A Secular Humanist Declaration , the sequel to Humanist Manifesto I and II , is a significant statement setting forth the views of prominent scholars and writers in defence of free inquiry, science, reason, and democracy. At a time when religious fundamentalism is gaining adherents world-wide, the Declaration defends the separation of church and state, scepticism about supernatural claims, and the conviction that ethics can be developed independently of belief in God. Its publication, reported on the front page of the New York Times and featured in newspapers and magazines throughout the world, has provoked intense controversy and debate.