Quote of the Day:
'Victims gradually lose their ability to make independent decisions and exercise informed consent.' - Dr Margaret Singer
Reported in the media:
This page focuses on Australian News primarily, as well as other articles selected for their informative content and insight into the cult phenomenon.
Australian News Index 2013 and prior:
Twelve Tribes - December 18, 2013 Peace, love and mind control
Scientology - December 13, 2013 David Miscavige To Be Questioned In Harassment Lawsuit
Marxist Sect - December 5, 2013 London Slavery Case
Heal For Life Foundation - November 25, 2013 Retreat for child abuse survivors faces investigation calls
Two by Twos - September 29, 2013 Friends and enemies, truth and lies
Heal For Life Foundation - September 07, 2013 Retreat for abuse victims 'cult-like'
Agape Ministries - June 24, 2013 Million-dollar financial empire of Agape Ministries and Rocco Leo dismantled by order of SA court
FECRIS - May 29, 2013 (Copenhagen) Anti-cult conference planned in Scientology's backyard
Charities Commission - March 21, 2013 Some churches 'run more like cults'
Jehovah's Witnesses - March 15, 2013 Jehovah's Witnesses 'a cruel cult'
Children of God - March 04, 2013 dramatic raids on the Children of God sect in 1990s trials
Scientology - February 25, 2013 Church of Scientology denies holding woman in isolation
Agape Ministries - February 22, 2013 Lawyers chase cult leader's assets
Scientology - January 24, 2013 Church of Scientology sued by two former members
Scientology - January 24, 2013 Ex-Scientology members sue church for fraud
Scientology - January 22, 2013 Science of Church PR
Scientology - January 8, 2013 'Scientology believes the Holocaust was planned and carried out by psychiatrists'
Scientology - December 28, 2012 Could Belgium Bring Down Scientology?
Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission - December 10, 2012 Australian charities welcome new regulator
Royal Commission - November 15, 2012 A Royal Commission into child abuse – how do we measure its effectiveness or ‘success’?
Access Consciousness - November 7, 2012 [USA] What's Behind Gary Douglas's Scientology Knockoff?
Scientology - September 24, 2012 (USA) Niece of Scientology leader plans tell-all book
Universal Medicine - September 8, 2012 New age 'medicine' of Serge Benhayon leaves trail of broken families
Unification Church - September 3, 2012 'Moonies' founder Sun Myung Moon dies
Universal Medicine - August 25, 2012 The Da Vinci mode
Agape Ministries of God - August 13, 2012 cult's financial empire dismantled
Universal Medicine - July 22, 2012 'Cult' cures on Medicare
Scientology - July 8, 2012 Katie Holmes' mission to save Suri
Scientology - July 5, 2012 the ‘third person' in Cruise-Holmes marriage
Scientology - July 4, 2012 Anti-cult activists praise Murdoch for rejecting Scientology
C3 Church - July 2, 2012 Pastor is target of watchdog group
Scientology - June 30, 2012 Census shows scientology numbers going backwards
Agape Ministries of God - June 12, 2012 Tax office seeks millions from cult leader and associates
Agape Ministries of God - June 5, 2012 Disabled woman wins $500,000 payout from Rocco Leo's Agape Ministries doomsday cult
Jehovah's Witnesses - June 2, 2012 (Singapore) Judge forces parents to allow transfusion
Scientology - May 9, 2012 (NZ) Greens say tax payer money going to Church of Scientology
Scientology - April 24, 2012 Scientology leader escapes trial
Scientology Fraud Conviction - March 30, 2012 (France) The Fallout
Recovery Therapy - March 25, 2012 The Spirit of Things - 'Life After a Cult'
False Memories - March 17, 2012 Spirited away
CIFS Queensland Conference - March 9-10, 2012 'The Trauma of Psychological Manipulation'
Satanic-Inspired - March 09, 2012 Satanic-inspired schoolgirl set free
Scientology - February 23, 2012 demands right to underpay workers
Scientology - February 14, 2012 Australia's 'child labour camp'(VIDEO)
Scientology - February 2, 2012 (France) Scientology Fraud Conviction (VIDEO)
Scientology - February 2, 2012 Scientology's days are numbered in France says MIVILUDES president
Exclusive Brethren - January 31, 2012 Brethren fight proves costly for opposers
Scientology - January 7, 2012 'Money first' claim opens schism in Scientology
Scientology - January 7, 2012 Thetans at war - A Split in a Secretive World
Scientology - December 21, 2011 Church of Scientology Not Liable for Suicide
Shepherd's Heart - December 19, 2011 Who are the Shepherd's Heart and what do they believe?
