Cults: Behind the Door

Spiritual, religious or self-help groups that exploit vulnerable communities are active in Aotearoa New Zealand, but often hard to identify. The Olive Leaf Network and Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust estimate that tens of thousands of New Zealanders have been impacted by them. Since the Covid pandemic, the reach of cultic online movements has increased. No-one is immune.

Anke Richter, who will lead this Spirited Conversation, is the organiser of "DeCult 2024", the first conference on this issue in Australasia. She is an international journalist as well as author, originally from Germany, she is now based in Lyttelton. Her recently published book CULT TRIP: Inside the world of coercion and control, covers her labyrinthine investigation into how and why cults attract, entrap, and destroy otherwise ordinary people. Anke is also a co-founder and member of FACT Aotearoa (Fight Against Conspiracy Theories).

There is no charge and parking and bike racks are available at the rear, off Chester Street West.

This seminar is part of a monthly series of Spirited Conversations sponsored by Durham Street Methodists, as part of our commitment to bringing critical thinking, and ethical & spiritual insights to important issues of the day for the city and its diverse people https://aldersgate.org.nz.