Sects Knowledge Protects!

New, revised second edition

An informational brochure from the Austrian Ministry for Environment, Youth and Family

This English version is an Unofficial translation by http://cisar.org which is distributed on an as-is basis The original German language document was downloaded from http://www.bmu.gv.at

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This English version is an
Unofficial translation by http://cisar.org
which is distributed on an as-is basis
The original German language document was
downloaded from http://www.bmu.gv.at

Impressum

2nd revised edition 1999

Information from the Austrian Federal Ministry for Environment, Youth and Family in keeping with its area of responsibility in accordance with section K of part 2 of the documents associated with PP 2 (in particular Z 3, Z 7 d u. f and Z 11) of BMG 1986 idf BGBI 21 / 1997.

Owner of media: Federal Ministry for Environment, Youth and Family 
                Stubenbastei 5, 1010 Vienna

Publisher: Druckerei Berger, Horn

Place of Publication and Distribution: Vienna

In support of reader-friendliness, gender-specific wording has been avoided in this work.
[Translator's note: it did not work in the English language, sorry.]

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Preface from the
Federal Minister

Sects
Knowledge Protects!

You are reading the second revised edition of the brochure, "Sects - Knowledge Protects." The demand for this brochure, which first appeared in 1996, - over 300,000 copies have been distributed - has shown how great is the public need for information on the theme of "sects." This activity by the Ministry for Environment, Youth and Family has been validated in a decision by the highest court which verified that information on "sects" or other conflict-bearing religious or worldview groups is its public mission.

Since 1996, there have been countless seminars and group discussions. Private Austrian citizens have established their own state centers for sect issues. Family counselling centers have also - at the Ministry's initiative - gotten increasingly involved with the familiar problems associated with family members joining sects.

In order to meet the demand for information from the public and governmental agencies, and to ensure a factual, objective handling of the matter, a Federal Center for Sect Issues was established on the Environment, Youth and Family Ministry's initiative in 1998 per federal law.

"Knowledge Protects!" In emotional and psychic circles, knowledge alone offers little protection. A relational network is also needed. A family can fulfill such a function. Therefore, all measures which strengthen families are also protection against many groups.

As Federal Minister for Environment, Youth and Families, I hope that this brochure will be of assistance to you in evaluating groups. Don't hesitate to accept advice or help from counselling or information centers.

Dr. Martin Bartenstein          /signature/

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Background and Legal Situation

Background and Legal Situation

Search for Meaning and Religiosity

What is the meaning of life? That is a question which may sound banal, perhaps, but which every person gets involved with in some form. In various stages of life, with varying intensity and with varying results. There are no general, accommodating answers, but there are probably many offers. While science and technology, for instance, are waiting on answers to this question, religions continue to provide help and orientation to others.

Many believe in "some higher presence," without being able to clearly define it. In contrast to the view which has been repeatedly stated in the last couple of decades that religion, with growing progress, will gradually be disappearing, experts today have spotted a growing need for meaning and orientation through religion. At the same time, we are in the situation where traditional social and religious obligations are being relaxed or have been dissolved. New alternatives just do not exist on the program in the television set.

An abundance of private life plans are just as much of a reality today as are an abundance of religious, spiritual and worldview offers of meaning and salvation. That is no surprise: because it is specifically during these times of social change that increased fears, uncertainties, frustration, dissatisfaction and, especially the need for inner orientation and order appear.

That, at first, presents no reason for concern: which higher meaning one gives to his own life or wants to give, is and remains, in the framework of legal determinations, a private matter. That is also guaranteed by basic civil law.

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Background and Legal Situation

However: any offer on the new "supermarket of religiosity" should be checked to see if it preserves the personal freedom of the individual, even if strident claims are made to the basic rights of freedom of opinion and freedom of religion. If that should not be the case, then this could have consequences. For both society and for the individual. One can never rule out the risk of psychic dependency or being cut off from one's own freedom. Freedom and self-determination are commodities which should not be given away away thoughtlessly.

Therefore it is important to get background information on these new providers of meaning. Knowing what goals a group of this sort really follow, how their offers of meaning or cure really appear, which methods they use in their members' commitment and what consequences a membership may have afterwards. How is critical ability important in each area from which a definite offer can be selected. Only those who check and make inquires can be sure that they will get what they really wanted.

What is a "Sect"?

Many religious or pseudo-religious groups, psycho-cults and guru movements are colloquially described today as "sects." It is clear that this type of group does not exactly enjoy being characterized by this term. It contradicts the positive self-image which they would like to distribute about themselves. In any case, nobody is surprised that they would not use it themselves in the characterization of their group. Then how would these groups and organizations have themselves characterized?

In the technical literature, "sects" are defined as having the following characteristics which, the more of them apply, the more relevant is the term:

• closed community, clear boundaries between followers and outsiders, standardized internal living practices;
• deviant or culturally alien ideas which can be described as unmediated world beliefs or fanatical life motivations;
• conflict with the environment, primarily personal conflicts with members' relatives or legal conflicts with government agencies, as the case may be;

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Background and Legal Situation

• dependency of the members upon a charismatic leadership figure or upon a hierarchy which authoritatively determines the teachings and practices.

It should not be overlooked that the term "sect" today is often used in connection with groups completely unrelated to the above, but which qualify as more or less "conflict-bearing." This wholesale judgment is, of course, - as is any wholesale judgment - not relevant; a method is needed to differentiate. For this reason, one also more frequently hears about "worldview groups."

What legal framework exists for practice of
religion and for congregations

Individual Freedom of Religion

The state's legal system has laid out individual freedom of religion in a multitude of standing laws, mostly on the Constitutional level and in international treaties. The most important ones to mention are the State's Basic Law of December 21, 1867, the State Accord of Saint Germain of September 10, 1919, and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Basic Freedoms of November 4, 1950. According to these laws, everyone is guaranteed complete freedoms of belief and of conscience. Differences in religion, creed or denomination may not cause any restrictions in the civil or political rights of a citizen. It is just as duly recorded that no civil obligations may be rescinded by virtue of religious denomination, so that, of course, all generally applicable state laws must be adhered to in the scope of the practice of religion. Any restriction in the freedoms of religion or denomination by state law is allowable only insofar as they present measures necessary in a democratic society in the interest of public security, public order, health and morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. This is how Austrian federal constitutional law guarantees all residents within state jurisdiction the freedom of belief, conscience and worldview from state interference within defined limits and gives everyone protection of their rights from the state.

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Background and Legal Situation

Public Practice of Religion

Besides this individual freedom of religion, the communal practice of religion is also arranged for and guaranteed in the Austrian legal system. For instance, Article 15 of the State Basic Law establishes the right of the common, public practice of religion by any legally recognized church or religious congregation. The general right for the public practice of any sort of belief is contained in the State Accord of Saint Germain, insofar as this is not incompatible with public order or good morals. Finally, the right of the individual to public practice of religion individually or in groups is also anchored in the Human Rights Convention.