Agape Ministries of God - November 29, 2011 Agape cult owes me
Scientology - November 29, 2011 Church of Scientology 'imprisoned' woman
Scientology - November 28, 2011 Imprisoned on the Freewinds
Law Reform - November 23, 2011 Public comment sought on slavery laws
Aum Shinrikyo - November 21, 2011 Tokyo 1995 sarin attack: Aum Shinrikyo cult trials end
Scientology - November 19, 2011 New Idea: I was a Scientology Slave
Scientology - November 19, 2011 ACT lawyers urged to join CCHR campaign
Law Reform - November 10, 2011 Israel to explore legislation aimed at curbing cults
Law Reform - November 5, 2011 Create special laws for cults: DPP
CIFS Conference 2011 - November 2, 2011 Conference Summary WITH VIDEO
CIFS Conference 2011 - November 2, 2011 Welcome: Mr Peter FLINN - CIFS Victoria
CIFS Conference 2011 - November 2, 2011 Address: Mr Tom SACKVILLE - FECRIS
CIFS Conference 2011 - November 2, 2011 Address: Mr Georges FENECH - MIVILUDES
CIFS Conference 2011 - November 2, 2011 Address Summary: Mr Raphael ARON - Destructive Illusion
CIFS Conference 2011 - November 2, 2011 Address: Dr Steven MUTCH - Protecting Victims
CIFS Conference 2011 - November 2, 2011 Address: Michael BACHELARD - Rewards and Punishments
Law Reform - November 2, 2011 Economic climate a breeding ground for cults
Law Reform - November 1, 2011 NEW LAWS NEEDED FOR CULTS
Harm and Abuse - October 2011 Cults have major impact on individuals and communities
CIFS Conference - October 21, 2011 finding ways to protect Australians from cults
Scientology - October 1, 2011 Petition to US Government: examination of failure to investigate
Scientology - September 23, 2011 Former league star slams 'violent' Scientology
Scientology - September 16, 2011 (US) Fresh blows to Scientology in Australia
Scientology - September 15, 2011 class action over Scientology wages claims
Scientology - September 14, 2011 Church of Scientology faces criminal charges for underpaying workers
Scientology - September 13, 2011 Scientology may have breached laws dealing with slavery
Agape Ministries of God - September 6, 2011 Cult head 'took money from cancer victim'
Scientology - September 3, 2011 (USA) Game Over Down Under?
Scientology - August 28, 2011 Church of Scientology faces backpay bill to former members
Hillsong - August 18, 2011 Investigation into charity run by ex-Hillsong CEO Leigh Coleman
Agape Ministries of God - August 6, 2011 Fujitive cult leader Rocco Leo's detained in luxury resort in Fiji
The Family (Anne Hamilton-Byrne) - July 29, 2011 Head of Family cult settles claim by accuser out of court
Scientology - July 29, 2011 Scientology book author reveals church's inner workings
The Gateway - July 20, 2011 Brazilian search for cult family
Agape Ministries of God - July 12, 2011 Xenophon queries resolve over cult leader
Scientology - July 11, 2011 (UK) Placido Domingo Jr. targeted by Scientologists after he abandons cult for ex-wife he was ordered not to see again
Scientology - July 11, 2011 Scientology ‘church’ threatens to sue over cult label
Book Extract - July 11, 2011 The Most Dangerous Man
Scientology - July 10, 2011 (USA) Placido Domingo Jr: 'I'm Being Attacked By Scientology'
Scientology - July 10, 2011 Scientology says 'cult' tag defames the church
Scientology - July 10, 2011 Scientologists threaten to sue cult victim group
Scientology - July 7, 2011 Scientology’s In-Flight Magazine Seeks ‘Investigative Reporter’
Book Review - July 3, 2011 Janet Reitman's 'Inside Scientology'
Sogyal Rinpoche - July 1, 2011 (UK) Lama sex abuse claims call Buddhist taboos into question
Agape Ministries of God - June 30, 2011 Cult leader Rocco Leo uses Skype to instruct new lawyers
Sai Baba - June 29, 2011 (UK) Guru Sai Baba's legacy: Death threats and scandal
Cults - oversight? - June 28, 2011 CultBusters: Who you gonna call?
