Learn About Us
We are a global secular (non-religious) movement for wonder and good. We meet to celebrate life together in congregations and communities around the world.
The first Sunday Assembly was started by Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, two comedians who were on the way to a gig in Bath when they discovered they both wanted to do something that was like church but totally secular and inclusive of all—no matter what they believed. The first ever Sunday Assembly meeting took place on January 6th 2013 at The Nave in Islington. Almost 200 people turned up at the first meeting, 300 at the second and soon people all over the world asked to start one.
Now there are over 20 Sunday Assembly chapters in many different countries, inspired by the original Sunday Assembly and operating independently, where people sing songs, hear inspiring talks, and create community together in a family-friendly and inclusive setting. Why do we exist? Life is short, it is brilliant, it is sometimes tough, we build communities that help everyone live life as fully as possible.
The best way to understand Sunday Assembly is to experience it for yourself. There will be singalong songs, moving stories, passionate speakers—all finished with tea and cake (or coffee and doughnuts!). Just by being with us you should be energized, vitalized, restored, repaired, refreshed, and recharged. No matter what the subject of the Assembly, it will solace worries, provoke kindness and inject a touch of transcendence into the everyday. But life can be tough… It is. Sometimes bad things happen to good people, we have moments of weakness, or life just isn’t fair.
We want every Sunday Assembly to be a place of compassion, where, no matter what your situation, you are welcomed, accepted, and loved. You can join a choir, sing in the band, attend and facilitate self-help groups, welcome those who are socially isolated, host potluck dinners, share hobbies, and much more. Most of all, have fun, be nice and join in.
We have a fantastic Motto shared by all assemblies:
Live Better: We aim to provide inspiring, thought-provoking and practical ideas that help people to live the lives they want to lead and be the people they want to be.
Help Often: Assemblies are communities of action building lives of purpose, encouraging us all to help anyone who needs it to support each other.
Wonder More: Hearing talks, singing as one, listening to readings and even playing games helps us to connect with each other and the awesome world we live in.
