CLOSE TO THE EDGE October 1994 Issue 12 TOLC, PO Box 348, Morden, Surrey SM4 6ZD, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)81-646-7477 Hotline: 0860 579211 email: aakshar@cix.compulink.co.uk Triumphing Over London Cults is a group of former members of the London Church of Christ, and Belfast, Birmingham, Bombay, Boston, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Indianapolis, Jakarta, Leeds, Los Angeles, Manchester, Milan, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, and International Churches of Christ. JOHN PARTINGTON CLAIMS TITHES ARE 'NOT ENFORCED' ================================================ An investigation by Close To The Edge has revealed further evidence of deception by church members when fund-raising. At least four former members of the London Church of Christ have been approached by telephone by present members asking them to sponsor them for the special contribution. Names are available upon request. One former member of the church commented: "It really shows how desperate members are getting. It seems present members are quick to collect money for charity but fail to reveal that the London Church of Christ is being investigated by the Charities Commission". David Vaz, a former intern of the London Church of Christ, told Close To The Edge: "As a former member I can confirm that I had to borrow 120ukp for the last special contribution so my family group could reach a combined goal of 1,000ukp. It seems the church cares more about reaching targets than the financial well being of its rank and file members." In a recent letter John Partington made the following dubious claim: "Though it is true that Christians are encouraged to give a 10% of their gross income, it is certainly not enforced to the point of marking someone if they do not give. Many people in the church do not give 10%. The real issue is the heart and a desire to give your whole life to God and be sacrificial." Why then are people hammered to give over and above what they could ever possibly afford? Ask any former member - I have not met one who doesn't speak about the financial abuse they experienced first hand. But just *what* is so special about these special contributions? NEWS FROM THE NET ================= A number of 24 hour Internet services have been provided to support former members of destructive religious cults (including the London Church of Christ). These services are available via the so-called information super-highway, and allow publications such as Close To The Edge to be available to hundreds of thousands of colleges, universities and institutions around the world at no charge. Back issues of Close To The Edge in ASCII format and other information pertaining to the London Church of Christ are available from the anonymous ftp site ftp.digex.net in the sub-directory /pub/access/ex-cult. Additionally a globe-spanning Usenet/Newsnet newsgroup has been created for those interested in helping former members of destructive groups: alt.support.ex-cult. Ask your news administrator if it isn't available at your site. SPEAK OUT! ========== An occasional column where present and former members of the London Church of Christ speak out against abuse. This month, David Vaz a former LCC intern has his say. After being in the London Church of Christ I find it hard to reconcile the deception that was told to me. I was given the impression that all had repented of their sins and were very righteous and God fearing people within the LCC. Let me share some of my first hand experiences: * Brother gets drunk * Brother goes and sees 'Body of Evidence' - an 18-rated sex movie * Brother visits Soho on several occasions to view strippers * Brother buys pornography * Brother threatens to punch me in the face * Brother steals my Bible * Brother lies to landlady about the amount of members living in the flat * Brother asks me 'Have I resisted to the point of shedding my blood!' * I am reassured the accounts are all okay and all bad publicity about the church is lies * War movies are viewed in leaders meetings and Winston Churchill is compared to the likeness of Jesus * When I joined I was promised dinner here, there and everywhere by present members - none of this materialised * Brothers pressured to go on dates even when they don't want to. If this church is doing its best to follow the bible then why are these so-called disciples doing practices like the above and what is being done to stop it. The church continues to say that there is no financial pressure on anyone. Then why when I joined the church was I forced to give 10% net income. Yet a year late the church preaches 10% gross income and where in the bible are these special contributions. I was told that God loves a cheerful giver and yet pressured by my discipler to give even when I didn't want to. I sold literally all I had and yet these leaders had bonds invested and one even had a mortgage on a private house. I was asked by my discipler to reveal all I had in my bank account and invested and yet the church denies that this ever took place. If the church's financial situtation is open and honest then why is there such uncertainty about the accounts and the continuing investigation. We are told to move into brothers flats to be more spiritual. So why do they break the law with more occupants than are on the lease occupying the flat. Why was there never any food about even though we paid for food on top of the rent money. Why did I have to pay rent even when I wasn't even in the flat (on holiday)? Why are the flats so filthy and diseases like scabies picked up there? Surely it makes more sense to live at home untill you marry or have flats which are run in a fair, commendable and honest way. There was always such an atmosphere of unrest