognized in 1939 by the IRS as a nonprofit under section 501c3; and as a church under section (i) of section 170 (b)(1)(A) for our religious purposes. While we have no supernatural or divine belief systems, our commitment to our values is deeply-held and provides us with answers to the ultimate questions of life, death, and meaning. Our current organization builds upon early organizations in the 50 years prior to its founding, as well as a long humanist and scientific tradition back to the Enlightenment and the moral and natural philosophers of the ancient world.

As humanist clergy, our celebrants provide our fellow humanists with care throughout the human lifecycle. These celebrations, sometimes joyous and sometimes somber, are best held with attention to the preferred world view and values of those in attendance. We also endorse chaplains and leaders for service in hospitals, schools, the military, and other institutional services. Providing values-based support to those in need, humanist or otherwise, is a critical service to our community. The Society takes very seriously its responsibility to humanists and to non-humanists in need who can be served by our chaplains. Our endorsements are recognized by the Association of Professional Chaplains and the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy, and we are very proud of our board-certified chaplains currently in service.  We are fully participating members of the COMISS Network as endorsers.