Because there is no one definition on what exactly constitutes ‘religion’ or ‘spirituality’, we loosely define them as ways of faith, worship, and relating to the sacred. Our organisation holds absolutely no hostility to either religion nor spirituality, and does not regard either as inherently problematic. We welcome members of all faiths and none.

Similarly we recognise that ‘secularism’ has numerous definitions based on usage and context. ‘Secularism’ can mean ways of living and/or governance that are separated from, or not based on religious beliefs or practices. It can also mean different religious groups having representation within a government that is ostensibly ‘neutral’. At an extreme, it can mean governance that is actively anti-religious. We also acknowledge that people can regard themselves as both ‘secular’ and ‘spiritual’.

The liberation theology movements of Latin America (amongst other places), and the Sufi-led resistances against western colonisation in North Africa and elsewhere across the Islamic world, are examples that show how religion has played a large part in peoples struggles. For many First Nations in Australia, spirituality also exists in their struggles for Country, as all life on Earth is interrelated, and interconnected with their ancestors and creator spirits.

On the other side of the coin, religion and spirituality are exploited to further capitalist, colonial and imperialist projects. For example, many so-called ‘missionary’ movements that are active across the Global South engage in oppressive practices, such as enforcing their own foreign education, exploitative NGO and charity work, even promoting violence against queer and trans people.

What we oppose as anarchists is theocracy, which we define as methods and structures of governance that, in the name of a particular religion or religious elite, use violent and coercive measures to oppress and control people. In simple terms, a theocracy is a state that justifies itself via religion — and of course, states are inherently oppressive. We do not conflate theocracy with ‘authentic’, ‘pure’ or ‘traditional’ manifestations of religion(after all, that is what theocrats themselves would like everyone to believe!). Theocracy should not be confused with participation of religious people in politics, or forms of politics that arise from religious practice or are informed by religious principles. However, we acknowledge that in many parts of the world anarchists suffer severe repression by theocratic states for their beliefs and are in-turn often more strictly anti-religion. We stand in absolute solidarity with our comrades facing repression and acknowledge that people’s stances are ultimately a product of the conditions present in their societies.

Similarly, we are opposed to cults, defined as any group that (usually, but not always) styles itself as religious, spiritual or even as a social, lifestyle or political organisation, but whose activities are centred around benefiting one leader or leadership elite. This includes the use of manipulation, deception, exploitation, coercion, and violence against group members (or the general public) in order to generate profit or some other benefit (such as power, control, or sexual gain) for the group’s leader/leadership.

We understand that the word ‘cult’ is often used as an insult to delegitimise religions that one doesn’t like. We recognise that there are some groups regarded as cults that are still routinely persecuted by states. Our general position towards such groups is that we oppose the state persecution that they face, but reserve the right to condemn their beliefs and/or practices.

Regardless of what stances social and political movements may have on religion and secularism, our support for them is ultimately based on their analyses of class and power. We may support their broader liberatory goals without necessarily agreeing with their stances on specific questions concerning religion and secularism. Ultimately, we seek a world where societies, communities and individuals are free to explore and answer these questions democratically without coercion, violence or subjugation.