Organizational Forms

Many religions and worldview groups exist only on an informal basis - without legal, official organization. Besides freedom of religion, state constitutional law also guarantees freedom of assembly and freedom of association. In practice, it often happens that religious or worldview groups organize supportive or charitable associations in accordance with association law. This law, however, as expressly stated within it, has no application to spiritual orders, congregations or religious denominations - they have to be judged according to the laws and regulations which pertain to them. However, the practice of the Association Agency has been, for many years, to regard associations with partially religious goals as permissible, whereby they are granted the potential of a legal organization.

Denominational Congregations

Since January 10, 1998, followers of religions which have not yet been legally recognized can unite into a "state-registered religious denomination," and obtain legal entity status in a procedure which is very similar to association law. To do that, they have to have at least 300 people with residence in Austria, who may not belong to any other church, religion or congregation, and their representative has to file the proper application with the Federal Minister for Education and Cultural Affairs. The congregation must present their statutes, explain their teachings and inner organization and state by which means it will be financed.

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Background and Legal Situation

If the authorities find that essential public interests are violated or the rights or freedoms of other citizens are at risk by the teachings or practice of the congregation, then the application for the status of legal entity is denied, for which a time limit of 6 months is granted.

If no denial ensues, then the religious congregation is registered and thereby becomes like an association, bearer of rights and responsibilities. A register on religious denominations with legal entity status is maintained in the culture office at the Federal Ministry for Education and Cultural Affairs, out of which anyone can obtain information about current mailing addresses and available, representative members.

The following religious denominations have acquired legal entity status thus far (as of August 1999):

• Baha'i Congregation Austria
• League of Baptist Congregations in Austria
• League of Evangelical Congregations in Austria
• Christian Congregation - Movement for Religious Revival in Austria
• Free Christian Community / Pentecostal Community
• Hindu Religious Society in Austria
• Jehovah's Witnesses
• Church of the Seventh Day Adventists
• Coptic Orthodox Church in Austria

Legal entity status as a religious congregation does not mean legal recognition as a church or religious denomination. No special rights are associated with legal entity status.

Legal Recognition

Finally, Churches and religious associations recognized on the basis of the recognition law are so-called legal, public corporate bodies whose activities have been regarded as being in the public interest. Besides the right of common public practice of religion and the free regulation of internal affairs, this is due especially to the protection of their local assets. They can also take advantage of rights afforded by the religious education law and the private school law - primarily in state-supported religious instruction.

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Background and Legal Situation

There are also advantages in the tax laws for these corporations in that they only have to pay taxes where they could be in general competition with commercial enterprises. These are also the advantages which other groups, according to their nature, seem to strive for in gaining acknowledgment as legally recognized church or religious congregation. An association which intends to obtain the status of a public-legal corporation in accordance with the acknowledgment law must, on the basis of this law (last changed in 1998) fulfill various criteria:

• Existence as a religious community as least 20 years, of that at least 10 years as a religious denomination with legal entity status;
• a number of followers which must be at least 2/1000'ths of the population of Austria according to the most recent census;
• the use of income and assets for religious purposes;
• a positive attitude toward society and state;
• no illegal disturbances in the conduct of existing churches and religious denominations;
• a defined source of belief or teachings which must be different from previously acknowledged groups;
• clear-cut internal regulations, a "constitution" which may not contain anything illegal or "morally offensive";
• the economic and personnel capacity to set up and maintain at lease one community of worship.

Today (as of August 1999), twelve churches and religious communities are acknowledged:

• Old Catholic Church
• Armenian Apostolic Church in Austria
• Evangelical Church (A. and H.B.)
• Greek Oriental Church
• Islamic Congregation in Austria
• Israeli Religious Association
• Catholic Church

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Background and Legal Situation

• Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints
• Methodist Church in Austria
• New Apostolic Church in Austria
• Austrian Buddhist Religious Association
• Syrian Orthodox Church in Austria

Federal Center for Sect Issues

On September 1, 1998, the Federal Center for Sect Issues was established as a stand-alone institution of public law by the "Federal law on the establishment of a documentation and information center for sect issues."

Mission of the federal center is the documentation and information on risks which emanate from "sects" or sect-like activities, insofar as these exist on a reasonable suspicion and these risks concern certain protected goods or interests.

In this framework, the federal center is justified in collecting, evaluating and distributing information, in advising people who have been affected, and in cooperating, developing and leading research projects with foreign and domestic centers. The data needed for this work is obtained from publicly accessible sources or from voluntary contributions.

In the observation of its work, special care will be given to the basic freedoms and human rights, including the freedoms of belief, religion and conscience. Furthermore, a great value is placed upon the strict maintenance of the data protection law. Duty to the subject matter, objectivity and accurate information is a fundamental component of its activity. The Federal Center for Sect Issues is not dependent upon any denomination and is free from outside instruction. It is subordinate to the Federal Minister for Environment, Youth and Family in accordance with the federally prescribed supervisory laws.

Not least of all, the establishment of this self-standing documentation and information center is in response to the wishes of many citizens for information and counselling.

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Methods and Practices

Methods and Practices

Who should feel susceptible

If one pursues a discussion on "sects," then one often hears expressions such as "I would never fall for that," or "Something like that could never happen to me." In addition, a widespread perspective is that only "weak" or "unstable" people could be at risk.

Neither of these concepts corresponds to reality. As reality continues to demonstrate, in essence, everybody is susceptible to "sects" or sect-like groups. It is primarily idealistic or people who reflect upon their lives who often show an interest for new providers of meaning.

Experts have determined that, generally speaking, people who are on the brink of important life decisions are potential targets for these groups. In contrast, people who have a set life-style are less "susceptible." Therefore, young people are regarded as being at risk, because they have to set up important turning points in their lives during puberty and adolescence (see the section, "The Special Case of Young People"). People of all ages can be fascinated by the new providers of meaning, such as adults who face the strong challenges of career and private life or people who do not want to idly accept social risks such as unemployment, drug abuse, environmental destruction or violence. In these types of situations, adults are also increasingly prepared to seek the solution to these problems in the "programs" offered by new teachings of salvation. Almost every person is confronted with an offer from this type of group at one time or another. Whether he is and in what form he observes this offer is dependent upon the individual personality and external circumstances.

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Methods and Practices

These could include the following factors:

• the feeling of loneliness and the need for friends or a group to which one can belong;
• discontent with one's own life and the feeling of being dissatisfied;
• experiencing a misfortune in school or career;
• a strong drive to perform which cannot be sustained;
• the feeling that one's own accomplishments are not being recognized;
• the desire for (more) security or resourcefulness;
• disappointment resulting from a broken relationship in one's private life;
• the problems which young people have in getting away from their parents;
• the desire for a new parent figure or role model;
• the fear of taking responsibility, which leads to the desire to concede this responsibility to a group;
• the need for deep, genuine meaning in one's own life;
• yearning for spiritual experiences which surpass the superficiality of reality;
• the desire for answers which are as perfect as possible to personal and social problems;
• the need for spiritual leadership and authority;
• disappointment in today's society, in its materialism and egoism;
• the fear of the future which prevents one from taking his life into his own hands;
• an interest in psychological questions and psychological solutions to problems;
• the desire to try out alternative life styles and alternative concepts of life and happiness;
• the interest in preparing oneself for a better future.

