F.A.C.T.Net Daily Newswire archives
for the week of April 26, 1999

 April 30, 1999

Concerned Christians ex-member returns to cult

The Denver Rocky Mountain News has reported that a member of the Concerned Christians cult who left the group earlier this year has now returned. The member was among those deported from Israel in January when Israeli police uncovered plans to initiate terror on the streets of Jerusalem in an attempt to hasten the second coming of Christ. After the deportation, this member remained with other Concerned Christians until early March, likely in Greece. In March, he left the cult and went home to his family. Unconfirmed reports now indicate he has returned to Concerned Christians. Cult leader Monte Kim Miller has predicted that he will die in Jerusalem this year. An earlier prediction that Denver would be destroyed last fall by an earthquake was incorrect. The cult is now believed to be lodging near Athens, Greece, and authorities believe they may try to travel to Jerusalem in the upcoming months. [Source: Rocky Mountain News, April 27, 1999]

Chinese cult leader may be sentenced to death

Liu Jiaguo, founder of the Zhu Shen Jiao or "Supreme Spirit" cult may receive the death penalty on charges of raping more than twenty women and girls, among other crimes. The cult claims to have more than 10,000 followers. Another leader, Li Ping, was originally sentenced to ten years in prison on fraud charges, but soon after prosecutors overturned the decision saying it was too lenient. Ping will be retried. Meanwhile, cult co-founder Zhang Aiqing will face charges of fraud and accessory to rape in June. The leader of another cult Jiaguo used to belong to was sentenced to death on charges of rape and was executed in 1995. Chinese authorities have reacted strongly to quell the burgeoning of cults across China. In fact, F.A.C.T.Net does not have enough information at this point to say whether China is acting justly to prosecute real criminals or working to persecute bona fide religious groups. We cannot confirm whether the groups are destructive cults as opposed to peaceful religious organizations. It may be of note that the leader executed in 1995 was originally arrested for "counter-revolutionary crimes." [Source: Agence France Presse, April 30, 1999]

New Times Los Angeles features story on life and death of Philip Gale

Philip Gale was raised in Scientology and graduated from Scientology's Delphi Academy when he was fourteen years old. He was admitted into MIT at fifteen and was employed by EarthLink at sixteen as director of research and development. At the age of nineteen, on March 13, 1998, Gale committed suicide at MIT. The full story is available here.

April 29, 1999

Singer, Kropveld to speak at Edmonton cult conference

The non-profit organization, Edmonton Society Against Mind Abuse, is hosting a conference this Saturday and Sunday in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada entitled "Cults: Families in Crisis." Cult experts Dr. Margaret Singer and Michael Kropveld are among the speakers. Dr. Singer was one of the first researchers of mind control, and Mr. Kropveld heads InfoCult, a Montreal cult awareness organization. For more information on the conference, contact Betty McCoy at the Edmonton Society Against Mind Abuse, PO Box 37045, 8712 150 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 5Y4, Canada, 403-484-4639.

Montreal cult leader arrested for sexual assault

Two weeks after Canadian police issued a warrant for the arrest of Jean-Gaston Tremblay, leader of the Apostles of Infinite Love, Tremblay turned himself in to authorities. He was arraigned on charges of assault, gross indecency, and sexual assault on children, among other things, from 1965 to 1985. Tremblay, who is now 70 years old, is considered by his followers to be the true pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His is called Pope Gregory XVII and is also known as Father Jean Gregoire de la Trinite. Fifteen members of the Apostles filed complaints with authorities alleging sexual and physical abuse, which initiated investigations into the group six years ago. Police raided the cult compound in Saint-Jovite two weeks ago and removed fourteen children. Tremblay pleaded not guilty in his arraignment and is scheduled to appear in court May 28. He was released on a $5,000 bond after surrendering his passport and promising not to be in the presence of children without another adult present. [Source: Calgary Herald, April 29, 1999]

Quebec police fear more Solar Temple suicides possible

The apocalyptic cult Order of the Solar Temple has been connected with 74 deaths since 1994 in Canada and Europe. Police in Quebec believe about 30 Solar Temple members continue to live in their area, and are concerned about further suicides with the approach of the millennium. [Source: Reuters, April 29, 1999]   

Uganda welcomes Unification Church leader

Hak Ja Han Moon is the wife of Unification Church founder Sun Myung Moon, and she helps lead the cultic organization. She is president of the cult's "Women Federation for World Peace" and co-founder of its "Family Federation for World Peace and Unification." As Moon travels to Uganda this week, she will be received by Uganda's Vice President Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe. A spokesperson for the vice president stated that Kazibwe is aware of the "controversy and some negative publicity about some of their activities," but that Moon was sponsoring some good work in Uganda. Moon's visit to the African country has also been strongly opposed by some, both within and outside Uganda. Africa News quoted Ugandan Jessica Nakawombe, who now lives in Boston, as writing, "Ask Mrs. Moon about her son who is a wife batterer, violent, and a liar. Ask her about her daughter-in-law who escaped from her compound, which is under heavy guard. Yet all this happened under the nose of that Mrs. Moon. What trash, what deceit, what greed is being covered in the name of God? What moral values is she going to talk about?" [Source: Africa News, April 28, 1999]