Agape Ministries of God - June 26, 2011 Cult leader Rocco Leo nabbed in Fiji after more than a year on the run
Agape Ministries of God - June 23, 2011 Court's patience running out with fugitive cult leader
Scientology - June 18, 2011 (USA) Narconon exposed by ex-staffers
Scientology - June 17, 2011 Australian Police Charge Top Scientologist
Scientology - June 16, 2011 Scientologist in court over abuse cover-up
Scientology - May 31, 2011 Scientologist charged for 'intimidating' alleged sex abuse victim
Scientology - May 31, 2011 Scientologist charged with perverting course of justice
Scientology - May 30, 2011 Scientologist Jan Eastgate arrested
Hon. Bill Shorten MP - May 27, 2011 Press Release: Next Stage for Not-For-Profit Reforms Announced
Charities Commission - May 25, 2011 All eyes on Shorten as not-for-profits begin new journey
Israel - May 24, 2011 Welfare Ministry calls for legislation to fight cults
Harold Camping - May 23, 2011 he wrongly predicted the end of the world - twice
Scientology - May 23, 2011 FDA To Take Another Look at Scientology's E-Meter
Scientology - May 18, 2011 (USA) Scientology in Israel: All Holy Hell Breaking Loose?
Scientology - May 16, 2011 Soldier death to remain a mystery
Divine Truth - May 15, 2011 Jesus and Mary cult followers buy up land around Kingaroy
Tax Exemptions - May 7, 2011 Salvos tick regulator for charity groups
Tax Exemptions - May 7, 2011 Charities get extra $500m to help poor
Tax Exemptions - May 7, 2011 Budget gives to charities and takes away
Tax Exemptions - May 7, 2011 Budget aims to cut charity red tape
Tax Exemptions - May 7, 2011 Charities face [commercial] profits being taxed in budget
Property Deals - May 5, 2011 Heat on ACCC over Scientologist TV star
Agape Ministries of God - May 5, 2011 Police raids on cult lead to weaponry charges
Scientology - April 29, 2011 Dubious mail-out blitz by Church of Scientology
Recovery Seminar - April 19, 2011 Gillie Jenkinson speaks at CIFS Seminar
Cults - April 15, 2011 Call for agency watch on cults
Scientology - March 24, 2011 School denies Scientology deal
Mental Health Legislation - March 12, 2011 Options for Regulation of Unregistered Health Practitioners
Scientology - March 6, 2011 Inside the Church of Scientology
Scientology - March 5, 2011 (USA) Daniel Montalvo Hits Scientology With Stunning Child Labor Lawsuits
Exorcism - March 3, 2011 Exorcism - the rites and wrongs
Mental Health Legislation - February 24, 2011 Hon. Alison Xamon MLC, in WA Parliament
Jesus Group - February 14, 2011 Capture of wanted killer sheds light on life in polygamist cult
Jesus Group - February 14, 2011 Escapee hid with cult
Scientology - February 14, 2011 (USA) Paul Haggis vs. the Church of Scientology
Recovery Seminar April 2011 - February 14, 2011 Training evening for professional therapists
Scientology - February 8, 2011 'Inquiry' into abuse claims at Church of Scientology
Scientology - February 5, 2011 A peek inside Scientology's sleek new Melbourne base
Scientology - January 31, 2011 Melbourne Lord Mayor denies Scientology support
Scientology - January 31, 2011 Ryan backs Xenophon campaign on Scientology
Scientology - January 31, 2011 Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle under attack over Scientology church
Scientology - January 30, 2011 Doyle at Scientology function [Poll: 94% say No!]
