6 ICSA TODAY
by Carol Giambalvo
ICSA Director of
Recovery Programs,
ICSA Board of Directors
An Open Letter to Clergy
Regarding
Helping
Former
Members
of Abusive
Churches
or Cults
A
s both the Director of Recovery Programs for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) and a cofounder of reFOCUS,
a support and referral network for former members of closed, intense organizations or relationships, I’ve had inquiries from
clergy about how to help former members when they come to them. I’ve also had remarks from former members that clergy
don’t seem to know how to help them. As a former member myself, I’ve had my own personal struggles addressing spiritual and
religious issues. Hopefully I can give you some useful information and suggestions.
by Carol Giambalvo
ICSA Director of
Recovery Programs,
ICSA Board of Directors
An Open Letter to Clergy
Regarding
Helping
Former
Members
of Abusive
Churches
or Cults
A
s both the Director of Recovery Programs for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) and a cofounder of reFOCUS,
a support and referral network for former members of closed, intense organizations or relationships, I’ve had inquiries from
clergy about how to help former members when they come to them. I’ve also had remarks from former members that clergy
don’t seem to know how to help them. As a former member myself, I’ve had my own personal struggles addressing spiritual and
religious issues. Hopefully I can give you some useful information and suggestions.
