The Apostate Journey In Schools Faith to Faithless

The Apostate Journey – In Schools Faith to Faithless Presented by Imtiaz Shams

WELCOME Why are we here?

Who we are, and why we are here Faith to Faithless is a programme of Humanists UK, the charity supporting nonreligious people in the UK. We are raising awareness of the issues faced by apostates, which are complex, varied, and not widely understood. We are highlighting key safeguarding issues so that those who work with apostates have a better understanding of the problems they can face.

Aims of today’s session By the end of today, you should: ● ● ● Understand apostasy Different uses of the term apostate Issues apostates face How these issues might manifest Be equipped to explore apostasy issues with students

WHAT IS APOSTASY?

Definition ● Apostasy is the disaffiliation from or renunciation of a religion or cult. ● May mean converting from one religion to another, or leaving religion entirely. ● Can be a derogatory label too ● Can be an insult, even if the individual doesn’t say “I’m an apostate” ● Other terms: backsliders, infidels, or kaffir/murtad.

What we know ● Very little research ● Number of irreligious increasing every year ● Working on State of Apostate report ● Early research: at least 200, 000 Ex Muslims in UK alone (759, 000+ in the USA) ● Apostates make up a hidden number of ‘honour-abuse’ cases ● We work with apostates from high-control religions ● ex-Charedi Jews, ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses, ex-Mormon ● high-control sects within religions that can be more progressive (e. g. some groups within Christianity)

The journey for apostates Identity stability Identity confusion (I believe) (do I really believe? ) Identity comparison (am I a nonbeliever? ) Identity tolerance Identity acceptance (I’m not the only one!) (I will be ok) Identity pride Identity synthesis (I want to be open!) (it’s part of me, along with other things)

WHAT NEGATIVE EFFECTS MIGHT SOMEONE EXPERIENCE WHEN LEAVING RELIGION?

Effects on personal wellbeing ● Anxiety ● Depression ● Isolation and loneliness ● Confusion ● Living a double life ● Feelings of guilt and shame, and low self-worth ● Not feeling safe or wanted at home

Reaction of friends, family, and wider society ● Shunning or excommunication ● Confusion, fear, and distrust ● Societal prejudice against the non-religious ○ considered ‘immoral’, ‘nihilistic’, ‘hedonists’, etc. ○ Most religious positions on apostasy are extremely critical of it ○ Might affect apostate at home, work, or elsewhere ● Emotional and physical abuse, and violence ● Bullying ● Family might try ‘exorcism’ if they think they’re ‘possessed’

Loss of support networks ● Supportive networks can protect us from physical and emotional abuse, neglect ● Loss of these networks may leave us vulnerable ● Key networks of support - such as family, friends, community - can quickly disappear or turn against an apostate ● Very controlling network may actually subject an apostate to abuse ● May feel scared to reveal apostasy or feel as though they have nowhere to turn for help

The negative effects of leaving a religion PERSONAL WELLBEING REACTION OF OTHERS LOSS OF SUPPORT NETWORKS Potential consequences ● ● ● ● ● Loss of security Loss of confidence Self harm Unable to adapt to life outside the religious community Poverty Homelessness Physical injury Psychological damage Loss of life

These effects are exacerbated by the state ● Apostates not recognised in state monitoring (e. g. Census). ● Some apostates are poorly educated, may not even speak English. State cannot always provide the remedial education they need. ● Family courts side with spouse who stays in religious community. ● Apostates who are LGBT in segregated communities may struggle with sexual orientation or gender identity. ● Housing services and many schools rarely see apostates as a priority, don’t understand that they can’t simply reconcile with their families.

This is an issue of control, not belief ● People have the right to believe in whatever they wish to believe in, as long as this does not harm others. ● Everyone is free to express their beliefs. ● People are free to have no religious belief, or to change their religion. ● However, nobody has the right to force someone into a religion, or to restrict a person’s right to freedom of religion or belief. ● We have an obligation to safeguard people from abuse or potential abuse.

BEHAVIOURS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Questioning ● Process of doubting and questioning can cause isolation, anxiety, and feelings of shame even if the person has not renounced their faith. ● May have specific or general doubts. ● May make references to punishments for apostasy or blasphemy. ● If questioning is considered blasphemy, they may not be able to discuss questions with anyone. ● Questions about their cultural identity and their religious identity may overlap.

Withdrawing ● May be less open about their own beliefs. ● May not want to engage with the topic of religion and belief, so they can avoid talking about it. ● May experience anxiety about not following religious practices (not wanting to go to Kingdom Hall, not wearing hijab, etc. ). ● May happen in their teens, so can be misinterpreted as standard teenage ‘withdrawing’ or ‘rebelling’.

Confusion or tension about faith ● May become upset or angry about their faith ● May find it harder to express their beliefs ● May become more religious - or more overtly religious - as they try to put their doubts to rest ● May want to protect their family and community by keeping details of any mistreatment or abuse to themselves

YOUR OWN PRACTICE

Group discussion ● Where and when are you most likely to encounter the issues we have discussed in your own practice? ● What will you be able to do? ● What other support do you need and which other organisations might be useful to connect with? ● What safeguarding concerns have been raised? ● What outcomes would you hope for?

SIGNPOSTING

Faith to Faithless ● Faith to Faithless provides advice, guidance, and signposting through our website. ● We provide a community of support through local, public meetups. ● We runs events on topics relevant to apostates, including panels and discussions, which are often filmed and can also be viewed on our website.

Karma Nirvana ● UK charity supporting victims of honour-based violence and forced marriage, or those who may be at risk. ● They provide direct support, advice, and guidance through their website and helpline.

QUESTIONS AND THANK YOU