Scientology - January 23, 2011 Grand start planned for new multi-million dollar Scientology church
Agape Ministries of God - January 22, 2011 Death threats blamed for court no-show
Agape Ministries of God - January 21, 2011 Arrest warrant issued for cult leader
Scientology - January 17, 2011 Volunteers at detention centres speak about Scientology influence
Jesus Group - January 10, 2011 Inside the cult of a man's world at the North Queensland Jesus Group
Scientology - January2, 2011 Opponents fight to protest outside Church of Scientology
Scientology: - December 27, 2010 Religious freedom for all – except FreeZoners
Family Court: - December 27, 2010 Girl ordered to live in 'cult' with father
Agape Ministries of God: - December 03, 2010 Agape leader Rocco Leo 'tried to hide $5.6m' alleges Australian Taxation Office
Charities Law: - November 26, 2010 Charities forced to open their books to scrutiny
Agape Ministries of God: - November 24, 2010 Cult and leader owe $4m: ATO
Scientology: - November 23, 2010 Church can keep its 'cure'
Scientology: - November 22, 2010 Scientology detox advice 'could kill patients'
Scientology: - November 20, 2010 Scientologists targeting alcoholic Aborigines with 'killer' therapy'
Universal Knowledge: - November 20, 2010 'Cult' leader now a psychologist
Agape Ministries of God: - November 20, 2010 Court orders Agape cult bank records, strips tax exemption
Scientology: - November 20, 2010 Church targets drunk Aborigines
Agape Ministries of God: - November 17, 2010 Doomsday cult chief to face court
Scientology: - November 3, 2010 Fined for ‘harassment’
Exclusive Brethren: - October 22, 2010 sect member guilty of intimidation
Scientology: - October 21, 2010 (US) Narconon Rehab Called Front for Scientology
Universal Knowledge: - October 17, 2010 Alleged leader of cult works as psychologist
Universal Knowledge: - October 17, 2010 In thrall to a cult: how the unwary fall victim to mind control
Narconon: - October 16, 2010 (Canada) Narconon – Cult of Deception
Scientology: - October 15, 2010 (UK) UK Government urges councils to stop giving tax breaks to Scientology
The Zion Full Salvation Ministry: - October 6, 2010 Brothers tell of surviving cult
Legionaries of Christ: - September 30, 2010 Vatican taps investigator for group tied to Legion
Scientology: - September 29, 2010 A bad day for Scientology?
Agape Ministries of God: - September 29, 2010 Doomsday leader Rocco Leo 'in Fiji resort' alleges victim
Scientology: - September 29, 2010 (US) Federal judge tells Pinellas judge to back off in Scientology lawsuit
Agape Ministries of God: - September 28, 2010 Agape cult leader Rocco Leo wanted for assault
Cults: - September 26, 2010 Foxtel: Cults: Dangerous Devotion - History Channel
Scientology: - September 26, 2010 BBC journalist John Sweeney writing for The Sunday Times
Scientology: - September 26, 2010 John Sweeney revisits the Church of Scientology
CIFS Conference: - September 24, 2010 CIFS National Conference: March 2012
Scientology: - September 23, 2010 Dr Rodney Blackhirst on Scientology
Scientology: - September 13, 2010 State accused of supporting sect
Charities Commission: - September 13, 2010 Call for independent charities commission
Scientology: - September 12, 2010 Govt anti-drugs campaign's 'worrying' link to Scientology
Tax Exemption Reform: - September 9, 2010 'wide agreement to do this'
Tax Exemption Reform: - September 8, 2010 Senate Inquiry Recommends Charity Commission
Tax Inquiry: - September 8, 2010 The Ex-Files - Background update
Tax Exemption Reform: - September 8, 2010 Inquiry recommends a national charities commission
Tax Exemption Committee: - September 7, 2010 Senate committee backs Xenophon campaign
Senator Xenophon: - September 7, 2010 'I believe reform is now inevitable'
Scientology: - September 6, 2010 What is Scientology doing in the Orphanage Business?
