Volunteers and staff from Humanist UK’s Faith to Faithless programme were honoured last week with an invitation to the 2024 Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
This recognition highlighted the service’s invaluable work in providing a safe and supportive community for individuals moving away from high-control religions. The event was attended by HM The King and HM The Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and HRH The Princess Royal.
Faith to Faithless staff and volunteers provide a range of services to individuals leaving high-control religious groups, including peer support, asylum expertise, social events, connections with specialist psychotherapists, and a dedicated helpline. Since launching in 2016, Faith to Faithless has touched the lives of countless people, offering guidance, understanding, and a sense of belonging during what can often be a challenging and isolating time.
Development Officer for Faith to Faithless Terri O’Sullivan said:
‘It was an honour to be invited to the Palace, but even more so to know that the significant issues of those leaving controlling religions are now being recognised in our country at the highest level.
‘For too long the needs and experiences of those leaving high-control religious groups have been ignored, but since the government-commissioned Bloom report last year highlighted the need for state funding for support organisations like Faith to Faithless for so-called ‘apostates’, the tide really does seem to be changing.’
The Buckingham Palace garden parties are a long-standing UK Government tradition, celebrating the contributions of individuals and organisations across a range of fields. The invitation extended to Faith to Faithless is a reflection of the impact of their work, and the growing recognition of the importance of supporting those leaving high-control religions and cults.
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
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Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 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.
About Faith to Faithless
Faith to Faithless is a service of Humanists UK dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for people leaving high-control religious groups. Through apostasy awareness training workshops for service providers, offering peer support groups, social events, and a dedicated one-of-a-kind helpline, Faith to Faithless aims to create a safe and inclusive community for individuals on their journey to recovery from religious abuses.