Anne Hathaway’s Religion: Why She Left the Catholic Church

Anne Hathaway was raised Catholic and once wanted to be a nun, but she left the Catholic Church after her older brother, Michael, came out as gay. Her family became Episcopalian, and she has since described herself as having no denomination: “I’m a work in progress.”

What Religion Is Anne Hathaway?

Hathaway does not belong to a church today. She grew up Catholic, briefly moved to the Episcopal Church with her family, and now describes her spirituality as unfinished.

Leaving the Church for Her Brother

Hathaway told GQ that she had wanted to become a nun as a child, but that she and her parents left Catholicism after her brother came out, because of the Church’s teaching on homosexuality. “Why should I support an organization that has a limited view of my beloved brother?” she said.

On NPR’s Fresh Air she explained that she couldn’t have faith in a religion that would exclude anyone, particularly her brother, for the way he was born and for loving someone.

"A Work in Progress"

The family became Episcopalian, but Hathaway said she didn’t feel fully at home there either. Asked where that left her, she said she had no denomination and was “a work in progress.”

FAQ

Is Anne Hathaway Catholic?

She was raised Catholic but left the Church.

Why did Anne Hathaway leave the Catholic Church?

Because of the Church’s view of homosexuality after her brother came out as gay.

Is Anne Hathaway religious now?

She says she has no denomination and calls herself a work in progress.

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Sources

1. HuffPost: Anne Hathaway quit Catholicism for her gay brother
2. The Advocate: Anne Hathaway quits Catholicism for gay brother
3. Beliefnet: Anne Hathaway and the Catholic Church
4. Wikipedia: Anne Hathaway

Last updated: September 24, 2026.