Each one of us can experience these desires, goals and yearnings. It is mainly in times of personal crises that they are most strongly expressed. When one is then confronted with a new offer of meaning which matches up with one's interests, then it is not surprising that the new offer draws attention.

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Methods and Practices

Naturally, this happens only on condition that one is not informed about the individual movement, or that one has only inadequate information. The extent to which a readiness to joining the group exists depends upon these factors. The worldview background of the individual or the affected group is also of decisive significance.

Practices and Concepts

The means by which the worldview background of a group expresses itself in practice, naturally, depends upon its current program and its translation into everyday life. Along with that, however, are practices and concepts which which consistently find their way into media reports and are cause for dispute with public institutions. The following areas are provided as examples:

THE VALUE OF LIFE
In individual cases, the value of life seems to be subject to use for [the purposes of] the current organization. The internal instructions of Scientology contain, among other things, the following passage: "He [i.e., the enemy] may be deprived of property and may be harmed in any way by Scientologists without being punished by Scientology. He may be lied to, deceived or destroyed." (HCO Policy Letter 18 Oct 1967).

This type of "Fair Game" policy led to public dispute. Therefore, use of the words "Fair Game" was cancelled in 1968: "The practice of declaring people Fair Game is cancelled. Fair Game may not appear on any Ethics Order. It causes bad public relations." (HCO Policy Letter, 21 Oct 1968).

The actual handling of "suppressive persons," however, was continued. According to a statement by the Hamburg State Office for Constitutional Security (1998), leading Scientology functionaries had admitted in court testimony that the "Fair Game Law" had never really been done away with. In the 1990's, several high-ranking American Scientology ex-members who themselves were victims of the "Fair Game Law" testified that this Scientology direction was still in force (see Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior [the editor] "Scientology - an Anti-constitutional Endeavor. Constitutional Security informs you" Munich, November 1997, pp. 22).

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Methods and Practices

Extremely problematic concepts as to the value of life have been shown by the (in part, forced) mass murders and suicides of Jim Jones' "Peoples Temple" sect (Jonestown, Guyana; 1978), David Koresh's "Davidians" (Waco, USA; 1993), the "Solar Templars" (Cheiry Salvan, Switzerland; 1994/95) or of "Heaven's Gate" (California, USA; 1997). The escalation of violence took on a new dimension in the terroristic attacks by the Aum Shinri Kyo in Tokyo, Japan. There, for the first time, thousands of completely innocent and uninvolved people were injured and several were even killed. Most other groups have rejected violence.

HEALTH AND ILLNESS
Some individual groups have a fundamentally different view of health and illness. Because of that, they have a predominantly critical assessment of traditional medicine. Although Austria has very stringent medical practice laws by international comparison, some groups offer alternative methods of treatment - without the appropriate medical training. These include special meditative practices ("Sahaja Yoga") and also some unique preparations for which there is no scientific evidence of effect ("Fiat Lux"). This kind of practice can be especially problematic when the effective treatment of minors is hindered or even prevented this way. For instance, the "Jehovah's Witnesses" do not support blood transfusions, and "Universal Life" is against organ transplants.

SEXUALITY and FAMILY
Some groups take extreme positions in the area of sexuality: specific groups demand sexual abstinence in marriage ("Fiat Lux," "Brahma Kumaris"), while others propagate the open expression of sexuality ("Center for experimental social formation"). In extreme cases this even leads to sexual abuse of children ("Children of God," "Aktionsanalytische Organization").

Some groups also have the practice of having the organization select marriage partners ("Unification movement") or at least making the appropriate recommendations ("Sahaja Yoga"). In the "Unification movement," Mun forms the couple into the "True Family," and is honored as representative of god on earth.

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Methods and Practices

Deep reaching familial conflicts often take place when only one family member turns to this type of group. If the "conversion" of the rest of the family does not succeed, then separation often occurs between spouses or between parents and children, as the case may be. Sometimes this break is recommended by an organization ("Scientology"); many times, the spouses' life together becomes nearly impossible because of the new situation.

CHILDREN and EDUCATION
The settings and practices of a "worldview group" can, naturally, also have consequences for the children of its members. The children can, subsequently, be placed under influence in a certain direction at the earliest possible age, and this may cause a problematic relationship with reality.

This condition can be particularly advanced if the group concerned also runs it own "schools." "Scientologists" teach according to the "technology" of L. Ron Hubbard ("Scientology"). Members of the "Hare Krishna" movement teach their children according to the principle of their organization.

Individual organizational members' children are also instructed in "home education" in Austria. In doing that, the students have to pass tests at the public schools once a year. If members' children attend a public school, experience shows that conflicts can arise: sometimes in the area of special clothing regulations for gym instruction ("Palmarians"), or if members of certain groups refuse to let "their" children participate in certain festivals or celebrations ("Jehovah's Witnesses").

The influence of this type of group seems to be extremely problematic when babies and small children are made to "meditate" for hours ("Holosophic Society") or could be put at risk in their development through one-sided support ("Fiat Lux").

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Methods and Practices

STATE and POLITICS
While, on one side, individual legal requirements are ignored - e.g., reporting obligations or visa rights ("The Family")-, on the other side state and society are rejected when members are advised not to participate in political elections (that is handled in different ways for the "Jehovah's Witnesses" in the states). Another way is the founding of a specific political party in order to exert influence on state and society ("Transcendental Meditation": "Nature's Law Party").

WORK and FINANCIAL COSTS
In the normal case, members of such movements are professionally active. Several organizations sponsor or even have certain direct or indirect influence on commercial operations ("Unification movement," "Scientology"). Sometimes the organizations work on the basis of their own contracts - often for a small recompensation ("Scientology"). Many groups try to get their money primarily from donations. Another practice is to obtain money through offering courses ("Scientology," "Landmark Education"), which often means four or five figure contributions from the participants in payment. The financial situation of this type of group can also be improved with gifts or inheritances. Some of their members are also kept to beg for the organization, but this is done under a different name. The "Unification movement" describes this as "Fund-raising." Practice shows, though, that some members in individual organizations do not work, but live from begging ("Hare Krishna" movement, "The Family").

TRANSPARENCY and IDENTIFIABILITY
Some groups more often appear under various descriptions (see the chapter "Brief Overview"). In that case, the real identity is very difficult to ascertain by outsiders. Other organizations have founded a network of sub-organizations which bear various names, but still have a close relationship to the mother organization. Beyond that, individual organizations have split into various branches which have different names. It is therefore often necessary to refer to Lexicons and look-up guides in order to find out what group one is really dealing with. What is important is that you get as much information as possible on the appropriate organization: information on the founder or the founding, the content of its beliefs, life practices, tendencies of development, self-understanding of the group or experiences of those involved and members give a comprehensive picture on which one can orient an evaluation of the current group.

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Methods and Practices

How Recruitment is done

In looking at the methods used by "worldview" groups to recruit new methods, a wide range of choices are in use. It has been recognized that these include some which can be very obtrusive. Different groups distribute material such as leaflets and magazines ("Scientology": "Freedom", "Universal Life": "The White Horse", "Unification movement": "Family Perspective") or try to establish contact with people who are interested by posters or inserts in newspapers. Along with those are mass mailings, and books, a personality test ("Scientology") or coupon books are offered - side by side with businesses which are neutral so far as worldview is concerned.

