Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 18, 2001, Page 47
What Should be Done about Cults?
Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.
American Family Foundation
Abstract
A panel discussion at AFF‘s 1999 annual conference brought together
representatives of 13 cult-educational organizations from around the world.
The panel used brainstorming followed by structured discussion to come up
with a consensus list of 10 action recommendations regarding problems
posed by cultic groups. This article discusses the panel discussion and action
recommendations, and concludes that ―if the dialogue and open exchange of
information advocated by the panelists continues to occur, then proposals
about what should be done about cults will be more likely to be fair,
informed, and effective.‖
One of the sessions at AFF‘s 1999 annual conference was a panel discussion involving
representatives from 13 cult educational organizations in Europe, North America, and the
Far East. Mr. Peter Heinrich, a management consultant and member of AFF‘s advisory
board, moderated the discussion.
The discussion‘s goal was to identify a set of action recommendations on which all
participants could agree. The method consisted of a period devoted to brainstorming
followed by discussion aimed at categorizing, consolidating, and evaluating suggestions in
order to assemble a list of action recommendations on which a consensus could be
established.
Though sharing a common interest in the cult issue, panelists had diverse backgrounds.
There were researchers, mental health professionals, lawyers, a journalist, former group
members, religious professionals, a judge, a medical doctor, and administrators of
organizations. The organizations they represented are also diverse. Some try to build upon
clinical and/or scholarly research some are sustained by the dedication of families and/or
former group members who volunteer time to this issue some approach the issue from a
Christian perspective and some are governmental entities. A list of panelists and their
organizational affiliations can be found at the end of this document. Biographical sketches
are provided when available.
After listing the brainstorming and consensus items, I offer a commentary on the panel‘s
topic. I wish to thank those panelists and other colleagues who made suggestions or
comments on an earlier draft, which was submitted to the panelists. However, I take sole
responsibility for the ideas expressed in the commentary, which should not be interpreted
as a consensus statement.
Brainstorming Session
During the brainstorming session, participants identified the actions listed below. When you
examine this list, keep in mind that brainstorming calls for uncritical listing of ideas.
Evaluation of the ideas occurs after the brainstorming session.
More rehabilitation centers
More researchers more research
Extend, organize, integrate Internet efforts
Integrate cultic studies into trauma, public health, human rights
Increase funds from government
What Should be Done about Cults?
Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.
American Family Foundation
Abstract
A panel discussion at AFF‘s 1999 annual conference brought together
representatives of 13 cult-educational organizations from around the world.
The panel used brainstorming followed by structured discussion to come up
with a consensus list of 10 action recommendations regarding problems
posed by cultic groups. This article discusses the panel discussion and action
recommendations, and concludes that ―if the dialogue and open exchange of
information advocated by the panelists continues to occur, then proposals
about what should be done about cults will be more likely to be fair,
informed, and effective.‖
One of the sessions at AFF‘s 1999 annual conference was a panel discussion involving
representatives from 13 cult educational organizations in Europe, North America, and the
Far East. Mr. Peter Heinrich, a management consultant and member of AFF‘s advisory
board, moderated the discussion.
The discussion‘s goal was to identify a set of action recommendations on which all
participants could agree. The method consisted of a period devoted to brainstorming
followed by discussion aimed at categorizing, consolidating, and evaluating suggestions in
order to assemble a list of action recommendations on which a consensus could be
established.
Though sharing a common interest in the cult issue, panelists had diverse backgrounds.
There were researchers, mental health professionals, lawyers, a journalist, former group
members, religious professionals, a judge, a medical doctor, and administrators of
organizations. The organizations they represented are also diverse. Some try to build upon
clinical and/or scholarly research some are sustained by the dedication of families and/or
former group members who volunteer time to this issue some approach the issue from a
Christian perspective and some are governmental entities. A list of panelists and their
organizational affiliations can be found at the end of this document. Biographical sketches
are provided when available.
After listing the brainstorming and consensus items, I offer a commentary on the panel‘s
topic. I wish to thank those panelists and other colleagues who made suggestions or
comments on an earlier draft, which was submitted to the panelists. However, I take sole
responsibility for the ideas expressed in the commentary, which should not be interpreted
as a consensus statement.
Brainstorming Session
During the brainstorming session, participants identified the actions listed below. When you
examine this list, keep in mind that brainstorming calls for uncritical listing of ideas.
Evaluation of the ideas occurs after the brainstorming session.
More rehabilitation centers
More researchers more research
Extend, organize, integrate Internet efforts
Integrate cultic studies into trauma, public health, human rights
Increase funds from government
