The central theme of all three manifestos is the elaboration of a philosophy and value system which does not necessarily include belief in any personal deity or "higher power", although the three differ considerably in their tone, form, and ambition.
A Humanist Manifesto was written in 1933 primarily by Roy Wood Sellars and Raymond Bragg and was published with 34 signatories including philosopher John Dewey.
The document outlines a 15-point belief system, which, in addition to a secular outlook, opposes "acquisitive and profit-motivated society" and outlines a worldwide egalitarian society based on voluntary mutual cooperation, language which was considerably softened by the humanists' board, owners of the document, twenty years later.
Many of the proposals in the document, such as opposition to racism and weapons of mass destruction and support of strong human rights, are fairly uncontroversial, and its prescriptions that divorce and birth control should be legal and that technology can improve life are widely accepted today in much of the Western world.
[citation needed] However, in addition to its rejection of supernaturalism, various controversial stances are strongly supported, notably the right to abortion.
Initially published with a small number of signatures, the document was circulated and gained thousands more, and indeed the American Humanist Association website encourages visitors to add their own names.
It is officially supported by all member organizations of the IHEU including: A complete list of signatories can be found at International Humanist and Ethical Union § References.
[1][full citation needed] To further promote humanist identity, these words are also free of any adjectives, as recommended by prominent members of IHEU.