It is often not clear which groups stand behind these kind of shops - not to speak of the goals which they follow. It is exactly those organizations whose practices are the object of media attention which try to improve their image by various methods. One means of doing that is to let people know that people in public life are patrons of the present organization or have a connection with them ("Scientology," "Sri Chinmoy"). Other groups make their presence known through their own literary or musical offerings in ordinary book or CD stores. The worldwide computer network of the internet also has been offering numerous way stations for those seeking a meaning in life.

As in the business world, the most effective means of recruitment is personal contact. People who already know somebody (family member, friend, etc.) are the primary people whose interests are gradually aroused and who are recruited. It is obvious that the people involved in this situation are lacking in critical distance.

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Methods and Practices

How interested people and members can be tied together

Any group, no matter what their purpose or by which members, contains the potential to change its members: no group is without psychic effect. There is, however, no generally acknowledged measure of intensity, effect, or personal change in behavior which distinguishes the psychic procedures in a group and of its members as problematic or even "harmful." And it always makes a difference whether this type of effect is judged by a group member or if it is judged by someone outside the group. A decisive feature of groups is that they have at their disposal an ability to bind people together. Of course, how this connection is created is an entirely different matter. The mere presence of a connection is no more an indication of moral quality than it is of strength. Connections and processes inside a group, however, have complex relationships, still, they can be influenced using certain methods and under certain conditions. These conditions are also put to use by "worldview" groups. The following factors can play a role:

CREATING AN ELITE CONSCIOUSNESS
An important fact in group ties is, above anything else, the creation of an elite consciousness with the teachings of a group. These clearly codified and fixed teachings are to be taken to heart by each member of the group: one's own thoughts are to be completely concentrated on them. Tied with that is the assumption of a definite system of speech (definite terms, arguments, etc.). The teachings of a group have the function of a "recipe of salvation": they clear up and explain reality in its totality, thereby making one's own thought practically superfluous. Real-life information is then sorted into the categories of this information system.

The consequences: anyone who maintains the teachings and practices in this manner may feel like a "chosen one" - in contrast to the "unenlightened," "damned" or "not chosen." The group members see themselves as possessors of the pure or full "truth." This argument is then used to establish an air of superiority over non-members.

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Methods and Practices

INFLUENCE and ASSIMILATION
Media journalism uses the term "brainwashing" in connection with "sects," which refers to the training and indoctrination of members. To be sure, the term "brainwashing" describes a notoriously coercive method of influence such as that used in dictatorships on prisoners of war or opponents of the regime - and so it is out of place here.

NEW IDENTITY THROUGH PSYCHO-MANIPULATION
Individual groups use methods which have been described by experts as "psycho-manipulation." In the scope of psycho-manipulative measures, the following modification procedures, which have been overly simplified for the sake of presentation, can be brought to bear:

• Breaking Down: the people being recruited have their own (religious or worldview) system of reference and career orientation put into question and fragmented. In doing this, negatively suggestive elements and the creation or strengthening of anxieties play a role.
• Modification: The resulting vacuum is "filled" by new ways of thinking and behavior and by new emotions. Suggestively dramatized experiences and planned "coincidences" are often used to help modify personal self-understanding. Group psychological influence plays an important role in doing that: some people change themselves inside of the shortest time while building for themselves a new "identity."
• Fixation: The modification and the new orientation must subsequently be fastened down and stabilized. The goal is to introvert the member upon the new convictions and values so much that, even outside of the group, he will unwaveringly profess them, defend them and recruit for them.

Methods of Control

The (mini-) community plays an essential part in the learning and the fixation of the new identity. This community frequently appears very positively to the applicants, insofar as it is characterized by a genuine cooperation. In reality, however, most of these "communities" have been reduced to a strong social control.

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Methods and Practices

The following methods can be used for that purpose:

BEHAVIORAL CONTROL
Life norms are often strongly regulated. That includes rules for eating and dress ("Fiat Lux") or similar instructions for rituals or meditation ("Hare Krishna" movement). Restrictions on the person's individual operating space can be gradually increased by these methods. While thought and behavior which conform to the system is rewarded, "deviant" behavior can be punished ("Scientology"). Those who actively participate in their own punishment believe, for the most part, that they have earned this punishment at one time or another.

THOUGHT CONTROL
New members often uncritically and thoughtlessly adapt themselves to the speech and teaching system. Obedience to instructions from above is apparently an important part of the writings which it pays to learn: "... but if the guru is angry, nobody will save you" ("Swami Muktananda"), "Since Scientology now brings total freedom, it must also have the power and authority to demand total discipline; it will not survive otherwise." ("Scientology"). Although one's inner thoughts cannot be regulated by the leader, it is obvious, in the normal case, that the heart and mind will follow one's behavior.

CONTROL OF EMOTION
Producing feelings of fear and guilt are used in an attempt to bind the individual member to the group ("Unification movement"). Sensitive, idealistic people are especially susceptible to that. Since criticism is often interpreted as a lack of faith, the "guilty" person must perform amends (e.g., through still more work, meditation, study). In several groups, this is reinforced through "statistics reports" in which the individual must also document his daily misconduct in detail (e.g., the spiritual diary of the "Holosophic Society"). In this way, unspoken pressure is brought to bear to increase the "highest performance" in the organization's own sense. The result can be permanent exhaustion or a guilt complex.

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Methods and Practices

CONTROL OF INFORMATION AND AGENDA
When information opportunities are regulated, the potential for critical and willful behavior is somewhat radically restricted. The greater the access to the mass media ("Fiat Lux") or to education ("Children of God," presently "The Family") is reduced, the greater the bond to the teachings and practice of the current organization. One form of information control is the disclosure of teachings only one step at a time ("Scientology").

Portrayal of the Founder/Leader

Orientation to a person of leadership plays an important role in some sectarian groups. This image of the founder or leader is idealized with varying methods to obtain a strong emotional tie to the members. The following strategies can be used for that:

GLORIFICATION OF THE BIOGRAPHY
The life history of the founder or leaders, as the case may be, is "augmented" by impressive facts, while other, less impressive facts remain unmentioned ("Unification movement," "Scientology"). Details of the biography are selected so that the person appears in a "beautified" light. In addition to that, there are leaders who have themselves photographed with publicly recognized figures ("Sri Chinmoy"). That is supposed to give the impression that the celebrity is a supporter of the group, and its importance is supposed to be increased therefrom.

STYLIZATION AS SAVIOR
The life story of the founder or leader is depicted, in part, as parallel to a great figure or to a religious founder whose work is said to be surpassed or perfected by the current leader ("Unification movement").

POTENTIAL FOR IDENTIFICATION
The members of some groups are brought to believe in the constant presence of their respective leaders. This comes about through rituals, "devotional pictures" with the portrait of the master ("Sri Chinmoy," "Sahaja Yoga"), or oaths of loyalty or duty ("Unification movement").

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Methods and Practices

This is how a strong, emotional bond to the leader and the individual group member can be created and built upon.

