Kathie Lee Gifford Shocks Fans: “I’m Anti-Religion”

She’s never been shy about her faith — but don’t call it “religion.”

Television legend Kathie Lee Gifford is making headlines again after boldly declaring she’s “anti-religion” — even as she describes her Christian faith as the center of her entire life.

The 72-year-old former morning show star, actress and author opened up ahead of emceeing Childhelp’s Drive The Dream gala in Phoenix on February 14, and her comments are already sparking conversation.

“Religion puts people in chains,” Gifford said bluntly. “Jesus takes them away.”

That might sound shocking coming from someone so outspoken about God — but Gifford insists there’s a major difference between faith and what she sees as rigid religious structures.

For Gifford, it’s not about denominations or rules. It’s about relationship.

“The Bible talks about prayer without ceasing,” she explained. “Our life should be nonstop conversation and walk with our Lord. It’s not a religion.”

She says she doesn’t divide her life into “secular” and “spiritual” categories. Acting, fundraising, friendships — it’s all part of one life lived, as she puts it, “in accordance with God’s blessing.”

“I’ve always tried to be the exact same person everywhere,” she added. “I’ve never stood up in front of a group with a script. I’d feel phony. I pray, and then I speak.”

Gifford knows her outspoken faith can raise eyebrows — especially in Hollywood circles — but she’s long past worrying about critics.

“People say, ‘I can’t believe how bold you are about your faith,’” she shared. “I don’t care what people think. I care what He thinks.”

After decades in television and entertainment, Gifford says scripture — not fame — has been her anchor through grief, heartbreak, and career highs and lows.

“Don’t worry about anything. I am with you. I will guide you,” she quoted. “In Him we live and move and have our being.”

While she may reject “religion,” Gifford is deeply committed to living out what she believes — especially when it comes to children.

She has worked with Childhelp since 1996, advocating for abused, neglected, and at-risk kids. And when the topic turns to child abuse, her calm tone quickly shifts.

“I get furious when people hurt children,” she admitted. “Child abuse robs a child of their whole life.”

She believes children who grow up without love and support often spend years trying to fill that void — sometimes in destructive ways.

But she says organizations like Childhelp can change those endings.

“Very often the ending is blessed,” she said. “They find forgiveness. They find faith. They find purpose.”

For Gifford, giving isn’t optional — it’s spiritual practice.

“I pray every day, ‘Lord, give me a generous heart,’” she said. “You can never out-give God.”

Love her or question her wording, one thing is clear: Kathie Lee Gifford isn’t backing down from her beliefs — even if she refuses to label them as “religion.”

And in true Kathie Lee fashion, she’s doing it her way — script-free.