GRIS (Group of Research and Information on the Sects [Cults]) is a non-profit cultural and religious association, organised on February 8, 1987 and involved in researching, studying and spreading information concerning religious cults and non-Catholic groups, generally known as "new religious movements" or "alternative religious movements".

        On September 25, 1990, the articles of association of GRIS received the approval of the Italian Bishops' Conference.

        Among other practical activities. GRIS :

 
a) promotes meetings, seminars and conventions aimed at studying and researching the phenomenon of cults and religions;
b) brings together teams of specialists in various fields in order to deal on a multidisciplinary basis with these topics;
c) whenever possible, seeks to develop a dialog with individuals belonging to various religious movements and cults;
d) supports and develops co-operation with private and public bodies both in Italy and worldwide;
e) publishes a specialized magazine and promotes the publication of books brochures and audiovisuals;
f) appears on periodicals, dailies, radio and TV programmes;
g) sets up support and counseling centres providing teams of priests, doctors, psychologists and legal assistance for all those living directly or indirectly through difficult experiences associated with belonging to a cult;
h) studies and promotes various forms of pastoral, social and cultural intervention in this field. National headquarters of GRIS are in Bologna.