Finding Home in Secular Spaces

As the number of Americans identifying as religiously unaffiliated continues to rise, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged: secular spaces that mimic traditional churches. One such space is Sunday Assembly, a non-religious gathering where atheists and agnostics come together to find community and connection. The first Sunday Assembly service looks eerily similar to a typical church service, but the format is intentionally secular. Leader Ryan Trout describes it as a place where he's found a sense of belonging. "Sunday Assembly is family to me," he says. Amy Boyle, another leader, agrees, "I would always have conversations with other friends who are atheist... we never had community, and when I discovered Sunday Assembly, I found that community." In reality, nearly 30% of US adults are religiously unaffiliated, often identifying as atheist or agnostic. Sunday Assembly founder Sam Renderos explains, "I reject most supernatural ideas, but what I have need for is community and human connection – the stuff that matters most to me." Community is exactly what they're finding, despite the unconventional format. Founded in 2013, Sunday Assembly has grown to over 60 chapters worldwide, including cities like Atlanta, Chapel Hill, and Nashville. Boyle notes that science reveals why gathering with others and singing releases endorphins, unifying people. The Sunday Assembly structure may seem familiar, but without the baggage of religion.

Some attendees acknowledge that their church-like structure might not be for everyone. In fact, a 2023 study found that 1 in 3 Americans experience religious trauma. Boyle acknowledges, "Religion has harmed a lot of people." Trout adds, "We have people who find it triggering, but they still come to our game nights and book clubs." Despite being predominantly atheist, Sunday Assembly welcomes people from all backgrounds, including those with faith. Trout, an agnostic Episcopalian, shares his story of leaving organized religion due to its exclusion of women and the LGBTQ+ community. He now hopes to bring similar rituals to Sunday Assembly, highlighting the importance of historic traditions. Varun Soni, the dean of religious life at the University of Southern California, believes that spirituality helps people find meaning, regardless of whether it's religious or secular. "What does my life mean? What matters to me? Those are spiritual questions," he says. Atheists and humanists, he notes, are often deeply spiritual and driven by the idea that humans can make a positive impact on the world. Sunday Assembly members embody this idea, emphasizing empathy and moral compass as the foundation of their community. Renderos adds, "This is the one life we have, so we should celebrate it with each other for all the time that we get."

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