S01E01 - Becoming Non-Religious: Exploring the Emotional Experiences of Apostasy and Refugee Status Determination

This research article by Lucy Elizabeth Potter examines the intersection of apostasy and forced migration, focusing on the emotional journeys of individuals who leave religion in restrictive societies. Through interviews and policy analysis, the author highlights the psychological strain involved in renouncing a faith and the subsequent struggle to prove a non-religious identity during the UK’s asylum process. She argues that Refugee Status Determination procedures often lack the framework to recognize the internal, invisible nature of atheism, frequently leading to a "culture of disbelief." This creates significant barriers to protection for apostates, who must perform "emotional legibility" to satisfy bureaucratic requirements for credibility. Ultimately, the study advocates for a more empathetic, trauma-informed approach that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by non-religious refugees seeking safety. (Full Citation: Potter, L. E. (2026). Becoming Non-Religious: Exploring the Emotional Experiences of Apostasy and Refugee Status Determination. Secularism and Nonreligion, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/snr.232)