Scientology: - August 22, 2010 University Prof Patrick McGorry is targeted by Scientology church
Agape Ministries of God: - August 20, 2010 Agape leaders launch counter-accusations
Scientology: - August 18, 2010 extremism charges after forcing his staff to embrace the faith
Agape Ministries of God: - August 15, 2010 Controversial Agape Ministries Church sells $1.6m home
Makutu Exorcism: - August 12, 2010 Janet Moses died from 'accidental drowning'
Government Action: - August 9, 2010 Charities shake-up on the way
Scientology: - August 6, 2010 Judge dismisses two lawsuits aimed at Scientology
Agape Ministries of God: - August 4, 2010 Agape chief: I'll pay up
Agape Ministries of God: - August 4, 2010 Man linked to doomsday cult missing
World Mission Society Church of God: - August 2, 2010 Tabs kept on church
Hillsong: - July 25, 2010 Taxpayers support lavish Hillsong lifestyle
Hillsong: - July 25, 2010 Why people sign up for a lifetime deal
Exclusive Brethren: - July 10, 2010 Forty years on: reflections on another life
Agape Ministries of God: - July 7, 2010 Ex-doomsday followers fight for money back
Agape Ministries of God: - June 20, 2010 Agape member says accusations are 'malicious lies'
Scientology: - June 29, 2010 'Taxpayers shouldn't fund abuse': ex-Scientologists
Scientology: - June 29, 2010 Inquiry hears Scientology cash siphoned overseas
Scientology: - June 29, 2010 Scientology compares itself to the Salvation Army in Senate inquiry
Scientology: - June 29, 2010 'Ruthless' Scientology condemned in tax debate
Agape Ministries: - June 27, 2010 Agape Ministries doomsday cult given tax breaks since 2000
Scientology: - June 22, 2010 Scientology 'offended' by tax evasion accusation
Scientology: - June 22, 2010 Scientology tax
Cultic Abuse: - June 16, 2010 Shot in the arm for crusade against the fringe religions
Agape Ministries of God: - June 16, 2010 Freeze widened on Agape Ministries assets
Scientology: - June 13, 2010 No kids allowed
Agape Ministries of God: - June 07, 2010 Agape Ministries Church 'not a doomsday cult' - lawyer
Agape Ministries of God: - June 03, 2010 Cult leader Rocco Leo told disabled woman that cash would save her
Scientology: - June 02, 2010 Scientology probed over underpayment claims
Scientology: - June 01, 2010 Scientology Sydney welcomes conviction of Anonymous
Scientology: - June 01, 2010 Fair Work Ombudsman looked into Church of Scientology
Agape Ministries of God: - May 30, 2010 Agape cult members were 'the chosen ones'
Centrepoint Community: - May 27, 2010 Study Reveals Impact Of Commune Life On Children
Agape Ministries of God: - May 27, 2010 Pacific Islands hunt for cult leader Rocco Leo
Agape Ministries of God: - May 25, 2010 SA bikie laws may apply to cults
Agape Ministries of God: - May 24, 2010 Cult raids prompt calls for mind-control laws
Senator Xenophon: - May 24, 2010 Xenophon calls for anti-cult laws
Agape Ministries of God: - May 22, 2010 More ammunition found in shipping container
Agape Ministries of God: - May 22, 2010 Australian police investigate a doomsday cult
Senator Xenophon: - May 21, 2010 Cults thrive on tax-free status
Scientology: - May 20, 2010 Top Scientologist 'covered up sex abuse'
Scientology: - May 20, 2010 Information on 'enemies of Scientology found' in Italian police raid
Agape Ministries of God: - May 20, 2010 Guns, detonators found in religious sect raids
Scientology: - May 19, 2010 Calls for judicial inquiry into Scientology
Scientology: - May 19, 2010 Church of Scientology rejects neglect claims
Scientology: - May 18, 2010 Scientology chief's daughter attacks church
Scientology: - May 16, 2010 Two More Out: Craig & Suzanne Houchin
Senate Public Benefit Enquiry: - May 13, 2010 Nick Xenophon's second reading speech
Senate Enquiry: - May 13, 2010 Tax Laws Amendment (Public Benefit Test) Bill 2010
Senator Xenophon: - May 13, 2010 Tax status of charities, religions under review
Scientology: - May 10, 2010 Tom Cruise's confessionals 'mocked by Scientologists'
Scientology: - May 3, 2010 Actress tells: My Scientology nightmare
Scientology: - May 2, 2010 Scientology leader David Miscavige accused of snooping in secret celeb confessional files
Scientology: - April 28, 2010 It's Time to End the Church of Scientology's Tax-Exempt Status
