Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2005, Page 45
Having grown up with virtually no socialization in the outside world, Rodriguez and his wife,
a fellow former member, found life very difficult after communal living. They knew nothing
of checkbooks, job interviews, or resumes. They were surprised to learn that they would
have to furnish their first apartment.
A former member says Rodriguez felt sorry for the young women with whom he was forced
to have sex, and he felt guilty for not fulfilling the prophecy of his father Moses David
Berg, COG founder, that he, Ricky, would lead his people ―out of sorrow and bondage,‖
which he eventually interpreted as freeing them from the evils of COG. His suicide note
spoke of the murder as doing something for his people, for other victims like him. ―OK,
maybe I didn‘t technically do the right thing, but I tried to do something to help. I didn‘t
just fade away.‖ (Nita Lilyveld, Paul Pringle, Larry B. Stammer, Los Angeles Times, Internet,
3/13/05)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)
APA Apologizes for “Brainwashing” Characterization
The American Psychological Association (APA) has apologized to the Utah Psychological
Association for saying the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS)
uses ―brainwashing,‖ ―mind control,‖ and ―powerful psychological techniques‖ to retain
members and motivate missionaries. The statements about the major Mormon
denomination in the U.S. were made to promote the documentary, ―Get the Fire,‖ screened
at the annual APA meeting last year. (Carrie A. Moore, Deseret Morning News, Internet,
4/30/04)
Church Universal and Triumphant
Competing for Succession
As former Church Universal and Triumphant leader Elizabeth Clare Prophet continues to
decline, suffering from Alzheimer‘s, ―There are at least eight people currently claiming the
mantle of Messenger,‖ according to the CUT board of directors, which rejects the claims
while urging members to continue to support Prophet. Meanwhile, CUT recently broke
ground for a new office building in Corwin Springs, MT, but without the controversy and
notoriety that attended the church‘s activities in the 1980s and 1990s.
A professor who published a book on CUT says the church, which has lost a great many
members after a predicted apocalypse did not arrive, says CUT is trying to refocus and
move away from origins ―steeped in conspiracy and feelings of besiegement.‖ (Scott
McMillon [sic], Bozeman Chronicle, Internet, 3/13/05)
Colonia Dignidad (Villa Baviera)
Schaefer Indicted in Disappearance
Colonia Dignidad founder Paul Schaefer has been indicted in Chile for alleged
involvement in the disappearance of a leftwing political dissident during the dictatorship of
General Augusto Pinochet [with which Schaefer was allegedly associated]. The 83-year-old
Schaefer, extradited earlier this year from Argentina, has already been indicted on charges
of sexually abusing children in the cult-like commune. (Expatica, Internet, 3/18/05)
Five Members Indicted
A judge in Chile has indicted, in absentia, five members of Colonia Dignidad for protecting
leader Paul Schaffer after he fled to Argentina in 1977 following charges of sex abuse and
collusion with the Pinochet dictatorship to torture and kill political prisoners. (Expatica,
Internet, 4/1/05)
Having grown up with virtually no socialization in the outside world, Rodriguez and his wife,
a fellow former member, found life very difficult after communal living. They knew nothing
of checkbooks, job interviews, or resumes. They were surprised to learn that they would
have to furnish their first apartment.
A former member says Rodriguez felt sorry for the young women with whom he was forced
to have sex, and he felt guilty for not fulfilling the prophecy of his father Moses David
Berg, COG founder, that he, Ricky, would lead his people ―out of sorrow and bondage,‖
which he eventually interpreted as freeing them from the evils of COG. His suicide note
spoke of the murder as doing something for his people, for other victims like him. ―OK,
maybe I didn‘t technically do the right thing, but I tried to do something to help. I didn‘t
just fade away.‖ (Nita Lilyveld, Paul Pringle, Larry B. Stammer, Los Angeles Times, Internet,
3/13/05)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)
APA Apologizes for “Brainwashing” Characterization
The American Psychological Association (APA) has apologized to the Utah Psychological
Association for saying the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS)
uses ―brainwashing,‖ ―mind control,‖ and ―powerful psychological techniques‖ to retain
members and motivate missionaries. The statements about the major Mormon
denomination in the U.S. were made to promote the documentary, ―Get the Fire,‖ screened
at the annual APA meeting last year. (Carrie A. Moore, Deseret Morning News, Internet,
4/30/04)
Church Universal and Triumphant
Competing for Succession
As former Church Universal and Triumphant leader Elizabeth Clare Prophet continues to
decline, suffering from Alzheimer‘s, ―There are at least eight people currently claiming the
mantle of Messenger,‖ according to the CUT board of directors, which rejects the claims
while urging members to continue to support Prophet. Meanwhile, CUT recently broke
ground for a new office building in Corwin Springs, MT, but without the controversy and
notoriety that attended the church‘s activities in the 1980s and 1990s.
A professor who published a book on CUT says the church, which has lost a great many
members after a predicted apocalypse did not arrive, says CUT is trying to refocus and
move away from origins ―steeped in conspiracy and feelings of besiegement.‖ (Scott
McMillon [sic], Bozeman Chronicle, Internet, 3/13/05)
Colonia Dignidad (Villa Baviera)
Schaefer Indicted in Disappearance
Colonia Dignidad founder Paul Schaefer has been indicted in Chile for alleged
involvement in the disappearance of a leftwing political dissident during the dictatorship of
General Augusto Pinochet [with which Schaefer was allegedly associated]. The 83-year-old
Schaefer, extradited earlier this year from Argentina, has already been indicted on charges
of sexually abusing children in the cult-like commune. (Expatica, Internet, 3/18/05)
Five Members Indicted
A judge in Chile has indicted, in absentia, five members of Colonia Dignidad for protecting
leader Paul Schaffer after he fled to Argentina in 1977 following charges of sex abuse and
collusion with the Pinochet dictatorship to torture and kill political prisoners. (Expatica,
Internet, 4/1/05)
