The Rationalist Society of Australia’s mission of standing up for evidence-based policy and countering the influence of religion on public policy is more important than ever, says retiring president Meredith Doig.

After 20 years of involvement in the RSA – including five years as secretary and the last 13 years as president – Dr Doig has bid farewell in a video address to members and subscribers.

She will chair this month’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 20 November before handing over the reins to a new board.

In the address, she spoke about her change in personal circumstances behind the decision to retire from the RSA.

She also thanked those people who have put their hands up to be elected to the board at the AGM.

“After nearly 20 years, I’m handing over to the next generation of Rationalists. Fortunately, they’re a great lot, and I’m confident that they’ll carry on beautifully the 120-year tradition of the rationalist movement in this country,” she said.

“With the world teetering on the brink of another era of authoritarianism, if not totalitarianism, it’s more important now than it has been for decades for people to stand up for evidence-based public policy and sensibly centrist politics, free of behind-the-scenes influence of institutionalised religion.

“Many RSA members have become friends over the years, and I want to assure you that the incoming leadership of your organisation will be in great hands. So, with that, I want to say thank you for a fabulous 20 years, and good luck and goodbye.”

Dr Doig thanked Ian Robinson for his support, particularly in helping to navigate the challenging early period in her presidency, and Lesley Vick, a predecessor. She said she was also fortunate to have the involvement of Australian Rationalist editor David James, accountant Brett Davies and Campaigns and Communications Coordinator, now Executive Director, Si Gladman. 

Members attending the AGM will have an opportunity to pay tribute to Dr Doig.

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Si Gladman is Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. He also hosts ‘The Secular Agenda’ podcast.