Charles T. (Charles Turner) Gorham

Charles Turner Gorham (1856–1933) was a British writer, poet, and secularist closely associated with the early humanist movement. He was one of the founders of the Rationalist Press Association, later serving as its secretary for fifteen years, and he also helped edit publications linked to the Ethical movement.

His writing ranged across religion, ethics, and history. Works attributed to him include Ethics of the Great Religions and A Plain Man’s Plea for Rationalism, and his reputation rested on making serious ideas readable for a broad audience. An obituary reproduced by Humanist Heritage remembered him as a gifted, prolific writer who argued firmly without giving needless offence.

Later tributes also describe a personal journey from orthodox Christianity to outspoken rationalism. That combination of conviction, clarity, and accessibility helps explain why his work still appeals to readers interested in freethought, religious criticism, and the history of modern humanism.