The 'Do's and The Don'ts'
Some advice for those with loved ones involved in a religious cult.
The Do's
- DO try to keep in regular contact via
mail or telephone even if there is little response
- DO express sincere love for the cult member
at every available opportunity
- DO keep a diary of comments, attitudes
and events associated with his/her life in the cult
- DO always welcome the cult member back
into the family home no matter what is said
- DO keep copies of all written correspondence
from you and the individual
- DO record all the names, addresses and
phone numbers of people linked with the cult
- DO try to bite your tongue if the cult
member makes unkind comments
- DO read all of the recommended books relating
to cults and mind control, as well as reading other information on the
cult in question
- DO seek help and information from organisations
specialising in counter-cult work. We care about you and your individual
situation
The Don'ts
- DO NOT rush into adopting a potential
solution before carefully researching the cult problem
- DO NOT say:"You are in a cult; you
are brainwashed"
- DO NOT give money to the member of the
group
- DO NOT feel guilty. This is not a problem
caused by families
- DO NOT act in an angry or hostile manner
towards the cult member
- DO NOT feel alone. It happens to thousands
of families every year
- DO NOT underestimate the control the cult
has over a member
- DO NOT antagonise the cult member by ridiculing
his/her beliefs
- DO NOT be judgemental or confrontational
towards the cult member
- DO NOT antagonise any of the cult's leadership
or members
- DO NOT be persuaded by a cult 'specialist'
to pay large sums of money without verifying his/her qualifications
- DO NOT give up hope of success in helping
your family member to leave the group no matter how long the involvement
has already been
- DO NOT neglect yourself or other family
members
Copyright (c) 1996 Cult Information Centre (UK).
All Rights Reserved. You'll find lots more useful information on their website.
RECOMMENDED!
Also check out the Crisis page for further advice
on what to do if you have a loved one in the International Churches of
Christ.