April 28, 1999

European Conference issues declaration on cultism

On April 23-24, the European Federation of Centers of Research and Information on Sectarianism (FECRIS) held a conference to compose a declaration for submission to the European Parliament and individual European governments. The conference brought together cult experts from around the globe. The declaration, which has now been released, states in part: "These associations reaffirm their commitment to the freedom of thought and worship and the freedom of speech and the right to free association. These are recognized as cornerstones of societies based on democratic principles. The association stresses that it is not for governments or public authorities to decide on issues such as the right of individuals to make their own decisions regarding their personal commitments, be they philosophical or religious. On the other hand, they recognize that it is the duty of public authorities to protect and guarantee the above freedoms; to make available free information to enable individuals to protect themselves against the adverse practices of sectarianism; to protect individuals against any form of mental manipulation and psychological conditioning in whatever context." The statement also noted, "The philosophical or religious claims of a group does not entitle it to violate human rights or the law, or to disturb or unsettle social balance." The declaration calls for official recognition of FECRIS, so that it may act as an advisory organization for the European Parliament (EP), the Council of Europe, the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE), and the United Nations. It also suggests the creation of permanent "study groups" in the EP, Council of Europe, and national parliaments, as well as a permanent European organization to provide information on cults to the public. Here is the full text of the FECRIS declaration.

Cults use Columbine tragedy for recruiting purposes

As mourners gathered at Sunday's memorial service for those who died in last week's shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, members of cults were among the crowd. Scientologists reportedly distributed copies of their "The Way to Happiness" booklets, while Hare Krishnas gave out free food. [Source: Miami Herald, April 26, 1999]

German political party tightens anti-Scientology regulations

Yesterday Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) approved a resolution that people joining the party affirm in their application that they are not Scientologists. The CDU, ex-chancellor Helmut Kohl's party, has long recognized a conflict between Scientology practices and CDU principles. In 1991, the party issued a statement saying that Scientology membership was incompatible with CDU membership. While the United States government has criticized Germany for its strict handling of Scientology, Germany does not recognize Scientology as a religion but instead as an anti-democratic, for-profit business that threatens domestic security. [Source: Deutsche Presse-Agentur, April 27, 1999]

Town's rejection of Aum Shin Rikyo applications may be illegal

Japan's Daily Yomiuri is reporting today that Monday's vote by the municipal assembly of the town of Sanwa may be illegal. The assembly voted unanimously to reject applications for resident registration in the town by 24 members of Aum Shin Rikyo, the cult responsible for the 1995 subway gas attack in Tokyo that killed a dozen people and injured thousands. But today, Home Affairs Minister Takeshi Noda said that the decision may violate the Residents Basic Register Law. Noda said perhaps the government should apply Japan's Anti-Subversive Activities Law, but that the law is difficult to apply to the cult as it is presently written. Demands have been made to change the language of the law so that cult activities such as Aum's can be contained. [Source: The Daily Yomiuri, April 28, 1999]

April 27, 1999

France's intelligence agency issues report on cults

The Intelligence Newsletter [April 22, 1999] has reported that the Renseignements Generaux (RG), France's police intelligence agency, has been studying the funding of cults in France. Their findings are to be submitted to France's ministry of the interior and to the Mission Interministeriel sur les Sects. The report is expected to deal particularly with Scientology. An earlier report issued by the RG October 29 stated that Scientology is "undoubtedly the only group in the world of spirituality to have a service devoted to infiltration and espionage." According to the Intelligence Newsletter, Scientology's Office of Special Affairs (OSA) oversees a Desk of Special Affairs (DSA) in each country. The October 29 report also stated that the French DSA was divided into four areas, which the Intelligence Newsletter describes as follows: "the Special Investigations Section… is in charge of infiltration and 'black propaganda'; the Special Public Relations Section… is in contact with the French authorities, seeks moral and scientific support and launches media campaigns; the Legal Affairs Section… ensures the legal defense of the sect, drafts charters for associations and negotiates with the tax authorities; the Special Affairs Computer Section… draws up lists of people known to be hostile towards the sect (journalists, policemen, elected officials and the like)." The identities of the RG superintendent and three police officers conducting the current study have been concealed for their protection. [Source: Intelligence Newsletter, April 22, 1999]

Town refuses to admit Aum Shin Rikyo members

24 members of Aum Shin Rikyo recently applied for residence in the town of Sanwa in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Yesterday, the town's municipal assembly unanimously voted to reject the applications, saying acceptance "would cause grave concern to local residents," according to the Mainichi Daily News. A number of cult members had moved to Sanwa last July and established a printing plant in a vacant factory. Aum Shin Rikyo is the cult responsible for the 1995 Tokyo subway gas attack, which killed a dozen people and injured thousands. [Source: Mainichi Daily News, April 27, 1999].

