I’ve been shocked by the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach. My heart is with those affected in Australia and with my Jewish friends around the world.
Decult stands against hate and extremism that radicalises, harms and kills people. As an organisation deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of religious and spiritual communities, we stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. Kia kaha. 🖤
It’s our last newsletter of the year. In this edition:
- Keep Decult Going
- Gloriavale News & Dear Children Campaign
- 2025 Recap: Our Impact & Networks
- Decult Recommends: Latest Books
- JW Auckland Protest & Doomsday Comedy
- Work with us: Fundraiser needed
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS YEAR!
Decult is a tiny volunteer-run charity. Because we rely on donations and a lot of people power to keep us going and our lights on, we’re incredibly grateful for each and everyone of you who continues to support our mahi.
In 2026 we want to reach even more people, help even more survivors to find their voice, and connect even more professionals in this field at a bigger, better Decult Conference. Can you help us make this happen?
We know it’s a big ask at this time of year….but if our output has supported you, informed you, inspired you or helped someone you care about, please consider making a small gift. Every contribution truly helps our pro bono work. Because we’re a registered charity, all donations are tax-deductible – and the process only takes a minute.
We appreciate all the support you’ve shown us this year and which keeps us going. Now enjoy this newsletter!
STOP THE ABUSE OF KIDS IN CULTS
Like many working in survivor spaces, I’m thrilled to see the Dear Children anti-abuse campaign by Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad. The launch last week was supported by Gloriavale leavers and other allies, which gives me hope that the physical, emotional and sexual violation of kids in cults could be stopped. Please sign the open letter to create a ripple of change.
On that note: A hotline set up in 2023 just revealed over 200 cases of child sexual abuse within the 2x2s (The Truth) in Australia and New Zealand. And in a historic payout, an Australian Jehovah’s Witness was ordered this month to pay 1.5 million dollars to the victim – his daughter.
Closer to home, former Gloriavale boss Howard Temple was sentenced for indecently assaulting women and girls over 20 years. Lawyer Dennis Gates, who spoke out on the “Courage & Action” panel at Decult, is appalled. “This cult continues to operate and the risks remain”, he told The Press. “How many more children and women need to be abused and left unprotected before the Government and authorities shut it for good?”
We’re asking the same while we’re waiting for Charities Services to announce their deregistration of Gloriavale. We know it’s happening, but we don’t know why it’s taking so long. More questions need to be raised.
2025 RECAP: CONNECTING AND EMPOWERING SURVIVORS
Looking back at this year, what has grown from the first Decult conference – alongside our DECULT VOICES documentary which had thousands of views – are support networks across cities and even countries for many cult leavers who were held back by stigma, shame or isolation before.
Australian 2x2s activist Laura McConnell Conti summed it up beautifully on her recent podcast interview with Christchurch advocate Tristan Phipps: “To see people like yourself from New Zealand speaking really publicly has been very empowering for me to watch and be part of.” They described the supportive environment of our event where they first met as a catalyst for Tristan’s “deconstruction journey” of using his voice and assisting other men with his own podcast. This feedback and roll-on effect is so motivating!
BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY
Another highlight is the Cult Informed Professional (CIP) Network – a first of its kind. Earlier this year, Christchurch doctor Caroline Ansley and Dennis Parker from Decult launched this platform for people working in health, law, social work, research and education in Aotearoa and Australia.
There are now over 50 members sharing knowledge, developing resources and building a much-needed professional community. You’ll hear more about it soon on TVNZ: 1News is covering this groundswell of anti-cult action across the motu. Follow our socials so you don’t miss when the story goes to air.
DECULT RECOMMENDS: LATEST NON-FICTION
EMPIRE OF ORGASM: Ellen Huet (Bloomberg) documents the rise and fall of OneTaste founder Nicole Daedone. A dark cautionary tale and a must-read – especially close to my heart after covering OneTaste myself in San Francisco.
TOXIC TANTRA: Disturbing accounts of MISA/Atman survivors by two top journalists, but only out in German (for now). The esoteric tantra yoga cult is accused of trafficking women into the hands of guru Gregorian Bivolaru, now awaiting trial in Paris.
MY HUSBAND, THE RABBIT HOLE AND ME: The author (writing under pseudonym) charts how her scientist husband becomes a disinformation leader in the Wellington Parliament protest, a Holocaust denier and conspiracy believer – with devastating consequences.
GRIEF LIKE WILD HORSES: Invercargill counsellor Ingrid Svedlund Campbell – who joined us at Decult 2024 – shares her story of heartache, healing, loss and DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), shaped by growing up in a Christian family cult.
COMING IN 2026: COMEDIANS PROTEST AT CULT CONVENTION
If you’re planning trips this summer, put 10 & 11 January in your calendar and come to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland: Goat farmer, comedian and ex-JW Jonas Skogstroll from Norway will stage a peaceful protest outside the 2026 International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at Eden Park. Anyone can join and follow the Facebook event – please do!
Check out his recent interview on Cult Chat to hear why he’ll be wearing a Gloriavale costume, what #allreligionsmust means, and why some JWs are strong drinkers… like the Exclusive Brethren (fun fact).
After the protest, Jonas, his local sidekick Mark Darbyshire and others will tour Aotearoa and Australia with their culty stand-up. Sign up on Doomsday Comedy for show dates – more coming soon.
DECULT YOUR WARDROBE WITH NEW DEFINITIONS
How about a mug, tote or t-shirt from our Decult merch store for your Christmas stocking? Each purchase benefits our work – and if you’re ordering from Australia, delivery is even faster (and cheaper).
We’ve added lots of new designs, including our definition of the C-word above – have a look. And if you missed our recent miniseries on cult-survivor terminology and acronyms, you can now find all those definitions on our website too so they can be shared more easily.
WORK WITH US: FUNDRAISER WANTED
Creating resources like these – a website, a free newsletter, and community events – takes time and carries real costs. To grow Decult into a sustainable organisation, we’re looking for an experienced fundraising person – someone skilled in the non-profit sector who can work their magic for us. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please get in touch!
Thank you for reading, for caring about cult leavers, and for following what we do. Please look after yourself in these challenging volatile times and during the festive season. We know it can be tough for those who’ve lost a family, a community or their faith. If that’s you, know you’re not alone.
Take care and rest well over the holidays – we’ll be taking a break too.
Arohanui & meri kirihimete & peace for all ❤️
Anke & the Decult team