Scientology: - April 26, 2010 Amy Scobee speaks out
Scientology: - April 22, 2010 Russia bans books by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard
Scientology: - April 9, 2010 Scientologists sue organisation for $1 million for slave wages
Scientology: - April 9, 2010 Scientologists infiltrate jails
Exclusive Brethren: - April 7, 2010 Union anger over Exclusive Brethren schools money
Exclusive Brethren: - April 7, 2010 Tiny sect school gets $1.2m library
Real Intelligence: - April 6, 2010 Cult leader dupes Perth families
Rogue Psychotherapists: - April 5, 2010 Expert sounds warning on rogue psychotherapists
Scientology: - Apr 5, 2010 Ex-Scientology lawsuits reveal elite Sea Org group
Rogue Therapists: - Apr 5, 2010 Four Corners: "Over the Edge"
Scientology: - March 25, 2010 A history of violence
Cultic Abuse: - March 21, 2010 Cults should be given nowhere to hide
Brisbane Christian Fellowship: - March 20, 2010 Cult survivor relives history of servitude
Scientology: - March 19, 2010 Senate rejects inquiry on Scientology
Scientology: - March 18, 2010 Ex-Scientologist 'pressured' to have abortions
Scientology: - March 18, 2010 Scientology inquiry fails again
Scientology: - March 18, 2010 Senate rejects formal Scientology inquiry
Cultic Abuse: - March 14, 2010 The devil inside: escaping cultic groups
Scientology: - March 14, 2010 Xenophon ramps up anti-Scientology crusade
CIFS 2010 Conference: - March 13, 2010 Summary of Presentations
Scientology: - March 13, 2010 Govt urged to back Scientology inquiry
Scientology: - March 13, 2010 Xenophon vows to pursue 'cults'
Scientology: - March 13, 2010 Scientology a 'cult', Xenophon tells forum
Scientology: - March 12, 2010 Scientology insider's nightmare childhood
Scientology: - March 12, 2010 Senator to speak at Brisbane anti-cult conference
Scientology: - Mar 8, 2010 Scientology in the spotlight amid fresh allegations
Scientology: - March 06, 2010 Defectors Say Church of Scientology Hides Abuse
Scientology: - March 06, 2010 'The Ex-Files' Broadcast: Mon.8-Mar-2010 8.30pm
Destiny Church: - March 03, 2010 Former members: 'Destiny Church a cult'
Kenja: - February 27, 2010 Fighting dirty against a cultbuster
Scientology: - February 18, 2010 The Senate lends Scientology a helping hand
Scientology: - February 15, 2010 Ex-Scientologists Speak Out at LA Press Conference
Scientology: - February 14, 2010 Teuton telepic tempest
Servants of Jesus: - February 13, 2010 Satanic psychologist banned after exorcisms
Scientology: - February 9, 2010 Scientologists in Haiti: Volunteers or Vultures?
Scientology: - February 6, 2010 Church challenged to inquiry
Scientology: - February 4, 2010 AVO for anti-Scientologist crusader
Scientology: - February 3, 2010 Scientologists plan Aussie ad blitz
Scientology: - February 1, 2010 Scientologists in Haitian Disaster Relief – Some Questions
Scientology: - January 24, 2010 Star of Scientology recruitment film wants his money back
Scientology: - January 23, 2010 Scientology critic adds volume to inquiry call
Scientology: - January 23, 2010 Trouble in the house of Hubbard
Twelve Tribes: - January 18, 2010 North County group disputes ‘cult’ depiction
Scientology: - January 12, 2010 Daughters of St. Paul unfazed by threats from Church of Scientology
Exclusive Brethren: - January 12, 2010 Brethren schools get $70m in funding
Disclaimer: This news page is about groups, organizations or movements, which may have been called "cults" and/or "cult-like" in some way, shape or form. But not all groups called either "cults" or "cult-like" are harmful. Instead, they may be benign and generally defined as simply people intensely devoted to a person, place or thing. Therefore, the discussion or mention of a group, organization or person on this page, is not necessarily meant pejoratively. Readers are encouraged to read widely on a topic before forming an opinion. Never accept information from a single source at face value. This website only holds a small amount of information and should not be relied on as a complete source. For example, if you find older information, this should be weighed up against newer information as circumstances can change.
S i t e S e a r c h :