An Oasis for the Less Religious

Community and connection often can be found at places of worship. But where can people who are agnostic or atheist connect with like-minded folks in Kansas City?

That’s the earnest inquiry the curiousKC team recently received from a loyal reader. 

One possible answer is Kansas City Oasis, a secular non-profit that puts an emphasis on human connection over spiritual commitment. 

Oasis engages in many social justice efforts such as environmental conservation and feeding the homeless. But the main events are Sunday gatherings that feature a local music act, an educational guest speaker, and community moments that allow for an Oasis member to present on any topic that interests them.

“You get to know a little bit more about someone you see every week,” says Oasis President Niki Aktipis. “It turns an acquaintance into a friend.”

According to Aktipis, many of the folks who come to Oasis have left their former religious communities.

“Normally they leave for a variety of reasons,” Aktipis says. “They might have LGBTQ family members that their religious values don’t support and they didn’t want to lose their family. Or they were like ‘that’s it, I don’t believe this anymore’ because they started talking to other people outside of their comfort zone and outside of religion.”

Though Oasis offers a space for secular people to connect, folks of all faiths are welcome.

“We’re not going to turn you away,” Aktipis says. “You’re going to make friends, people are going to want to befriend you and as long as you’re not being judgemental we’re solid.”