E99: The Clergy Project w/ Charles Hill | RfRx Foundation Spotlight

Recovering From Religion

Professional clergy” such as pastors, priests, ministers, rabbis, and imams, face some unique challenges when transitioning out of religion. Their livelihood relies on leading their flock, but when their faith is gone, they may be “stuck in the pulpit” usually without the skills or connections to simply walk away. Charles, Hill, former minister and current Communications Director for The Clergy Project, will discuss the unique challenges faced by these professional clergy who no longer believe what they’re preaching and how The Clergy Project provides a safe, supportive landing space for them to share and discuss their loss of faith, family, career livelihoods, divorce, mental health and even suicide.

Charles Hill was raised in an Evangelical Christian home. After a 4 year career with the Columbus, OH Police Dept, he had an experience which led him to leave that career behind to enter full-time ministry. Charles and his wife started several successful churches, preached multiple times every weekend to locations around the world, and were well-known Christian conference speakers just before their theological world came crashing down. Following their deconversion they lost income, family, friends and community. He has been an RfR support group leader since 2014, as well as being the Communications Director and a Board Member for The Clergy Project. Charles and his wife, Tiffany, have been married for 25 years and have 3 amazing children. Towards the end of the show, former nun and current Clergy Project screener, Maureen Hart joined in on the discussion. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director and Helen Greene, RfR Support Group Leader and Ambassador Recorded on August 9, 2021

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Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org.

To talk over the phone, dial:

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Peer support is also available through local support groups. These groups offer monthly in-person meetings as a place to express doubts, fears, emotions & concerns about religion you wouldn't normally feel comfortable expressing in a religious community. Find your nearest support group at https://www.meetup.com/pro/recovering-from-religion

If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org.

RfR has an immense collection of well-curated resources available as you go through your journey, including resources for mental and physical crises, working with relationships, issues stemming from specific religions, coming out stories, and much more. Head to https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources for these helpful resources.

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