Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 9, No. 1, 1992, Page 74
The protection against exploitation or empty sectarianism must be the development of our
spiritual dimension. Mr. Muller was right. Lech Walesa yesterday, Irina Ratuschinskaya
frequently, and many others have pointed to the spiritual barrenness of our capitalist society.
That has particularly struck those whose fate has provided them with the tools to break down
the communist empire.
We do not develop our justification for our currently successful ideology. The glacial ice that
froze so much in Eastern Europe has frozen the argument in Western Europe and we are in
danger of resting our defense of democratic capitalism mainly on its material success. This,
which is barren in itself, requires continuing growth and material advance for its credibility
and by itself it will fail.
In coming years, we must address the inequalities inside and outside our continent. We must
wrestle with environmental destruction, huge population flows, international water shortage,
the rapid increase in the deprived urban underclass, and with many other global hazards. If
we cannot develop our spiritual philosophy to meet the hunger of the millions who look for a
solid foundation on which to stand, we shall be borne away on the tide of racism, nationalism,
or even religious strife.
Mr. Espersen (Denmark): I see from the report that this question was referred to the
Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights in 1987. That shows how difficult the problem
is and that it is very difficult to solve. Many varied considerations have been made and many
wise thoughts have been expressed. Many solutions have also been attempted, but on behalf
of the Danish delegation, I must say that we do not believe that legislation can solve the
problem. Information and education are good roads on which to embark, but there should not
be specific legislation.
The Church of Scientology has been given as an example of a sect. That shows the difficulty
of defining a sect. I do not believe that it is a sect because, even if we consider the definitions
referred to by Sir John Hunt, the Church of Scientology does not fall within those definitions.
It is not based on any kind of religion. It does not work in a spiritual field.
It works in a field, but not a spiritual one. It has no mystical basis. It is a cool, cynical,
manipulating business and nothing else.
As the Church of Scientology falls without the definition of a sect, it would not fall within the
legislation for which we are asking. Therefore, a dangerous association would not be touched
by the legislation. The problem is very big and we believe that, unfortunately, it is impossible
to find legislation to cover it.
Some sects, like the Church of Scientology to which I have referred, abuse young people and
use people with various problems such as drug problems or mental problems. They abuse
such people, but call themselves sects and act as though they are based on religion. However,
they are based simply on the desire to make money. I am afraid that we cannot get rid of
such associations with specific legislation on religious sects.
Fraud and sexual abuse are already punishable in all our countries. Gross abuse of
weaknesses is also punishable. We believe that we should ensure that our authorities use
those laws, which are not used to the extent to which they should be used. The sects I would
like to see disappear should not fall within specific legislation of a religious nature. Most of
them already fall under the penal code, which should be used against them. Thank you, Mr.
President.
Mr. Moya (Spain) welcomed the consensus in the debate. The problems posed by sects were
genuine and increasing, but they were also complex. The report was right to discuss social
preventive measures as well as legal solutions, and to draw attention to the individual's right
The protection against exploitation or empty sectarianism must be the development of our
spiritual dimension. Mr. Muller was right. Lech Walesa yesterday, Irina Ratuschinskaya
frequently, and many others have pointed to the spiritual barrenness of our capitalist society.
That has particularly struck those whose fate has provided them with the tools to break down
the communist empire.
We do not develop our justification for our currently successful ideology. The glacial ice that
froze so much in Eastern Europe has frozen the argument in Western Europe and we are in
danger of resting our defense of democratic capitalism mainly on its material success. This,
which is barren in itself, requires continuing growth and material advance for its credibility
and by itself it will fail.
In coming years, we must address the inequalities inside and outside our continent. We must
wrestle with environmental destruction, huge population flows, international water shortage,
the rapid increase in the deprived urban underclass, and with many other global hazards. If
we cannot develop our spiritual philosophy to meet the hunger of the millions who look for a
solid foundation on which to stand, we shall be borne away on the tide of racism, nationalism,
or even religious strife.
Mr. Espersen (Denmark): I see from the report that this question was referred to the
Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights in 1987. That shows how difficult the problem
is and that it is very difficult to solve. Many varied considerations have been made and many
wise thoughts have been expressed. Many solutions have also been attempted, but on behalf
of the Danish delegation, I must say that we do not believe that legislation can solve the
problem. Information and education are good roads on which to embark, but there should not
be specific legislation.
The Church of Scientology has been given as an example of a sect. That shows the difficulty
of defining a sect. I do not believe that it is a sect because, even if we consider the definitions
referred to by Sir John Hunt, the Church of Scientology does not fall within those definitions.
It is not based on any kind of religion. It does not work in a spiritual field.
It works in a field, but not a spiritual one. It has no mystical basis. It is a cool, cynical,
manipulating business and nothing else.
As the Church of Scientology falls without the definition of a sect, it would not fall within the
legislation for which we are asking. Therefore, a dangerous association would not be touched
by the legislation. The problem is very big and we believe that, unfortunately, it is impossible
to find legislation to cover it.
Some sects, like the Church of Scientology to which I have referred, abuse young people and
use people with various problems such as drug problems or mental problems. They abuse
such people, but call themselves sects and act as though they are based on religion. However,
they are based simply on the desire to make money. I am afraid that we cannot get rid of
such associations with specific legislation on religious sects.
Fraud and sexual abuse are already punishable in all our countries. Gross abuse of
weaknesses is also punishable. We believe that we should ensure that our authorities use
those laws, which are not used to the extent to which they should be used. The sects I would
like to see disappear should not fall within specific legislation of a religious nature. Most of
them already fall under the penal code, which should be used against them. Thank you, Mr.
President.
Mr. Moya (Spain) welcomed the consensus in the debate. The problems posed by sects were
genuine and increasing, but they were also complex. The report was right to discuss social
preventive measures as well as legal solutions, and to draw attention to the individual's right