and quarrelling and strife in the brothers flat - it was the place where I experience the most ungodliness. I look at Paul whose boast was that he supported himself with his tent making business and was an effective witness for Christ. The leaders are supported by the congregation and yet don't lead the life of disciples like Paul. Tell me what is the boast of the LCC? David Vaz, October 1994 REAL LIVES ========== A former member of the Indianapolis Church of Christ who is still a practising Christian tells Close To The Edge of his experiences inside the Boston Movement.. * When are where were you baptised into the church? I was baptized into Christ on August 5, 1987. They gave me a membership card to fill out shortly afterwards (name, number, address--very simple). Even then I was sort of leary, not wanting to pledge my allegiance to a particular church. But the people were good and cared about me sincerely so I decided just to attend there for my spiritual welfare. * Was there pressure for you to evangelise others? Not at first. You may want to define or qualify pressure. I had a desire to share with my friends about Jesus and invite them to church. I have always desired to promote goodness, happiness and peace through the gospel. But I do admit to it being drudgery at times later on, especially when I began attending IUPUI (a university in Indianapolis). Very "regimented" group. Most of the people had good friendships and I looked forward to expanding my relations, but as I got involved in leadership there and got "closer" to the zone leader, I found it to be very difficult to be real and open. I didn't feel a whole lotta love and that affected me tremendously. It got real bad when I came up to Purdue and found the same reality up here. Much "pressure" was placed on me to perform. * How many people did you manage to bring to the church? Hmmm... I've influenced many, but to say persons that I met, studied the Bible with and baptized personally was eight (my best friend in high school, a high school classmate, a guy I met at IUPUI and housed for a while, a guy I met at Purdue and some others). However I am sure that I have directly influenced at least three times that many persons (include girls here because guys rarely studied with the women and vice versa--I'm somewhat of an exception, in high school). There are many other studies I've started and influenced people one way or another for good or bad. I've sat in countless numbers both fruitful and fruitless for good or bad. But I really don't try to keep count (for various motivational purposes), but just remember my friends in prayer and keep in touch. * Of these, how many do you estimate have "fallen away", one way or the other? Very few. "Fallen away," I define as that person who no longer follows Jesus based on a decision. A number are still with the movement, others attending this congregation, others have moved away and are attending various churches. My criteria is that the church seeks and practices the truth to the best of its ability (sounds like many churches, since most are sincere-- I don't knock their sincerity, but the Bible is pretty clear about life and doctrine-- especially in the love they possess (keyword) and display (numerous but obvious ways). So I don't believe you must be a part of the Movement, because no Movement, "church," religious organization, congregation, cult or whatever saves you. Only by the blood of Jesus saves us and just because others may not attend even the body I fellowship now doesn't mean that they are "lost" or "fallen away". * How aware do you feel top leaders such as Doug Arthur, Al Baird, and Kip McKean are of abuse inside the church? Certainly by now they are aware of it, should a lot of it be false (though I certainly do not believe that), they should figure out that something is certainly wrong. They are not the martyrs they make themselves out to be, so their excuses are not justifiable. I think that each of them has admitted at some point in time that they were aware of some abuse on various levels. Whether they accepted the blame or not, the abuse has not ceased or been effectively dealt with. * Did you witness any specific instances of abuse? An evangelist said to my face in calm manner that I would never make an evangelist. He said something about qualifications--character issues I suppose. Maybe it was a rude challenge to shake me and cause some inner turmoil to be what he thought an evangelist is. Maybe he was just laying out the facts. I've desired to be an evangelist of a sort (but understanding the literal meaning of the word, am I not all ready one as I share the gospel with others, more of an elder (although that would certainly take time). A zone leader asked me if I considered myself equal to him. I don't recall the context of the conversation, but the situation was not a pleasant one. Another zone leader asked me twice (the exact same question) if I had any sort of a homosexual background. This question seemed to just come out of the blue. An evangelist told me to "put aside my sentimentality" after I sought some answers about a critical issue the church faced. I had none of my questions answered. I've sat in "discipleship groups" and had others pick apart my character--as I did theirs. Do any of these phrases, words, situations promote any form of well-being, encouragement, positive change or hope? I've seen students sell possessions (getting very little use or return of investment) to meet special contribution. All kinds of emphasis on special contribution to about every degree as if it is the world's entire salvation at hand at that moment. Constant head-butting in areas of opinion. Only the high up leaders opinion seems to count for a difference to be made. Any complaints