I’m still in Germany where I’m trying to raise a bit of cult awareness at meetings and public events. In Aotearoa New Zealand, I often point to my country of birth because it has multiple government funded anti-cult agencies that offer support for leavers and concerned family members. But despite those institutions, cults have fallen off the public radar since the big pushback against Scientology in the 90s and the fascination with Bhagwan/Osho in the 80s. The international cutting-edge cult docos and survivor podcasts of late haven’t quite arrived here yet because of the language barrier. Still lots of work to do (and outdated clichés to bust) – while some of my colleagues are onto it. If you understand German, then check out the investigative podcast series “Seelenfänger” and educational YouTube channel “Das Sekten Prinzip”. Both are excellent.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM ICSA IN MONTREAL
Earlier in July I was at the annual ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association) conference in Montreal where attendees could watch our documentary at the Decult stall. The feedback was moving and encouraging. Hopefully we can release Decult Voices – Beyond Belief soon for you to watch and share too. It definitely puts us on the map for overseas experts and activists keen to join us for Decult 2026.
There were too many good speakers to choose from in Montreal to name them all, but luckily you can watch short commentary videos on Cult Chat. Some of the organisations and projects I came across that I’m excited about:
- Stop Mandated Shunning (started by Ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses with the Open Minds Foundation)
- Get A Life podcast (Ex-Brethren from the PBCC – also check out Excultboy with a huge following on TikTok)
- Seek Safely (great guidelines for the new age and self-help community)
- Cult Media Messaging (consultancy for cult leavers going public)
Last but not least, the new ICSA website (created by former Decult volunteer Marianne McDade) is an incredible resource, library and archive. Ka pai!
CULT LEAVERS SUPPORT GROUP IN AUCKLAND
Have you left a high-control group and are in Tāmaki Makaurau? Then you are not alone. You can join others who understand in a safe, non-judgmental space: fortnightly peer support meetings are starting soon at Rationalist House, facilitated by a trained professional with experience in recovery support. The group is limited to ten participants. Get in touch by email if you’re interested: [email protected]
For those based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, there is still space available in the Uncult peer support group which is also facilitated by a mental health professional. Please register for more info.
TRAININGS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND THERAPISTS
If you’re a registered health professional in New Zealand, you can attend a webinar for clinicians on 5 August at 7pm. GPs with lived cult experiences (Dr Caroline Ansley and Dr Kyle Eggleton) will talk about how health professionals can support people impacted by high control groups and deliver cult-informed health care. Contact [email protected] to join.
The Lalich Centre has launched a continuing education course for mental-health professionals that can be taken by anyone in their own time who wants to learn about working with cult survivors on their recovery. It’s a self-study webinar, please register here.
Dr Gillie Jenkinson is offering a counselling certificate in The Walking Free Model to equip therapists who are survivors or former members of cults to work with survivors of coercive control and spiritual abuse. The next online training starts in September. More info here.
OUR LABOUR OF LOVE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
If you find these updates and links helpful, then please consider supporting our pro bono work so that we can keep collecting more news from the cultiverse for you for free. We’re a fledgling charity, here to spread cult awareness and increase media visibility in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
To engage with us and learn more, follow us on social media, join the FB group Culty Conversations NZ or listen to Decult Talks with 12 Best Of sessions from Decult 2024. We always welcome your feedback!
Thanks for reading, for caring, and for being here.
Anke Richter
(Decult director)