Australian pink underwear cult is harming children

The fact that the cult called Vibrational Individuation Program requires its members to wear only pink or white underwear makes the group a curiosity. That the cult may be harmful to its members, particularly children, makes it a concern. Of most serious worry are allegations that the group advocates the breaking-up of families, produces children that are underweight and malnourished, denounces medical care, and causes members' lives to be "of depravation and total dependency," according to Agence France Presse. The cult instructs members to follow a strange, strict diet. According to Australian Senator Grant Chapman, the cult began in South Australia state and has expanded into New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia. In a statement to a radio program, cult member Brian Steinke said that the group was run by his wife Marie and another woman, Joan Philips, but declined to say what the group was about. [Source: Agence France Presse, April 23, 1999].

April 26, 1999

Executor and Audubon Society fight over Lenz estate

When cult leader Frederick Lenz died in the waters off his Long Island home in April last year, he left behind an $18 million estate, amassed through book sales, lectures, and his leadership as "Zen Master Rama" of his "American Buddhism." Lenz' will, signed in October 1994, states that the estate would go to a foundation he intended to create to perpetuate his teachings. Or, he had not created the foundation by the time of his death or had not taken "significant steps" toward its creation, the fortune would go the National Audubon Society. Two months after Lenz' death, his executor, Norman Marcus, set up the "Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism" and named himself its president. In a continuing legal battle in Westchester, New York, the Audubon Society alleges that this foundation is bogus since Lenz died before its creation. But Marcus claims that Lenz had taken the required "significant steps" toward its creation while alive; he says Lenz pondered over what to name it and researched tax issues. Most recently, the Audubon Society delivered a long document to the court refuting the "significant steps" claims of Marcus. In another document from Audubon, the society alleges that "Lenz' interest in teaching 'American Buddhism' was waning" as he aged, that his activities "may have been a fraud," and that he was "widely reported to be a 'cult' leader." [Source: Daily News, April 11, 1999]

Judge rules ICC may stay on campus, but local leader is out

In a complaint filed January 12, the New York City Church of Christ - a local branch of the International Church of Christ - sued Purchase College. The group alleged the school violated their rights when last October college officials prohibited on-campus meetings of the cult's local membership and in July suspended the 28-year-old "student" leader, Andrea Lark. In her ruling April 16, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen McMahon decided that the cult should be allowed to meet on the campus of Purchase, but that the school was justified in suspending Lark. She was suspended for intimidating, harassing, and detaining a member of her Bible study group, and in so doing violated the school's standards of conduct. According to The Journal News, "McMahon ruled that a 'preponderance of credible evidence' showed Lark kept the student on campus against her will." A number of other campuses have banned local chapters of the International Church of Christ from meeting or recruiting on school grounds. This is the first time the cult has sued a college for such a prohibition. [Source: The Journal News, April 17, 1999]

Moral Compass discuses validity of SLAPP lawsuits

In an article currently published at <http://www.lawnewsnetwork.com/opencourt/stories/A842-1999Apr22.html> called "A Plea for Plaintiff Protection, the lawsuit Lawrence Wollersheim brought against Scientology is discussed. It states in part: "If there was ever a SLAPP suit, Wollersheim is it. The case began when Wollersheim, a former member of the Church of Scientology, sued the church in 1980. He claimed that the church inflicted severe emotional distress on him through its 'auditing' procedures and other church practices. His five-month trial in 1986 resulted in a verdict of $5 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages." Lawrence Wollersheim later founded F.A.C.T.Net, and is its current president. Please see <http://www.lawnewsnetwork.com/opencourt/stories/A842-1999Apr22.html> for full story.

Task force in Maryland gathering information

In 1998, the Maryland General Assembly passed a resolution (HJ 22) to create a task force to study the impact of cults on college campuses. Task Force to Study the Effects of Cult Activities on Public Senior Higher Education Institutions." The task force is to be comprised of government officers, college representatives, parents of cult members, and students. Appointments to the task force have progressed well, and a first meeting is planned for next month. In the meantime, the resolution stipulates that the task force "shall communicate with and obtain information from cult awareness organizations, former cult members, college administrators, campus security personnel, campus ministers, families of cult members, and other interested parties." According to the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), "The range of information gathered is to include the extent of cult activities on Maryland public campuses, the effect of such involvement on students, and the response of college administrators in Maryland and around the nation." Any such information you might have would be extremely helpful to the task force. Please convey any relevant information to International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), who will pass it on to the task force. The task force will issue a report of its findings and recommendations by September 30, 1999. International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) may be contacted at admin2@csj.org; PO Box 2265, Bonita Springs, FL 34133, USA; Tel: 941-514-3081; Fax: 941-514-3451; www.csj.org.