This month marked a sea change for holding cultic groups in Aotearoa accountable: Gloriavale had to give a public apology after being mentioned in the Abuse in Care report for their sexual abuse of minors. But can a deeply misogynistic belief system with a doctrine to subjugate women – which is essentially rape culture – reform itself? Actions now have to follow words and Gloriavale’s leaders need to abolish their power.
On the dawn of Trump’s presidency, many of us are worried about the rise of Christian fundamentalism. This global challenge gives our mahi more purpose. I’m excited about the year ahead for us at Decult, with new ideas and initiatives on the horizon. After getting the first Decult conference off the ground, I’m now shifting gears to focus on a number of projects. One will be a slightly different newsletter in your inbox: more often and more personal – and not only written by me as Decult’s founder and director, but with changing contributors.
Have a read about what’s happening next and how you can get involved with our fledgling movement that has made a splash in the cultiverse. I’m glad you’re here.
DECULT COLLECTIVE STARTED
Last week, a small group of therapists, doctors, social workers, victim advocates and media workers met on an initial call to brainstorm about what the Decult Collective could become. The emergence of a collaborative hub for New Zealand professionals who are dedicated to bringing cult awareness to their field felt like a pivotal moment to me. Each one of us shared their hopes, different backgrounds and how we could contribute.
I’m grateful that Dr Caroline Ansley (from the “Cult Chat” podcast and Centrepoint Restoration Project) and Dennis Parker, business manager and chair of the Decult Trust, are leading this initiative. If you’d like to be involved too, you can email them at [email protected] to join the private LinkedIn group.
BETTER HEALTH SUPPORT
Caroline has also established HealthPathways for Kiwi cult members and leavers which have been released in four regions in New Zealand and across the ditch in New South Wales (Australia), with more regions to follow this year. This guideline enables doctors and nurses to better understand the context of cultic harm and deliver cult-informed healthcare. It’s breakthrough work that will help to save the lives of vulnerable people.
Please read the Listener story that first highlighted health neglect in cults or listen to Caz’ interview with Sarah Steele on Let’s Talk About Sects.
SURVIVOR GROUPS Want to talk about your experience of having been raised in a cult – with those who understand? Every first Tuesday of the month, Brisbane psychologist and Decult 2024 speaker Maria Esguerra, who grew up in the Children of God (now The Family International), will host a monthly Zoom group for former cult kids. The first one is on 4th February at 9 pm NZ time (6 pm QLD, 7 pm NSW/VIC – or Tuesday morning if you’re in Europe). Please email Maria if you’d like to join: [email protected]
We’re also starting local Decult groups across Aotearoa New Zealand where cult leavers can meet regularly in person. More info about the first one in Ōtautahi Christchurch coming soon. Watch this space!
INVITE US TO YOUR EVENT
As part of our commitment to cult education, we’d like to give more public talks and workshops at schools, universities, conferences or festivals this year. If you’re interested in having one of our Decult 2024 speakers or myself at your event, then get in touch: [email protected]
Raising cult awareness, educating the public and supporting victims of coercive control is an ongoing community effort. Thanks for being part of it!
I’ll be back soon with the latest media exposés on international spiritual groups, new memoirs and podcasts, and a call for action.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anke Richter