What can fascinate people about these groups

It is clear that people who have joined a "worldview group" will see more of a deliverance in it than they will danger; that was the reason they joined the group in the first place. Nobody voluntarily enters an organization because he enjoys restrictions of his freedom and self-sufficiency. New members frequently detect an intensive feeling of happiness as a result of their decision to join. One feels as though, from now on, he is on the right path.

Various aspects of that can also be fascinating:

"ENDLESS DEVOTION"
For many people, the experience of intensive devotion is fascinating; in the jargon it is called "love-bombing." One is seemingly flooded with attention and devotion: a special experience for any person who has grieved over a lack of attention or devotion. Now they think that they have finally found everything they need. Now one can finally do without rationality and critical thought and entrust oneself entirely to the seemingly so friendly group.

"FINALLY BE NEEDED"
Organizations frequently suggest to interested applicants that they have precisely what was needed to fulfill an important function in changing the world. One is told that he can contributed to a better society by his involvement, maybe in a form of meditation or by spreading the group's ideas. The missionary activity which is often required from the members is carried out as a result of a sense of accomplishment or personal reappraisal. They have the feeling of finally being able to do something meaningful. Certain groups also make an attempt to "prove" to the person what an intelligent, worthwhile and creative person he is. This strategy can be particularly effective when the weak points of the person can be "discovered" using covert or pseudo-scientific methods.

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Methods and Practices

The person himself can often not immediately recognize that the "find" is very iffy and worded somewhat reservedly.

"HOME AT LAST"
"Worldview groups" often turn into "home" for their members. Separation from one's own environment and also from part of one's own culture is used to that end. Despite the pretense of community life, this can lead to personal isolation since relationships only really exist on the level of the worldview. Certain groups practice the custom of having their members "married" by the founder or leadership ("Unification movement," Sahaja Yoga"). Incomprehensible to people conscious of their freedom is the statement that, in doing this, the members think of their group as the true homeland which encompasses all areas of life.

"HEALTH AT LAST"

Various organizations currently offer specific concepts for the attainment of health, like, for instance, rules on what to eat. This kind of offer of treatment, however, can deviate considerably from classical medicine based on natural science ("Fiat Lux"). People who suffer from various health risks, think or are afraid that they are suffering or labor under various minor or serious maladies are often fascinated by this type of offer - and consequently become convinced of the honesty and validity of the group's worldview program ("Fiat Lux"). "Scientology," for example, asserts that it can prevent radiation from harming a body. To that end, a certain combination of athletic activity, vitamins, nutrition and sauna, known under the label, "Purification Rundown," is said to free the body from poisons and drugs, and lay the foundation for "long-term, spiritual gain in auditing." Most of the time, hope in the healing practices of the group displaces the need to look at the chance's of the method's success.

"COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE AT LAST"
Certain organizations state that they have higher knowledge as their disposal ("Fiat Lux," "Universal Life," "Unification movement"). This knowledge is regarded as having come from a higher world or power, and therefore cannot be criticized.

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Methods and Practices

Members of such communities therefore feel that they are superior to those around them.

Experience is of great importance, primarily in meditation groups. The offers of meditation is thereby suited to the western population insofar as initiation or even the experience of enlightenment follows a short introduction ("Sahaja Yoga"). While the experience of enlightenment in the eastern world religions presumes a long path, eastern movement missionaries in the West often offer a quickly attainable experience ("Instant enlightenment"). Unlike classical forms of meditation in the world religions, individual organization do not absolutely demand a high degree of self-control, while other groups, however, often promote a degree of relinquishment which goes far beyond that of the western day-to-day routine.

"SECURITY AT LAST"
People who are experiencing doubt and insecurity are fascinated with the security which some groups promise. Their reservations are met seemingly openly and directly, whereby the person addressed can rapidly view his mistrust as unfounded. As a consequence, he is happy to now be able to fully confide in this group and trust its goals. In addition to that, clear and visible life models are held to be a solution for one's own lack of orientation. Security, self-confidence, awareness of purpose and guaranteed success emanate from a group so that young people - and others besides - rapidly feel better. In doing that, members learn to differentiate between "inside" and "outside." Salvation, happiness and the future are at home in the group itself, so it is suggested, while "outside" lurk chaos, criminality, disaster, hate, materialism and "evil parents."

The group or the leader also takes over decisions for the individual ("Unification movement," "Fiat Lux"). The member is to be ready to be utilized to a high degree and to be victimized. To outsiders, the resulting obedience is often incomprehensible, while the person himself experiences this situation as positive and attractive: he quite surely is doing the right thing ("Unification movement").

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Methods and Practices

What forms of membership there are

Besides their own membership, "Worldview groups" also make use of sympathizers. The core groups of an organization and the members sometimes live together in a common residential communities. In several cases, common ownership also exists. In contrast, any person can be designated a sympathizer who forms a sort of circle of friends about the members. They often also become members.

Specific groups also try to recruit with people themselves who do not belong to the group; a better public image is to be attained by doing that. This effect is important primarily when these "friends and promoters" are regarded as celebrities in public life, such as artists or politicians.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

There are numerous "worldview groups" or "new religious" movements active in Austria. This large number of groups breaks down into a multitude of programmatic establishments and methods which, in turn, can then change or go off in new directions. Some of the methods and techniques used by some organizations are mentioned in the "Methods and Practices" chapter. Further descriptions are in this chapter.

The following section is oriented to worldview backgrounds of specific groups. It can be thought of as an aid in orientation and systematic division. Several groups could be classified, by content, into several areas, but here they are only mentioned once each time. No evaluation is made in this section or in the classification of the groups.

Please take into account that the following brief overview cannot cover the origin and content of each specific group all across Austria. It encompasses groups around whom public discussion has been and is being carried out in information and counselling centers. In case of doubt, please consult one of the information and counseling centers listed in the appendix.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

Guru Movements

Any of the various groups who are independent of each other yet follow a master ("guru") in the traditions of Hinduism, are described as guru movements. Important key words in this connection include: Yoga and Tantra, or the concepts of Kharma or reincarnation.

The guru is regarded as the embodiment of the highest consciousness and enjoys veneration similar to god. His testimony and dealings are, therefore, implicitly exempt from any criticism. Acceptance and obedience are demanded of followers.

BRAHMA KUMARIS
Founded in 1950 by a former Pakistani-born jeweler , Lekh Raj, this is one of the organizations whose teachings mix esoteric and hinduistic elements. It was followed in 1952 by the founding of the "Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University," which today has its center in Mount Abu, India. Lekh Raj is honored by his adherents as "Brahma Baba." After his death in 1969, women serve as the medium who forward his messages (called "murlis") from the great beyond. Humanity is alleged to stand before a new, perfect era. On one side, a cosmic, purifying fire is anticipated, on the other side peace campaigns are supported. Love is dismissed as "dependency," and in marriage, sexuality is avoided on grounds of impurity. The daily routine is strictly regulated. It encompasses meditation ("Raja Yoga") and readings. The breaking of familiar connections is not mandatory; nevertheless, the messages are the equivalent of shedding, as much as possible, worldly obligations, so that the main point of view can be devoted to spiritual progress and alignment with the "Brahma Baba." Acquisition is to be pursued only in the scope of securing that which is necessary for life. Meat and alcohol are characterized as "worldly burdens" and are therefore refused.

