Recovering from Religion officially launches in Australia & New Zealand
Recovering from Religion (RfR) offers hope, healing and support to those struggling with issues of doubt or disbelief. We’re a global non-profit organisation of 15 years that is in the process of applying to become a registered charity in Australia. Read on to learn more, and consider donating to support the cause.
Welcome to Recovering from Religion Australia!
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, questioning beliefs, or transitioning away from harmful religious beliefs, practices, cults or coercive control can feel overwhelming. But you're not alone. We're here to offer support, understanding, and a community of like-minded individuals who have walked similar paths.
Whether you're seeking in-person support groups, virtual meetups, or a confidential chat with one of our trained volunteers, you've come to the right place. Explore our resources, connect with others, and begin your journey toward healing and empowerment.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of life, embrace diversity, and celebrate the freedom to choose our own paths. Together, we can thrive beyond belief.
How We Help
RfR engages in a number of activities both in the online and offline community to support those recovering from religion:
In-Person Support Groups
Connect with others in your area who understand the challenges of questioning faith, beliefs, and harmful forms of religion. Our in-person support groups provide a safe and non-judgmental space to share experiences, offer mutual support, and foster meaningful connections.
Find a group near you and join us for insightful discussions, compassionate listening, and a sense of community that transcends boundaries.
Virtual Support Groups
Can't make it to an in-person meeting? No problem! Our virtual support groups bring people together from all over the APAC region through the power of technology. Join us online for engaging discussions, peer support, and encouragement from your home.
Experience the same sense of connection and understanding as our in-person groups, without the need to travel. Explore our schedule and join a virtual meetup today.
Webchat (online chat)
Sometimes, you need someone to talk to right now. Our confidential webchat service provides instant support from trained volunteers who understand what you're going through. Whether you're questioning, feeling lost, confused, or just need to vent, we're here to listen without judgment.
Simply click the chat button to connect with a compassionate volunteer who will offer guidance, resources, and a listening ear whenever you need it most.
Phone Support Line
Prefer to speak with someone over the phone? Our dedicated support line offers confidential one-on-one support from volunteers who are here to help you navigate your journey. Whether you're in crisis or simply need someone to talk to, we're available to listen, offer support, and connect you with resources that can help.
Call our support line to speak with a trained volunteer who understands what you're going through and is ready to support you every step of the way.
At Recovering from Religion Australia, we believe that everyone deserves the freedom to explore their beliefs, heal from past experiences, and find support on their own terms. Join us today and discover a community where your journey is respected, your voice is heard, and your well-being is our top priority.
Our Board
We have a highly skilled board who’ve come from various religious backgrounds and have a lot of compassion and insight into how to help.
Sherrie D’Souza
Public Officer & Treasurer
Industry Fellow UTS, FASS / Board Director RfR USA
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.
Dr Darrel Ray
International Board Member, Founder RfR International
Founder of Recovering from Religion [RfR], The Secular Therapy Project, International
Dr Ray is an American organizational psychologist and author who focuses on topics such as workplace organizational culture, secular sexuality, and the treatment of religion-induced trauma. He is a public speaker, podcaster, and atheist activist, and founded the non-profit organization Recovering from Religion as well as the Secular Therapy Project. Further biographical information
More information can be found here: Darrel Ray - Wikipedia
Christopher Karvountzis
Chair
Christopher Karvountzis was born and raised in the cult known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Coming out as gay and being shunned by the only family, community and “friends” he had ever known fuels his mission to educate as many people as possible with the knowledge to make informed decisions about the relationships, beliefs and organisations that are a part of their lives.
As a speaker, mentor, and activist Christopher provides education, awareness and open conversation around behaviors that lead to individuals entering, and remaining in toxic relationships, high control groups and cults. Christopher is passionate about assisting individuals to find their purpose, and let that be the defining narrative of the legacy they leave behind.
Shawn Powrie
Deputy-Chair
Shawn was born and raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (“LDS Church” or more commonly “Mormons”). Shawn’s experience included working for 2 years as a missionary proselytizing in the UK.
In his late twenties Shawn experienced a faith crisis when learning more about science, evolution, atheism and Mormon history, eventually coming out as an atheist.
Shawn has been volunteering for RfR since 2021 and joined the RfR Australia board in 2024.
Hanna Persello
Secretary
Hanna was born and raised as a Jehovah's Witness and left the organisation as a teenager. Hanna is a social worker working in childhood mental health. Hanna began attending RfR support groups in 2021, volunteered to be a helpline agent in 2022 and in April 2023 trained to be a support group leader. Hanna joined the Australia and NZ Leadedship group later that year.
Gayle Jordan
Executive Director RfR International
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 Happy. Healthy. Heathen.
Support Us: Donate to Recovering from Religion Australia
Thank you for considering a donation to support the work of Recovering from Religion Australia. Your contribution plays a vital role in helping us provide essential resources, support services, and community initiatives to individuals navigating their journeys of questioning faith, beliefs, and harmful forms of religion.
Why Donate?
Your donation enables us to:
Expand Our Reach: With your support, we can reach more individuals across Australia who are seeking understanding, support, and a sense of community during their journey of recovery from religion.
Provide Essential Resources: Donations help us develop and maintain resources such as support groups, online chat services, phone support lines, educational materials, and outreach programs.
Train Volunteers: Our dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in providing compassionate support to those in need. Your donation helps us recruit, train, and support volunteers, ensuring that they have the skills and resources to make a positive impact.
Foster Community: By supporting Recovering from Religion Australia, you contribute to the creation of safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can connect with others who understand their experiences and offer mutual support.
Ways to Donate:
One-Time Donation: Make a one-time donation below of any amount to support our ongoing work in providing resources, support services, and community initiatives to those in need.
Monthly Giving: Join our monthly giving program below and provide steady, reliable support that allows us to plan and expand our services with confidence.
Corporate Giving: Partner with us through corporate giving programs, sponsorships, or workplace giving initiatives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals recovering from religion.
Donate now via payPal:
Your Impact:
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of those we serve. Your generosity helps us provide vital support to individuals and families who are navigating complex challenges and seeking to live authentic, fulfilling lives free from the constraints of harmful beliefs and practices.
Support Us: Consider Volunteering
Are you passionate about supporting individuals who are navigating the complexities of questioning, or leaving behind harmful forms of religion? Recovering from Religion Australia is seeking volunteers to join our team in providing vital support to those in need.
As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by offering empathy, understanding, and resources to individuals at various stages of their journey. Whether it's providing a listening ear, offering resources for community support, or simply being a compassionate presence, your contribution can help individuals feel validated and supported as they navigate their beliefs and find their own paths forward.
You can lead and participate in support groups, phone support line, community development and fundraising activities.
Volunteering with Recovering from Religion Australia also offers a chance for personal growth and connection within a supportive community. By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, gain insights into diverse perspectives, and develop invaluable skills in active listening, empathy, and hope. Full training is provided to ensure you are confident to contribute, our global team has in place the training resources to get you up and running!
Additionally, you'll be part of a network of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to promoting understanding, acceptance, and empowerment for those transitioning away from religion. If you're passionate about making a difference and supporting others on their journey toward personal freedom and authenticity, we invite you to join us at Recovering from Religion Australia.