Last week I got an interesting invitation to an atheist ‘church’, called the Sunday Assembly, which had started up in London's east end on the first Sunday in January and would continue the first Sunday of each month for its atheist members. There would be an Order of Service, consisting of readings, songs and guest speakers, but instead of worshipping any god, the emphasis would be on doing good works, helping others, and celebrating ‘the wonder of life’.

According to its blurb:

“The Sunday Assembly is a congregation that will meet 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……

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.”

Apparently the first Service was packed out. But the whole idea intrigued me. 

Is this a viable concept among atheists? And do atheists feel the need for a service too, albeit in their own style and image?

Over to you!