Kathie Lee Gifford Speaks Out Against Religion, Emphasizes Faith in Jesus

The former 'Today' co-host says she is 'anti-religion' but deeply committed to her Christian beliefs.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Kathie Lee Gifford, the former co-host of the 'Today' show, has spoken out against religion, saying she believes it 'puts people in chains' while Jesus brings freedom and guidance. Gifford identifies as Christian but describes herself as 'anti-religion,' emphasizing her unwavering advocacy for children and public boldness about her faith.

Why it matters

Gifford's comments challenge the traditional notion that being a Christian necessarily means embracing organized religion. Her perspective highlights the distinction some believers make between religion and a personal relationship with God, and raises questions about the role of faith in public life.

The details

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gifford said, 'The Bible talks about prayer without ceasing. Our life should be nonstop prayer, nonstop conversation, dialog, and walk with our Lord. It's not a religion. I am very anti-religion. Religion puts people in chains and Jesus takes them away.' Gifford has been a longtime advocate for Childhelp, a charity that supports abused, neglected and at-risk children, and says she has always been passionate about helping children, believing that 'God loves all the little children' and that 'we're all made in the image of God.'

  • Gifford made these comments ahead of her hosting gig for Childhelp's Drive The Dream gala in Phoenix, Arizona on February 14, 2026.

The players

Kathie Lee Gifford

A 72-year-old former co-host of the 'Today' show who identifies as Christian but describes herself as 'anti-religion,' believing that religion 'puts people in chains' while Jesus brings freedom and guidance.

Childhelp

A charitable organization that exists 'to meet the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children,' which Gifford has been working with since 1996.

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What they’re saying

“The Bible talks about prayer without ceasing. Our life should be nonstop prayer, nonstop conversation, dialog, and walk with our Lord. It's not a religion. I am very anti-religion. Religion puts people in chains and Jesus takes them away.”

— Kathie Lee Gifford (Fox News Digital)

“God loves all the little children. And we're all made in the image of God, no matter what color we are, no matter where we come from. It's, that's all, I've always known that. And Jesus who said, you know, let the little children come unto me, don't stop them. They are the kingdom of heaven.”

— Kathie Lee Gifford (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Gifford will be hosting Childhelp's Drive The Dream gala in Phoenix, Arizona on February 14, 2026, where she is expected to continue advocating for the organization and sharing her faith-based perspective.

The takeaway

Kathie Lee Gifford's comments challenge traditional notions of Christianity, highlighting the distinction some believers make between religion and a personal relationship with God. Her outspoken advocacy for children and boldness in sharing her faith provide a unique perspective on the role of faith in public life.