Anonymous
07-20-2003, 02:38 PM
Experts slam 'cult' for exploiting kids
CHRIS TAYLOR
July 20, 2003
A "CULT-like" Gold Coast religious ministry has been accused of exploiting children and preying on vulnerable people to fund its operation.
Revival Flame Ministries came under fire last week after it staged a tent meeting in Brisbane during which children as young as five were "healed" by controversial Pastor Sasha Alexander.
Mr Alexander is thought to be earning thousands from his global operation, which includes the Gold Coast church House of Praise and a learning centre named University of the Spirit.
He says he has been appointed a healer by God, and he teaches his followers to donate 10 per cent of their earnings and offer regular donations to his church.
But psychologists and sect investigators say the ministry could be exploiting vulnerable people by using "showbusiness" techniques. They were appalled to learn young children were attending meetings to be "healed" of illnesses.
Adrian van Leen, director of the cult-busting group Concerned Christians Growth Ministries, said the "cult-like" Revival Flame group "seems to be a form of rip-off emotionally, spiritually and psychologically".
Mr van Leen said it was horrifying children were taking part in the group's meetings.
$$$ John Henderson, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches, said the practices used at Mr Alexander's meetings, where people enter "healing" spasms and speak in tongues, should be supervised.
And leading Brisbane clinical psychologist Brad Johnston said the structure of such gatherings could be damaging to children.
from http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,6778312%255E2765,00.html (http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0%2C4057%2C6778312%255E2765%2C00.html)
CHRIS TAYLOR
July 20, 2003
A "CULT-like" Gold Coast religious ministry has been accused of exploiting children and preying on vulnerable people to fund its operation.
Revival Flame Ministries came under fire last week after it staged a tent meeting in Brisbane during which children as young as five were "healed" by controversial Pastor Sasha Alexander.
Mr Alexander is thought to be earning thousands from his global operation, which includes the Gold Coast church House of Praise and a learning centre named University of the Spirit.
He says he has been appointed a healer by God, and he teaches his followers to donate 10 per cent of their earnings and offer regular donations to his church.
But psychologists and sect investigators say the ministry could be exploiting vulnerable people by using "showbusiness" techniques. They were appalled to learn young children were attending meetings to be "healed" of illnesses.
Adrian van Leen, director of the cult-busting group Concerned Christians Growth Ministries, said the "cult-like" Revival Flame group "seems to be a form of rip-off emotionally, spiritually and psychologically".
Mr van Leen said it was horrifying children were taking part in the group's meetings.
$$$ John Henderson, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches, said the practices used at Mr Alexander's meetings, where people enter "healing" spasms and speak in tongues, should be supervised.
And leading Brisbane clinical psychologist Brad Johnston said the structure of such gatherings could be damaging to children.
from http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,6778312%255E2765,00.html (http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0%2C4057%2C6778312%255E2765%2C00.html)