seemed to have been dealt with in a strict manner. I observed disciples lining up outside to be questioned by the zone leader about studies, invitations, etc. I could think of more, but these are at the top of my head. Negative situations--who needs this often for whatever reason. * What date were you "kicked out" and how was the "kick out" done? That's kind of a tricky question to answer. Nobody called me to say I have been kicked out, but a number of people "moved away" (distanced themselves in a number of ways--physical moving, packing up and going; no longer speaking to us, avoiding contact). They tried convincing us that we were wrong but then later decide for God to deal with us. They neatly washed their hands and went on doing the same old thing. I guess an official date would be two weeks after the vote when the Movement "planted" another church. However, it took less than a week for the Movement to react and cause havoc--very well planned out I believe. After a month or so, none of my friends from the Movement ever spoke to me again (except for a wedding where I was a groomsman--couldn't avoid me there). In fact, none of them would attend any weddings of friends where Ed (Ed Powers - the leader of the Indianapolis church) was performing--as if he were a rabid dog. * Do you think the Boston Movement is a cult? Getting close, although the world may have all ready declared it. I believe that there are sincere people in there as any place else, but misguided, like many of us. However, I believe that there are persons at the top not willing to change to obvious issues. That scares me, esp. when we were called to follow our leaders (supposedly to follow after Christ). Men's opinions are weighing just as much if not more than God's Word. I'd say that is enough reason to label them as a dangerous group if not a cult. * How have current members of the Movement reacted to you leaving? I wouldn't say this is not applicable in regards to my former question, but only people from out of town called me concerning the situation at the time. I didn't bash heads with anyone, so to speak. Personally I think that some of my "friends" are being jerks in not communicating with me now and following along with the idea I am "lost." Maybe some are afraid and won't admit it, others have really acted it out with justification (undoubtedly they are the leaders of the "remnant" now). Those that did stick around with the Movement out of fear are now realizing their mistake and are considering changing, but not without getting hurt in the process. It's just things I hear about through the grapevine, but it is generally true. I'm afraid I would get more angry about it than necessary, so I'll stop here. * What does the future hold in store for you? Heaven hopefully. I'm sure I am going there despite what the Movement says. Personally I know I don't deserve it, but I'll gladly take it! I do not consider myself to be very spiritual but I do know that I can't earn my way to heaven. I am relying on God's grace solely. * What advice do you have for current Boston Church of Christ members? Get out and live a real life for Jesus. AVAILABLE LITERATURE: The Boston Movement: Analysis, Commentary and Media Reports; Rick & Sarah Bauer. Captive Hearts, Captive Minds: Freedom and Recovery from Cults and Abusive Relationships; Madeleine Landau Tobias & Janja Lalich. Churches that Abuse; Ronald M. Enroth. Combatting Cult Mind Control; Steven Hassan. Cults: What Parents Should Know; Joan Ross & Dr Michael Langone. Damaged Disciples: Casualties of Authoritarian Churches and the Shepherding Movement; Ron & Vicki Burks. Dangerous Persuaders; Louise Samways. The Deceivers: What cults believe and how they lure followers; Josh McDowell & Don Stewart. "A Diary": Why I left the Boston Movement; Susan Condon. The Discipling Dilemma; Ed. Flavil R. Yeakley. Discipling Ministries: An Inside Look; Danny Dixon. The Discipling Movement; Maurice Barnett. The Emperor's New Clothes; Susan Condon. Influence: How and Why People Agree To Things; Dr Robert B. Cialdini. The Kingdom of the Cults; Walter Martin. Responding to the Boston Church of Christ; Rick Bauer. The Secret World of Cults; Jean Ritchie. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church; David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen. Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism; Robert Jay Lifton. "A Time to Speak": A Personal Journal of My Years in the Boston Movement; Sarah Bauer. Toxic Faith: Understanding and Overcoming Religious Addiction; Jack Felton & Stephen Aterburn. What Does the Boston Movement Teach? (Volumes I - III); Dr Jerry Jones. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those solely of the writers and are not meant to be indicative of editorial policy or TOLC as a whole. Close To The Edge is a non-commercial venture, produced for current and former members of the LCC by current and former members of the LCC. We have made every effort to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct, but we welcome notification of change in case of inaccuracies. Published October 1994. Close To The Edge welcomes contributions from readers and writers, but unsolicited mail is sent at the sender's risk. Copyright (c) TOLC 1994, All Rights Reserved. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: To ensure you don’t miss an issue send a stamped addressed envelope to Subscriptions, TOLC, PO BOX 348, Morden, Surrey, SM4 6ZD for further details. Editor: Graham Cluley. Executive Editor: Ayman Akshar. Subscriptions Manager: Harriet Bentham. Telephone: +44 (0)81 646 7477. Fax: +44 (0)81 646 8151. Twenty four hour hotline: 0860 579211. Internet email: aakshar@cix.compulink.co.uk (Ayman Akshar) hamrag@cix.compulink.co.uk (Graham Cluley)