I was baptised Roman Catholic and attended Catholic Primary and Secondary schools. I would not say we were an active religious family but appreciate that my mum certainly made an effort during my early life and mid teens. 

When I got to secondary school, my ideas and mind shifted, like it probably does for most people and most boys at that age. Other things just became more important, more interesting or just more relevant. There was no defining, cataclysmic event that made me say ‘No!’ to the Church, I just drifted away.

I did resent the teachings of my school at the time and the way it delivered RE and Catholic thought and ideas. No other option was discussed and explored and effectively wanted to explore other options. I knew there were other religions out there but growing up in the rural North East (Durham) I would not describe it…