This organization also includes the "Raja Yoga Center," the "Global Co-Operation For A Better World" initiative, as well as the "Million Minutes of Peace" project.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

DIVINE LIGHT MISSION / ELAN VITAL
This organization was founded in 1960 by Shri Hans Maharaj in India. After his death, his youngest son, Prem Pal Singh Rabat took leadership as guru "Maharaj Ji" and went to the USA. He was relieved by his mother in 1975, who, together with the eldest son of the founder, took direction of the group in India. The western portion of the organization, however, remained under control of Rabat. In 1981, "Divine Light Mission" was dissolved and the "Divine United Organizations" was formed in its place. Successor organization "Elan Vital" arose in the 1980s. In its wake, though, the Indian branch has become active in the West - under the name "Spiritual Life Society."

"Divine Light Mission" is regarded as a neo-hinduistic guru movement. In its branch, "Elan Vital," Guru "Maharaj Ji" is the manifestation of the divine who leads his students to knowledge through his presence. It is alleged that the living master, not understanding, raises the students above all religions and enables, in this way, true understanding (includes understanding of the Bible). This is supported by spiritual techniques in which visual, audiovisual and olfactory perceptions are aroused through finger pressure and tongue placement. The repetition of the "Hamsa" and "Soham" mantras are also important in doing this.

DIVINE LIGHT CENTER
The founder of this organization was Indian Swami Omkarananda, who brought the "Divine Light Center" to life in 1966 in Winterthur, Switzerland - "for the purpose of cultural study, philosophical research and help for suffering humanity." Subsequently to that, Swami Omkarananda lived primarily in German language speaking areas. His teachings are typically hinduistic in that the guru is of central importance. One makes an effort towards harmonization of all religions and sciences into a "superreligion." Each person is to be promoted in his original belief. The guru veneration and the cult practice of the swami, however, is clearly hinduistic. The color blue is much worn and corresponds to the "Om" mantra; it is supposed to help one realize divine vibrations.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

ECKANKAR
This movement was founded in 1965 by American Paul Twitchell. He had spent his formative spiritual years with Indian gurus, especially Kirpal Singh, and with Scientology, but refers, for his "ancient knowledge," to a (fictitious) Tibetan master, Rebazar Tarzs, who he says named him as the 971st "ECK master.) The ECKists recite the syllable HU as the "word of God," practice soul and dream travel, astral projection, meditation on the "light and sound of God" and also on the name and picture of the "ECK master." Since 1981, Harold Klemp (spiritual name: "Wah Z") has led the group. Members can take various training courses and buy books and cassettes. By using the appropriate exercises, they are said to be able to make a direct connection with the power of life and experience their own divine self and the heavenly worlds. The Master administers Kharma to them, through this the disciples can steer their earthly fate from cosmic spheres, with the distance of a quasi-uninvolved observer. The goal is to realize one's own godliness in total freedom and awareness. Eckankar's headquarters is in Minneapolis, USA; Eckankar is also active in middle and east Europe in centers, study groups and initiators.

ISKCON (HARE KRISHNA MOVEMENT)
The "International Society for Krishna Consciousness" (ISKCON) was founded in 1966 by Indian Abhay Charan De, who was revered as "A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada." After his death in 1977, eleven disciples became his successor gurus. Reforms were introduced in the early 1990s which were meant to lead to an improvement of ISKCON's image in the German and Austrian publics. Misconduct by ISKCON was also admitted by the organization. Whether these reforms are meant to be a sheer campaign for ISKCON image improvement or are a serious effort to change behavior remains to be seen.

The "Hare Krishna Movement" perceives itself as a part of the Bhakti current of Hinduism. Love and acceptance of Krishna, who is adored as the central god, is especially important.

ISKCON would like to spread the wisdom of old India which is contained in the holy book Bhagavad-gita.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

A universal social concept is found in the "Hare Krishna Movement," namely the Varnashrama concept, which is meant to be introduced internationally under forms including that of the caste system.

Besides the monks ("Those dedicated to god"), who live according to strict regulations, there are an increasing number of married members who arranged their lives according to the teachings of the movement. The daily routine is definitively regulated in the centers - with prayer, reading of the holy scriptures and the distribution of literature for donations. Private schools ("gurukula") have been established in which children are to grow up "krishna-aware." This type of school also exists in Vienna. Besides that, adherents of the group also run restaurants (e.g., "Govinda Kulturtreff"). In the "Food for Life Program," approved vegetarian nourishment is distributed for free to the needy. "Car festivals" and "Pilgrim Processions" are conducted on occasion on public squares and streets.

HOLOSOPHIC SOCIETY
From the hinduistic reform movement "Radha Soami Satsang" and "Sant Mat" ("Teachings of the Saints"), which arose in the 19th century under the influence of Indian mystic Shiv Dayal Singh, various stages of development and other successor organizations have resulted:

• "Ruhani Satsang Society" under the master Sant Thaka Singh; also "Holosophic Society";
• "Sant Kirpal Yoga Sadhna Ashram," also "Forum for Universal Religion" under the master Soami Divyanand;
• "Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission" under master Sant Darshan Singh (died 1989). Succeeded by his son Rajinder Singh; also "Science of Spirituality":
• "Unity of Many" under Dr. Harbhajan Singh (died 1995); also "The Unit of People," "Sant Kirpal Singh."

Of the above, the "Holosophic Society" is especially well-known in western society. Its students are said to achieve the next highest sphere by venerating guru Thakar Singh so that the circle of reincarnation can be broken - the soul of the person is no longer trapped in the material world.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

The "Holosophic Society" puts on seminars and meditation events according to Thakar Singh's teachings. Even infants are supposed to meditate for several hours per day. Sexuality is to be relinquished, even in marriage. An attempt was made to establish kindergartens and schools to guarantee the "spiritual education" in the sense of the organization by the "Association for the advancement of the Lichtheim kindergarten and schools, Inc." After vehement public criticism this project was given up; spiritual training is possible at any time in the scope of private life and is left up to authorized trainers.

OSHO MOVEMENT
After an experience of alleged enlightenment in 1953, the Indian Rajneesh Chandra Mohan also began to assemble a following of students from the West in Poona in 1974. He was called "Bhagwan" (the Divine"). In 1981, Rajneesh moved to Oregon, USA and started construction of his own city ("Rajneeshpuram"). Deported from the USA in 1985, he traveled back to Poona in 1987, renounced the title of "Bhagwan" in 1988 and proclaimed himself a Buddha in 1989. Up to his death in 1990, he had people refer to him with the ancient Japanese form of address "Osho" ("honorable master"). In his last years the "Osho Movement" (formerly the "Bhagwan Movement") was led by a collective.

The teachings included elements of the Indian Tantra, of Buddhism and western psychotherapy. The guru held the central position, his person was and is the highest authority. The practices of the "Osho Movement" have changed several times. Today various forms of meditation, therapy and esoteric practices are used. It is also active in commercial establishments. The headquarters of the movement is Poona.

