Was quite an event! While I could sympathize with the Catholic audience for feeling besieged by the critical judgment of their religion, I was singularly unimpressed with the spin from those against the motion. Playing the misunderstood martyr is still their forte it seems.

I'm a visitor in London and this was my first GALHA event. I don't know how this meetup actually works. Is it a loose collective of individuals with similar values? Or does the group actually meet up socially after an event like tonight's? I couldn't find any signage or logos that advertised the group.

I was so glad I attended. A C Grayling was brilliant, as expected - witty, cogent and stuck to the subject. Peter Tatchell also spoke well - and perhaps surprised us all by commencing a few positive points that might be made in the Pope's favour (not that many, actually!)
Some memorable moments: a 63-year-old survivor of sexual abuse during her Catholic upbringing spoke up candidly and angrily. This was clearly unexpected and difficult for the RCC apologists to deal with from the platform.

Another glorious moment: a rather pompous man tried to criticise Grayling's impeccable logic (should have known better).
Polly Toynbee chaired the meeting well, dealing with with several people who found it hard to contain their anger. Both sides accused the other of lying - certainly Catholic journalist Austen Ivereigh was guilty of disingenuousness at various points. There was no vote taken, but applause alternated so sides were clearly entrenched.