Humanist parliamentarians hear testimony calling for Government support for Faith to Faithless

The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) met on 17 October to hear testimonies from people who have left high-control religious groups, often referred to as ‘apostates.’ The group discussed the urgent need for the introduction of government funding for programmes such as Humanists UK’s own Faith to Faithless to support those leaving high-control religious groups.

The meeting was chaired by Baroness Bakewell DBE, Co-Chair of the APPHG. Attending parliamentarians heard from the following individuals: Yehudis Fletcher, Humanists UK’s Faith to Faithless Policy Officer and Charedi campaigner, author, and founder of Nahamu; Terri O’Sullivan, Faith to Faithless Apostate Services Development Officer and ex-Jehovah’s Witness; Jawad Anjum, ex-Muslim and Faith to Faithless volunteer; Dr. Joy Cranham, ex-member of the Plymouth Exclusive Brethren and an academic researcher focusing on preventative safeguarding strategies; and Hari Parekh, ex-Hindu and academic specializing in the abuse of apostates within religious households.

Terri O’Sullivan discussed her experience leaving the Jehovah’s Witness community and how she felt completely isolated from her friends and family after leaving. She explained that her work at Faith to Faithless, where she started as a volunteer before becoming a staff member, focuses on helping apostates connect and build new support networks. This is achieved by organising peer support groups, apostate social events, and other activities to reassure them that they are not alone. Terri also highlighted the enduring impact of high-control religions on individuals who leave, noting that they are often left without a safety net during times of crisis. She emphasised that the trauma experienced by individuals within these groups is not erased simply by leaving.

Yehudis Fletcher shared her personal experiences of living within a high-control religious community. She mentioned that educational neglect is widespread, ranging from a near-total denial of modern education for school-age children to the dissuasion of pursuing higher education. For those who decide to leave these high-control religious groups, many face shunning by their friends and family. Consequently, they often find themselves without employment, education, or secure housing, leading to homelessness. Yehudis also emphasised the work of Faith to Faithless, a program of Humanists UK, which supports individuals leaving high-control religious groups and amplifies their voices. She highlighted that the Bloom Review recommended the introduction of government funding to assist those leaving high-control religions and called for the support of parliamentarians in ensuring its implementation.

Jawad Anjum delivered an emotional speech about his personal experience of leaving Islam. He spoke about how the question of whether his friends would go to heaven had worried him throughout his childhood, and ultimately, it was his compassion for his friends that guided his chosen path. Despite the difficulties he encountered and the ostracism he faced from his family, he also shared a message of hope. Jawad has been able to find new friends and family who love him unconditionally. Through his volunteering for Faith to Faithless, he has also helped others discover their own paths to support and understanding.

Dr. Joy Cranham spoke about her research and her personal experience leaving a high-control religion. Her research has shown that leaving high-control religions can result in deep emotional and psychological scars, with instances of mental health problems and suicide being over-represented within these groups. She emphasised the need for services, better societal understanding, and increased research funding to address this issue. Joy also mentioned how the impacts of leaving a high-control religious group can last a lifetime, stressing the importance of understanding this for people to begin the process of recovery.

Hari Parekh presented a concerning picture of how clinical psychology often overlooks the harm caused by high-control religion. He emphasised that clinical psychology tends to overemphasise the safety of family and religion, leading to situations in social care where individuals leaving these high-control religions are often returned to their families. Hari highlighted the importance of mental health services and clinicians gaining a better understanding of apostasy to effectively safeguard and support the people they serve.

After a fruitful discussion Q&A session, Baroness Bakewell drew the meeting to a close by adding that there is a need for support services like Faith to Faithless to receive funding and called on parliamentarians to strengthen this call.