Rediscovering home: an autoethnography of leaving church

Abstract

In this article, I have used the methodology of autoethnography to reflect on my experience as a Christian navigating life post-church and the dis-ease of living with the new status of a ‘done’. Within the reflection, I explore some prominent aspects of the experience such as belonging, the feeling of being orphaned, and shame, as well as the related notions of ‘home’ and ‘unity in diversity’ commonly encountered in organised religious communities. The reflection joins other emerging research efforts to understand and lend a voice to those who have chosen to or have experienced being disembedded from their faith communities and to encourage the cultivation of a hospitable space for dialogue with those beyond the sacred/secular divides.