Community of Cult? [part 1-3]

Chronicle, a news magazine (WCVB-TV, Channel 5 Boston), broadcast this show on July 21, 1993 (the first of two parts). It is a report on the Community of Jesus, Inc. of Orleans, Massachusetts, USA. Their respective web sites are: http://www.thebostonchannel.com http://www.communityofjesus.org

The report was done with standard journalistic technique, showing both sides of the issue: is the Community a cult? Some neutral experts were interviewed. Former members were interviewed. Current members of the Community (at the time) were interviewed. Interestingly, many "current" members that are shown in the taping have since left.

The Community of Jesus was founded by two lay women, Cay Anderson & Judy Sorensen. Cay Anderson died in 1988. The leader of the Community at the time of the taping, Betty Pugsley (who goes by Elizabeth Patterson when she conducts the choir outside the Community), is still in charge as of the date of this posting. Over the years, the Community has been the subject of the print media, including the Cape Cod Times (the local newspaper), the Cape Cod Voice (a local magazine), Boston Magazine (a regional magazine), and the Globe and Mail (the national newspaper of Canada).

The observations, declarations, and accusations of former members are trivialized and dismissed by the Community to this day.

FACTnet, a web site about cults and other high-control environments, includes a topic on the Community in their forums: http://www.factnet.org/vbforum/index.php
Look under "Religions, Religious Sub Sects and Religious or Spiritual Cults",
then under "Christian Centered Groups",
then scroll down to "Community of Jesus Grenville Christian College"

Grenville Christian College (GCC) became affiliated with the Community in 1973 when its leadership sought the help of Cay & Judy. Its leadership and staff members became non-resident members (and some eventually became resident members at the Community in Orleans). GCC ran a private Christian boarding school using the same principles and techniques as the Community. Its staff, being non-resident members, followed the teachings of Cay and Judy and applied it to staff members, staff children, children from the Community who attended GCC, and students not affiliated with either GCC or the Community.

GCC closed its doors at the end of the summer of 2007. Shortly thereafter, it was named as a defendant in a class action lawsuit in Canada, along with the Anglican Church of Canada and the Community of Jesus. At the date of this posting, the legal teams are preparing, filing, etc. and an actual trial has not yet begun. Not surprisingly, the Community has distanced itself from GCC.

Another web site that discusses the truth about the Community of Jesus and Grenville Christian College is: http://www.communityofjesus.biz

Used by permission.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• cult
• community
• jesus
• lies
• truth
• mind
• control
• coersive
• persuasion
• brainwash
• investigation
• religion

[spiritofwicca]

This is so sad...I know so many wonderful Christians who are out there feeding the hungry and serving in their community in so many ways. It's terrible to see it perverted like this.

[spiritofwicca]

@KatePunch I must respectfully disagree with you. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ had nothing to do with power and money and everything to do with being good and decent. Human beings in their lust for wealth and control have made the Church what it has become. To make a blanket statement like that isn't fair to all of the wonderful Christians out there.

[zzrich1234]

Jim Jones, David Koresh, Charlie Manson, etc ad nauseum. How many must we tolerate and at what price. Pity their children ,

[daretohaveorangehair]

No peace and Harmony here!! only Violence and Rape!! Death to you All !!

[kittycatknows]

what's with the weirdo black out where the commercials were. why not just cut it out?

[nsrank]

what a cult this place should be shut down!!

[NOICON1957]

If you're religious, be prepared to be scrutinized by the press. "Prime real estate". Yes... religious people CAN live on this. As American citizens, they have the right to prosper. And why should their children know another life? WHAT A DUMB STATEMENT! What children know a different life other than what their parents live, religious or non religious? Yeah, make it sound sinister! I'd like to speak to parents whose children know other lives, possibly living with other relatives or strangers.

[NOICON1957]

Ironic to listen to a Lutheran minister speak about this organization. Lutherans stemmed from a man considered to be a heretic in the RC Church, as well as all his follows, Martin Luther, in the 1500's who began the Protestant Reformation when he nailed his 95 thesis to the church doors requesting a debate over the use of indulgences, one of the main ways the RC church brought in money to the church, teaching souls would be released from Purgatory. Many people had nightmares in the RC church!

[Neesharani]

Its very sad that all religions have there "wackos" and cults. I may not be christian but Im pretty sure God did not intend your lives to be dictated to you by another man. He gave people free will for a reason...use it.

[KatePunch]

@spiritofwicca christianity is bad. all religion is bad. maybe the people you see doing good are just genuinely good people and has nothing to do with being christians. those good people are what the church depends on to make them look good.

[yfset8]

think im gonna try those numbers