Coffee Chat: The Journey Out Beyond Religion

Thursday, May 12, 2022 6:00 – 7:00 pm EST

Have you ever transitioned beyond religion? What was this journey like for you? Join us for a conversation about the journey beyond religion with Michelle Edmunds and Paul Kaplan from the Humanist Association of Toronto (HAT), and share your experience.

Michelle Edmunds has been an atheist since birth. The “coming out” as an atheist means she reclaimed her original non-belief status. It wasn’t easy undoing all the lies she was forced to believe through repeated institutional messaging, punishment, gender abuse, fear, influence of authorities (e.g. school, church, parents and society). After decades of undoing the dogma, Michelle is happy to be part of the global atheist/humanist community. She is the program coordinator at the Humanist Association of Toronto (HAT). Michelle works as a job search coach and DEI workshop facilitator. She studied counselling, journalism, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and has worked in the non-profit sector for 20 years.

Paul Kaplan had a long journey to atheism. Born and raised in New York City and raised in Reformed Judaism, he converted to Evangelical Christianity during his first year of university. When he graduated, he continued his studies in the Chicago area and was active in his church for 28 years. Finally, at age 49, he broke free from religion and became an atheist. He then moved to the UK for two years, and then to Canada in 2012 where he is active in the secular community.

* This event is for current Humanist Canada members. Log into your account to register. To join Humanist Canada click here.