A major report conducted by the Government’s Independent Faith Engagement Advisor has called for the introduction of Government funding to support those leaving high-control religions or cults. Faith to Faithless, Humanists UK’s support service for those in this situation, has welcomed the proposal. It has urged the Government to implement the recommendation as soon as possible, to provide critical support for people who face challenges that most can’t even imagine.
The report, referred to as the Bloom Review, comments that ‘Humanists UK provide valuable support to people leaving high-demand groups, and those who may be responsible for their safeguarding [through] Faith to Faithless.’
One of the report’s 22 recommendations goes on to say:
Government should fund a programme that supports vulnerable people to leave high-demand groups, high-control movements (often referred to as cults) or religious groups. In addition, this work should help people who face isolation as so-called “apostates” and those facing threats of homelessness, shunning and honour-based abuse. Government should consider partnering with experts on this topic, such as the pioneering academics Dr Linda Dubrow-Marshall and Professor Rod Dubrow-Marshall at the University of Salford, and Humanists UK who currently work to support so-called “apostates”.
Humanists UK has welcomed some aspects of the wider Faith Engagement Review while expressing dismay at others. But this recommendation is one of the best.
Those leaving high-control religious communities, often referred to as ‘apostates’, often have had very little education, have experienced forced marriage, and are likely to lose their jobs and housing as soon as their loss of belief is discovered. They may lose their children in custody battles when communal leaders fund the more religious parent’s legal fees in an effort to keep the children with the religious group.
But support is also important for apostates leaving any religion, not just high-control groups. Research shows that apostates experience poorer health and lower well-being than those who remain part of their religious communities, and poorer health and lower well-being than those who weren’t part of a religious community to begin with. These outcomes are closely linked with having an established sense of community and belonging, which is why the Faith to Faithless peer support groups and social events are so important. With new funding, Faith to Faithless would be able to launch its planned helpline, to provide much-needed advice, signposting, and advocacy for apostates.
Clare Elcombe Webber, Humanists UK’s Head of Humanist Care, oversees Faith to Faithless. She commented:
‘We are delighted to see the recommendation that the Government should fund a service to support those who have left high-control religions or cults. For too many years the situation faced by apostates, some of the most vulnerable people in our society, has been overlooked. When they leave their religious groups, most cannot and do not transition immediately to non religious wider society. They need bespoke services to support their transition towards living an empowered, fulfilling life of their choosing.
‘Local and central governments can help with this: by funding this support, and by recognising the needs of apostates in policy areas such as housing, education, and health. For this reason we very much hope the Government will implement this recommendation soon and have written to ministers to get this process started.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Public Affairs Manager Karen Wright at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 3675 0959.
Read Humanists UK’s more general comment on the review.
Faith to Faithless is Humanists UK’s support programme for so-called ‘apostates’ and those who leave high-control religions. The service is led by apostates themselves, who have knowledge and experiences of apostate communities facing serious and systemic issues.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.