Support Groups

The primary focus of Recovering from Religion is to provide practical and personal support to individuals as they cope with changing beliefs. A range of emotions and life changes can result from this transitional period, and we believe that being in the company of others who are experiencing or have experienced what you are going through can make the difference in not only surviving, but thriving after this change. 

We offer local groups that meet monthly all over the world. Each local meeting is free to attend. Some groups do accept free-will donations for their local needs, but you are never expected to pay and there is no obligation whatsoever to make a donation. Anyone exploring a life outside of religious belief is welcome. 

What Do We Talk About?

A wide range of topics are open for discussion, but meetings usually consist of people talking about their experiences and feelings in the context of their changing beliefs. You will be surrounded by people who are happy to listen, empathize, and offer their support for your journey. 

Topics May Include:

  • Feelings of loss or grief about your beliefs or religious community

  • A sense of betrayal about what you were taught to believe

  • Lingering fear or doubt about leaving your religion

  • Managing relationships with people in your life who still believe

  • Anger about being manipulated, coerced, or held back by your previous beliefs or religious community

  • Letting go of feelings like shame or guilt 

  • Opportunities for education and personal growth

  • Success in meeting personal goals and sources of happiness and comfort

You will not be subject to preaching, nor told to "pray harder" because proselytizing and evangelizing are not allowed. Practices grounded in supernatural beliefs like faith healing may not be endorsed. Maintaining a safe space for group members is very important to us. Groups are led by trained facilitators because we understand that you need help through your journey and your experience. We're here to be a friend for you along the way.

Click the button below to find a support group near you! For other inquiries or questions about starting a group in your area, please contact us.

Active RfR Support Groups
Support Groups Calendar

Our Specialty Groups:

Please check the calendar for times in your own time zone. Zoom links are in the calendar.

Parents online support group

This meeting is for parents and caretakers of children. The intent of the meeting is to provide parents with a safe space to discuss concerns and feelings about the effects of deconstruction or if they are questioning their faith to connect with other parents. Please do not join if this does not describe you. Meets on the fourth Sunday of each month.

LGBTQA+ Online Support Group

This meeting is solely for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, or any other non-traditional gender or sexuality. Please do not join if this does not describe you. Meets on the third Sunday of each month.

Chronic Illness and Disabilities Online Support Group

This meeting is for people who have or identify as having a physical or mental disability and/or a chronic illness or condition that affects their life and daily functioning. If you consider yourself a person with a disability or chronic condition (such as living with a condition or disability that was the result of an injury, illness, birth, physical or mental health condition, genetics, etc.) this meeting is for you. Please do not join if this does not describe you. Meets on the third Saturday of each month.

Youth Online Support Group

This meeting is solely for individuals who are between 16 and 25 years old. We can also talk about the student experience if this applies to anyone present. Please do not join if this does not describe you. Meets on the third Friday of each month.

Women’s Online Support Group

This meeting is solely for individuals who identify as women, female, non-binary, trans women, AFAB, and gender-fluid or who have experience of being seen as a woman. We have two groups a month, please check the calendar for times displayed in your own time zone.

Suicide Loss Survivors Online Support Group

Dealing with the suicide of a loved one is hard enough. Doing it without relying on religion is even harder. We are here to support you in a compassionate, secular way. Meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

Grupo de apoyo en español (Spanish Speaking Online Support Group)

El grupo de habla hispana se reúne el primer sábado de cada mes. The Spanish speaking group meets on the first Saturday of each month.

Men's Online Support Group

This meeting is solely for individuals who identify as male, non-binary, trans male, gender fluid, AMAB or have experience of being seen as a male. Meets on the first Saturday of each month.