Many former students of Bhagwan and/or its variations found their own group as a consequence, like Michael Barnett, for example, and the "Energy World" or "Energy University."

SAHAJA YOGA
The form of the "Sahaja Yoga" which is distributed in Europe was taught by former medical student Nirmala Devi, born in 1923. In Austria, "Sahaja Yoga" has submitted an application to be a state registered religious denomination.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

Their application, however, was turned down in July 1998 by the Federal Ministry for Education and Cultural Affairs.

In "Sahaja Yoga," all religions and truths are supposed to be contained in the "Nirmala World Religion." Nirmala Devi is regarded as an authority who cannot be questioned and is venerated as "Shri Mataji" ("Divine Mother") and as the carnation of the Holy Spirit. In the practice, meditation before the picture of the "divine mother" and the mobilization of "chakren" (the body's energy centers) are significant. These practices are not only supposed to bring about the godliness in a student, but they are also supposed to be able to cure diseases. Particularly serious adherents send their pre-school children to a kindergarten run by the movement in the vicinity of Rome. A school of the movement is available in Dharamsala in India for children age 6 and up. In this "elite school," as this establishment is described by the organization, their subjects include Hindi, Sanskrit, Meditation and the Adoration of their divine Guru.

SAI BABA
Sathyanarayan Raju, born in 1926, had declared himself to be "Sai Baba" ("true divine father") by age 13. At 26 he founded an "Ashram" ("spiritual center") in Puttaparthi, south India. In 1976, he proclaimed the Sai religion as the "extract and essence of all religions" and became one of India's best-known gurus. He is supposed to have performed miracles, never to the point, however, of having been investigated by Bangalore University.

"Sai Baba" perceives himself to be the creator of the world, god turned into man, and had previously existed, according to what he says, in Krishna and Jesus Christ. Besides healing the sick, he is also said to have resurrected the dead and materialized flowers, golden rings and "holy ashes" out of the "void." Meditation and the study of the Veda, ancient religious scriptures of India, are on the members' program. This organization exists in Austria as the "Sathya Sai Philosophy Association."

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

SRI CHINMOY
The organization of Indian Chinmoy Kumar Ghose (born 1931) has been active in German-speaking areas in "Peace Conferences" and "World Peace Races" since the early 1980s. Since 1970, "Sri Chinmoy has also offered meditation in the United Nations building in New York, which, to be sure, has no official character. With this as a background, the movement advertises with photographs of their guru which show him with important personalities (UN General Secretary, politicians, etc). According to the teachings of "Sri Chinmoy" every person should recognize and realize the divinity in self. The guru views himself as a god generator - as "supreme." His adherents' ties to him are strong (daily meditation in front of his picture, special Indian clothing, etc.)

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION (TM)
Transcendental Meditation (TM) or "Science of Creative Intelligence" was developed by Indian born (1918) Mahesh Prasad Varma, who is venerated by his adherents as "Maharishi Mahesh Yogi" ("Maharishi" means "great prophet"; "Yogi" is a title whereby he places his teachings in the meditation technique in the tradition of Yoga). The founding of the "Maharishi International University" in 1971 was followed in 1975 by the "Maharishi European Research University." TM is regarded as a "simple, natural technique which enables the full development of human consciousness and a life in harmony with the totality of natural law."

In the early 1970s Maharishi Mahesh issued the "Maharishi Effect" proclamation: if 1% of the world's population would practice "Transcendental Meditation," many problems of the world like criminality, unemployment, environmental pollution, military conflicts, etc., would solve themselves. In 1976, the guru established the "World Government of the Era of Enlightenment": in a major advertising campaign he offered to solve the economic and political problems of all world governments.

That was followed by a "World Association for Ayurveda Medicine" ("Maharishi Ayurveda" today) and a "World Plan for Perfect Health" in 1986. So-called ayurvedic treatments were administered by the group in their own centers (e.g., "Maharish Ayur-Veda Health Centers").

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

The movement is trying to transmute its program to a political level in the "Natural Law Party," which is active is several countries. The "Austrian Natural Law Party" ("OeNGP") also campaigned in the last National Assembly elections in Austria in 1995.

"TM" does indeed have a hinduistic background, but is offered in the West as a neutral, scientific method. It is supposed to be learned easily and not only bring about relief of stress and nervousness and remove psychosomatic illnesses and insomnia, but also bring about "creative intelligence." By taking more courses, even the aging process is supposed to be turned around, and one is supposed to be able to gain paranormal abilities (yogic flying, preliminary stages of invisibility). Practices such as the special hopping technique ("levitation") of the "Siddhis" (advanced TM adherents) is supposed to demonstrate that one can "use the almighty power of nature as he sees fit."

By the 1980s, the German federal government was warning that "TM" "can lead to psychic injury or to a personal break-down in unstable people."

Psycho-groups

These groups offer the positive modification of life - with methods which affect the psyche but are not in accordance with the standards of scientific psychology and psychotherapy. The difference from other groups is that in psychogroups the people have to use the current psycho-techniques to modify their own personalities. Results are obtained in individual groups in varying degree.

LANDMARK EDUCATION
In 1971, an organization designated as "Erhard Seminar Training" (est) was brought to life by U.S. American Jack Rosenberg, who named himself after Werner Heisenberg and Ludwig Erhard - "Werner Erhard." In 1981, the organization was revamped and, according to what it said in 1985, it developed a "... completely new program which used a couple of ideas from est training but went far beyond that": "The Forum."

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

Rosenberg sold the rights to his seminar training to staff who founded the "Landmark Education" organization.

The seminars which used Jack Rosenberg's methods lasted 60 hours and most were held within a three day period. The course participants had to first sign that they knew that they would be subject to extreme psychic inconvenience during the course. Besides that the procedures used in the seminar had to be kept secret. A "Landmark Education" seminar allegedly aims for a "breakthrough" in which the participant newly understands his life and can manage his future independent of his past.

SCIENTOLOGY
In 1950, former science fiction author Lafayette Ronald Hubbard wrote the book, "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. The Handbook of Dianetic Procedure." The "Church of Scientology" ("Scientology" can be translated into the "study of knowledge") was founded in California in 1954.

In 1959, Hubbard bought an English castle (Saint Hill Manor) which served as his headquarters. From 1967, the organization was led from a private fleet of ships, in 1975 the new Scientology headquarters was founded in Clearwater, USA ("Flag Land Base"). In the early 1980s, the "Religious Technology Center" assumed all rights and licenses. Hubbard's death was made known in 1986.

In 1996, the Greek "Center for Applied Philosophy," an association whose goal, according to its charter, was to spread the philosophic principle of Dianetics and Scientology, was dissolved by the Athens state court. In summer 1997, the German Interior Ministers Conference decided to have the Scientology organization put under surveillance by German Constitutional Security.

