Out of faith : a mother, a sect, and a journey to freedom /

Maria Compton was born and raised in a strict Christian sect. Encouraged to keep her distance from outsiders, she grew up in a world of Church meetings, banishments and with the fear that the end of the world - known as the Rapture - was nigh. To those around her she lived the perfect life; dutiful wife, loving mother, devout Christian woman. But underneath the surface, this life was far from perfect. Plagued by spiritual doubts, stuck in an abusive marriage and with her mental health in severe decline, Maria came to realise that she simply could not go on. And so, although knowing everything it would cost, she did the unthinkable: she left her church. Despite her attempts to stay in touch, Maria is no longer seen by her family, her friends or even her own children. But whilst she continues to grieve for everything she has lost, she holds fast to what she has gained: her liberty and her hope for the future.