A groundbreaking radio documentary Faithless will air on Radio 4 this Sunday, following the story of four supporters of Faith to Faithless, Humanists UK’s award winning service supporting people who have left controlling religious environments. For much of their lives, Micki, Esther, and Nicola and Colin, were devoted members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Nigerian Deeper Life Bible Church, and Mormonism, respectively. Each recounts the moments when certainty began to unravel.
In raw and honest detail, their stories explore the difficult line between deep religious devotion and unhealthy control. Along the way the balance tipped. Eventually, the effort of holding on became harder than letting go.
The participants in the radio documentary are service users or volunteers for Faith to Faithless, the Humanists UK service supporting people who have faced abuse, coercive control, or shunning for leaving a high-control religion.
Micki grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness in New Zealand. In the documentary, she recounts being sexually assaulted, but due to a policy within the Jehovah’s Witnesses it was dismissed. Micki left after more than 30 years, and recounts rebuilding her life.
Esther comes from the Nigerian Deeper Life Bible Church. She describes becoming pregnant and feeling suicidal due to the feeling like she ‘sinned against God’ and having no one to talk to. She describes her journey around different churches before arriving at atheism.
Nicola and Colin are a married couple who were previously Mormons. In the documentary Colin describes questioning the church while at university, but thinking that leaving could ruin his marriage forever. Even on their journey together, Nicola and Colin still have a complex relationship with their own families and the church.
Humanists UK Support and Advocacy Services Manager Donna Craine said:
‘Our helpline hears from people every week who have been told all their lives what to wear, what to believe, and who they were free to associate with. Many today are still working through the damage years later. We welcome this groundbreaking opportunity to highlight these voices and hope that others may get in touch to benefit from the support we provide’
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘People who leave high-control religions can face profound personal and social consequences, yet their experiences are rarely heard in this kind of depth. Faithless gives Micki, Esther, Nicola, and Colin the space to tell their own stories in their own words. We’re proud that our services are there to support people through experiences like these, and deeply grateful to all four of them for speaking so openly.’
Need support?
If you’ve been affected by the contents of the documentary, you can call our Faith to Faithless Helpline.
Opening hours:
Monday 10:00 – 13:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 13:00
Thursday 16:00 – 19:00
Freephone: 0800 448 0748
Email: You can email helpline@faithtofaithless.com for support. We’ll reply during the above opening hours.
Notes
Faithless, A Falling Tree production, will air on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday 27 September – 19.15 and then Monday 28 September – 15:30.
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
Read more about Faith to Faithless
The Faith to Faithless helpline is a groundbreaking service dedicated to supporting adults who have left high-control religious groups.
Opening hours:
Monday 10:00 – 13:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 13:00
Thursday 16:00 – 19:00
Freephone: 0800 448 0748
Email: You can email helpline@faithtofaithless.com for support. We’ll reply during the above opening hours.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 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 benefiting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.