My name is Wayne Munro. I live in Shoal Bay, NSW, with my wife. Originally from South Africa, I am now 57 years old and have reached a stage in my life where I value peace, authenticity, and a direct, personal connection with our Creator.
A Search for Truth from the Start
For much of my youth, my involvement with religious life was driven by family obligation rather than personal conviction. I attended services because it was expected of me, but even as a child, I found myself quietly questioning the things I was being taught.
While those around me seemed convinced they had found the “one true way,” I always carried a sense of reservation. I had deeper questions that were rarely addressed, and I struggled to reconcile the rigid requirements of those structured environments with my own observations of the world. Even then, I had an “itch” for a clearer, more compassionate understanding of God—one that I couldn’t seem to find within the confines of traditional religious frameworks.
A Matter of Conscience and Safety
As I moved into adulthood and began to look more closely at the religious systems I had grown up in, my reservations turned into a firm decision to move in a different direction. The turning point came when I realized that the institutions I was told to trust were often prioritizing their own public reputation over the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable—our children.
This is a scourge that has unfortunately touched many religious groups globally. Seeing the gap between the values preached and the actions taken by leadership and their legal teams to cover up child abuse was a burden I could no longer carry. I realized that I could not, in good conscience, remain affiliated with any institutional system that lacked transparency on such a vital moral issue. This was the final catalyst for me to step away from all formal religion. I have vowed from now on to pursue God on my own terms.
Finding Peace in Spiritual Independence
My departure led me on a journey of exploration. I spent several years visiting various denominations, searching for a place of true integrity. While I met many wonderful and sincere individuals, I ultimately discovered that my peace didn’t come from finding a “better” church. Instead, it came from having a personal relationship with God and His Son.
In 2021, I completed a Chaplaincy degree, which allowed me to build a comprehensive digital library of resources to help navigate the complexities of faith. Today, I am grateful to be free from the weight of man-made dogma and the pressure to conform. I have reclaimed my thinking faculties and, most importantly, my direct relationship with God and His Son.
The Mission of The Eternal Flame
I founded The Eternal Flame as a sanctuary for those who find themselves “spiritually homeless.”
My goal is to provide resources, conversation, and community for those who:
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Are moving away from formal religious structures, whether they still hold faith, are questioning it, or have let it go entirely.
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Want space to think, reflect, and explore ideas—scriptural, spiritual, philosophical, or personal—without institutional pressure or predetermined conclusions.
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Value genuine friendship grounded in honesty, shared humanity, and mutual respect rather than agreement or conformity.
I recognise that people arrive at this space from very different places. Some continue to believe in God, some are unsure, and others no longer do—and all are welcome here. While my own journey includes a personal relationship with God, my aim is not to persuade, correct, or redirect others. It is to walk with people, not over them.
Connection does not require sameness. We can differ in belief and still offer care, presence, and support to one another as fellow humans finding our way forward.
If you are hurting, feeling spiritually homeless, disillusioned, or simply needing a safe, pressure-free conversation, you’re welcome to reach out. You can email me at info@the-eternal-flame.com or connect via my Facebook page.
For more information regarding counseling please visit the counseling page.
Questions People Ask After they Have Walked Away From the Church
- Am I still a ‘real’ Christian if I don’t go to church?
- What do I do with spiritual hurt and betrayal?
- Is it OK to question what I was taught?
- Where do I find community if not in church?
- Is leaving church disobedient to God?
- What do I do with teachings on hell, judgment, and salvation?
- Is it possible to reconstruct a healthier faith?
- How do I listen to the Holy Spirit rather than just external authority?
- What is the point of prayer now? Is God even listening?
- How do I handle anger towards my previous church leaders and church community?
Looking for answers click here