Humanists UK releases Faith to Faithless animation

By Dr George Askwith

George is a member of our editorial team and a volunteer for Faith to Faithless.

Faith to Faithless is Humanists UK’s programme to support people leaving high-control religions and cults – so-called “apostates”. In 2025, it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

Leaving a faith community can be difficult and lonely, especially when that is all someone has known. After leaving a high-control religion, I joined Faith to Faithless in 2018, organising social events where people could share their stories and find a community. Socials now happen across the country, led by people with lived experience of apostasy who understand the experiences of those leaving restrictive religions, which can include isolation, stigma, emotional abuse from friends and family, physical abuse, shunning and homelessness.

Faith to Faithless also offers online peer support and apostasy awareness training. Last year they launched a phone line for confidential emotional support and advice on dealing with the issues of leaving a high-control religion.

To celebrate 10 years of helping people through Faith to Faithless, Humanists UK has worked with OOF Animation on a new animated short film, which uses the idea of a labyrinth to convey the struggle of leaving a faith. Though it beautifully demonstrates the fear of leaving a high-control religious community, it also shows the hope of community and support.

To find out more about Faith to Faithless, please visit https://www.faithtofaithless.com/