The One Where She Escapes The CULT Children of God PART TWO

Author: Shannon Payton
Published: Thu 07 Jul 2022
Episode Link: https://shows.acast.com/the-shannypants-show/episodes/the-one-where-she-escapes-the-cult-children-of-god-part-two

⚠️TRIGGER WARNING⚠️ Verity speaks of physical, sexual and mental abuse as well as suicide attempts ⚠️

I am a survivor who was born into the abusive cult formerly known as The Children Of God (currently known as The Family International) and am seeking justice - Verity Carter

Who are the Children of God? The cult rampant with sexual abuse with communes around the world and celebrity members

The Children of God sect was founded in 1968 by minister David Brandt Berg.

Originally known as Teens of Christ, Berg soon changed the name to Children of God in the hopes of appealing to a wider crowd that included vulnerable youths looking for a support and comfort.

By targeting these groups, Berg was able to quickly expand his 'religion' and by 1969, he had more than 50 members in his 'family'.

Communes were soon set up around the world, with members moving in together to form their own 'families' of Children of God converts - and by 1972, there were 130 'communities' of full-time members around the globe.

The Children of God were asked to give up their jobs and devote themselves full time to preaching Berg's teachings and proselytizing for additional members - while Berg himself lived in seclusion, sharing his prophecies through written letters known as 'MO's Letters'.

But while on the outside, the group claimed to be spreading the world of God - and of Berg - internally, members were encouraged to partake in incestuous sexual relationships with minors.

In 1976, female members began being urged to take part in a practice known as 'flirty fishing', which saw them forced to 'show God's love' by having sexual relations with potential members in order to lure them into the group as full-time converts.

Hollywood actors Rose McGowan and Joaquin Phoenix have both shared details of their own early childhood experiences in the sect.

Source: Timeline