The people who answer

Gayle is a former Southern Baptist who left the faith years ago when her then-teenagers began asking questions she could not answer. Her research led her (and her children) into the light of reason and rationality. Years later, she still feels the effects, both positive and negative, of that dramatic shift in perspective and attitude. It is this sympathy and compassion that drives her to reach out to help others navigate the emotional and physical process involved in leaving one’s faith. Gayle lives in Oregon and is an estate-planning attorney. She raises goats and chickens, and is trying her hand at grape-growing at her sunny hillside home affectionately known as Peak Heathen. She blogs about a variety of topics at https://gaylejordan.net

Dr. Darrel W. Ray is an American organizational psychologist, author, and prominent atheist activist known for his work on the psychological and cultural impacts of religion. Born on August 24, 1950, in Wichita, Kansas, Ray was raised in a fundamentalist Christian environment, an experience that profoundly influenced his later work. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Anthropology from Friends University, a Master’s in Church and Community from Scarritt College for Christian Workers, and an Ed.D. in Psychology from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Ray practiced clinical psychology for a decade before transitioning to organizational psychology, where he focused on team dynamics and workplace culture. He authored two books on organizational development: Teaming Up: Making the Transition to a Self-Directed, Team-Based Organization and The Performance Culture: Maximizing the Power of Teams. In 2009, Ray founded Recovering from Religion (RfR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with religious trauma, doubt, and non-belief. Under his leadership, RfR has expanded to include a global network of volunteers, online support groups, and resources for those transitioning away from religious belief. In 2012, he launched the Secular Therapy Project, connecting clients with secular, evidence-based mental health professionals. Dr. Ray is also the author of "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" [1] and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality" [2], works that explore how religious belief systems can influence personal behavior and societal norms, particularly concerning sexuality. He hosted the podcast "Secular Sexuality," discussing human sexuality from a secular perspective. Throughout his career, Dr. Ray has been a vocal advocate for secularism and mental health, emphasizing the importance of science-based approaches to therapy and the challenges faced by individuals leaving religious communities. [1] https://www.amazon.com/The-God-Virus-religion-infects/dp/0970950519 [2] https://www.amazon.com/Sex-God-Religion-Distorts-Sexuality/dp/0970950543

Sherrie was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, devoting much of her youth to full-time volunteering for the religion. After learning of the mishandling and cover-up of child sexual abuse rampant in the religion, she left in November 2016. Starting the first Recovering from Religion Support Group in Australia in April 2020, Sherrie went on to form an Australian leadership group of RfR volunteers in January 2021 and was subsequently invited to be an RfR Board director for the parent US organization. In February 2022 she was appointed an Industry Fellow with UTS to raise awareness of religious trauma and advocate for the rights of survivors.

Kara Griffin was born in Texas and raised in Southern Baptist, evangelical, and non-denominational mega-churches and private schools. After leaving the faith in the mid-2000s, Kara was able to pursue their passion for learning, traveling, and experiencing diverse cultures and perspectives. They hold undergraduate degrees in Psychology, International Relations, and Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management, and a PhD in Anthropology. Kara enjoys working with secular community services that support other people who may have experienced judgment, repression, or other struggles related to involvement with religious groups. At RfR, Kara volunteers as the Online Programming Director and hosts the weekly RfRx Talks sessions. In their free time, Kara can be found volunteering, teaching and lecturing at universities and conferences, reading all kinds of books (especially sci-fi), and spending time with their dog, Snow.

David Klinge, a former Evangelical Christian and the son of a Pentecostal preacher, was once a self-proclaimed “Young-Earth Creationist.” Through critical thinking and the scientific method, he gradually broke free from those beliefs and now identifies as a secular humanist. Passionate about reason, compassion, and social justice, David is a long-time volunteer for Recovering from Religion, where he currently serves as both IT Director and a member of the Board of Directors. He is also the principal engineer for Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project. David has lived most of his life in Washington State, growing up in rural areas before settling in Seattle. With over 20 years of professional experience in technology, he combines technical expertise with a commitment to meaningful causes. Outside of his work in tech and activism, David is a classically trained bass vocalist who has performed with several choirs, primarily those affiliated with the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. He is a dedicated advocate and ally in the LGBTQ+ community.

Rachel is a motorcycle-riding ballroom dance teacher from rural Texas. Married with two adult children, Rachel has a strong interest in psychology, philosophy, and communication, in addition to the creative arts and home improvement. She was raised in Christian Science but drifted off as a teenager. She explored Scientology, the Law of Attraction, and a variety of Protestant churches before settling comfortably into atheism. Since joining RFR in late 2020, Rachel has come to view this community as a core part of her life. She has become friends with many of her fellow volunteers and loves the opportunity to grow her peer support and leadership skills. You may have seen her hosting the Women’s Support group, posting in the Online Community as Spinouette, or at the Fall Excursion.

Tania comes from a secular background, albeit with the Church of England lurking culturally in the background. A former teacher, now living in rural France, it would have been all too easy for her to ignore harsh realities elsewhere, and settle into a peaceful retirement enjoying country walks, reading, concerts, and good food. But on discovering RfR, Tania realised this was an opportunity to channel her compassion for people who feel alone, those in situations with limited choices, and no clear way out. Since joining RfR, Tania has had several roles where she has been able to support and help such people, but she’s most at home on the Helpline where it all began for her. She’s also very happy to have gained a whole new friendship group through her contact with like-minded volunteers from around the globe.

Nathan was raised in Christian fundamentalism and grew up learning to conceal religious doubts under the repressive, authoritarian expectations of that insular tradition. He attended and later worked at a Christian university in South Carolina where the stakes of nonconformity only increased, but the disconnect between what was being taught and what he experienced and observed eventually led him to question and privately deconvert. After a number of years, the religious expectations became untenable, and he resigned and started exploring the secular world. Getting involved with secular/humanist communities locally and online has helped grow his understanding of his own experience and that of so many others, and it was interest in supporting work that helped people that led him to join Recovering from Religion in 2021. Nathan has many years of experience in software development and was quickly able to apply those skills to needs within RfR's nascent development team. Today he leads that program, attending to goals that help RfR work more effectively and also serves on the board.