In its initial stages, Scientology presents itself as a provider of personality modification. The teachings state that the person can be relieved of numerous troubles from his past lives, which have caused him to forget his original state as "Thetan" (spirit being) - thereby enslaving him.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

He is supposed to achieve total freedom again with the Dianetic processes. The negative impression from past lives and the "reactive mind" are supposed to be found and deleted by "auditing" (a directed method of interrogation) with an "e-meter," a device which measures electrical resistance of the skin. One can become "clear" through participating in an altogether very money-intensive system of courses, which includes additional purchases of books and cassettes. Recruitment is often done with a free personality test. A "purification rundown" is also offered which requires consumption of privately prepared vitamins and frequent sauna sessions. These methods are supposed to ensure, among other things, that one survives an atomic war.

From Scientology itself, the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard are applied in organizations and projects which include the following:

"Scientology Church"
(Courses, seminars, "auditing," books, videos, etc. are offered in Scientology organizations, Scientology missions, Dianetics centers, Celebrity Centers, etc.)

"ABLE - Association for Better Living and Education"
(Branch of Scientology which is subdivided into the following four organizations:)

• Narconon (drug rehabilitation)
• Criminon (rehabilitation of criminals)
• Applied Scholastics (Education: in Vienna, e.g., "Kreativ College" gives instruction in accordance with L. Ron Hubbard's study technology.)
• "The Way to Happiness" foundation (improvement of general morals)

• "WISE - World Institute of Scientology Enterprises"
  (worldwide association of Scientology companies with the goal of converting business to Hubbard's technology. The main fields of operation are: personnel and management training, EDP areas and real estate.)

Miscellaneous

• "Kommission fuer Verstoesse der Psychiatrie gegen Menschenrechte - KVPM"
• Citizens Commission on Human Rights - CCHR)

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

• International Association of Scientologists - IAS
• New Era Publications (publishing house)
• "Freedom" (Scientology magazine

"ZENTRUM FUER EXPERIMENTELLE GESELLSHAFTSGESTALTUNG" (ZEGG)
[Center for experimental social form]
This organization came into being in 1991 as part of the "MEIGA" project ("Experiment for a human earth") in connection with the "Sexpeace movement" in Germany. Its goal is to attain the original "human idea of socialism" through association with the principle of "free love." This representation of "free love" also includes the idea that AIDS and cancer are special cases of general sexual distress. Therefore AIDS, according to ZEGG, is able to be naturally cured. ZEGG's structure of ideas also includes doomsday concepts and universal promises of salvation from the group. The group shares their common experiences. Diseases are interpreted as a manifestation of false awareness. Among other things, ZEGG has established a summer university and holds various seminars and youth projects.

Experts have pointed out parallels to the central themes of Otto Muehl's "Action Analysis Operation" (AAO) (Muehl and other management personnel were sentenced to years in prison in 1991 on charges which included sexual abuse of minors within the AAO). ZEGG cofounder Dieter Duhm described Muehl's organization in 1977 as "the most developed socialist model of life" that he knew. In 1992, however, ZEGG made a statement that the "only connection between the two projects" occurred in 1978 when Dieter Duhm "visited the AAO in the scope of his social research and expressed his opinion" in 1978.

Various projects, initiatives and concepts have spun off ZEGG, such as the "Aktion Perestroika e.V.," the "Undersky" youth project, the "Experiment for a human earth," "Sexpeace," the "Transformatorische Bordell," and the "Erotische Akademie."

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

New Revelation Movements

Groups are described as such [new revelation movements] if their statements are made through a medium who is said to have a direct connection to God or Jesus Christ. These "media" describe themselves as prophets or as "God's mouthpiece." God or Jesus Christ, according to the various teachings, intends to use these channels to correct allegedly false meanings in the Bible and to make that known to his people in modern times.

FIAT LUX
Starting in 1970, Swiss Erika Bertschinger declared herself a "spiritual healer" and, from 1975, stated that she was receiving messages from Jesus and Mary. Since that time she has called herself "Uriella." Different people paid attention to Erika Bertschinger, among them a Catholic priest, Kurt Warter, who later married her. In 1980, the loose gathering of her sympathizers turned into a fixed association, which was founded as "Orden Fiat Lux" (latin: "Let there be light").

In any case, "Fiat Lux's" teachings include impending world ruination, and a more highly developed human - primarily members of the organization - who, thanks to rescue by the UFOs can escape to a different frequency level. These people, after the catastrophe, could presumably travel back to earth.

Natural healing preparations (homeopathic, spagyric and esoteric products) are highly valued and sold; they include "astro-drops" and "ether-ampules." "Athrum water," which has been completely sterilized by Mrs. Bertschinger and has been charged in a bath tub with "Athrum" healing rays, is also distributed. Besides that, she and her staff also perform personal spiritual healing for those who want to be cured of AIDS, drug addiction and radiation injuries. "Fiat Lux" avoids alcohol, nicotine and meat, and also articles of clothing which are not white, or at least very light-colored.

In addition, "Adsum" Relief Work and "Adsum Dolls Vertriebs Ges.mb.H." were founded, which distribute dolls for children. After the death of her husband, Kurt Warter, (1988), Mrs. Bertschinger is today married to Eberhard Eicke.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

Eicke calls himself "Icordo" and thinks of himself as the reincarnation of Johann Strauss.

In 1998, Mrs. Bertschinger was sentenced in Germany for tax evasion and attempted tax evasion to one year ten months imprisonment suspended (Decision of the Mannheim State Court, file number (25) 6 Kls 616 Js 4/ 95, effective 30 Dec 1998).

"UNIVERSELLES LEBEN" [UNIVERSAL LIFE]
Gabriele Wittek began her public work in 1977 with a community she called "Heimholungswerk Jesu Christi." "Universal Life" (UL) arose in 1984. In 1987, adherents of "Universal Life" in Wuerzburg consolidated the "First Christian Community in Universal Life" and the "New Jerusalem Community." A "community system" was put in effect for this community and all the others which were later formed in German cities that year. In 1989, it was said that an alliance was made between God and "Universal Life," and the communities were renamed "League of New Jerusalem Communities." The members of the "league of communities" were supposed to live together and regulate events of "Universal Life." Among other establishments formed were kindergartens, a grade school, a nature clinic and a home for seniors. A strong economic expansion has been observed in the past few years. The center is located in the Wuerzburg area. Jesus Christ and the "spirit presence of Emmanuel," according to Mrs. Wittek, make the true teachings known through her. People are said to be fallen spiritual beings which bear "sparks of salvation" and have to continue to develop these in many reincarnations. Since they cannot do it alone, the teachings of "Universal Life" are to be followed; these include walking a seven-staged "inner path" which allegedly leads the students into heaven as pure spiritual beings. Other people, according to the teachings, will die in a catastrophe which is to soon take place. The group's training concept for children is published by the "Liobani spirit being." "Universal Life" has its own teachers and training force for private child care centers. Children are not supposed to be tied to their parents, but grow up in the community of "Universal Life" from the very start. By doing that the parent-child relationship allegedly becomes "intimate." The organization is critical of traditional medical training

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

and it propagates its own published plan for health. According to the teachings, organ transplants are really not acceptable. Disease and tragic turns of fate are said to result from one's own kharma and to be alleviated by using the teachings of "Universal Life." "Universal Life" in Austria also makes its presence know by distributing magazines (e.g., "The White Horse," formerly "Christ State").

Groups with Christian Characteristics

Ever since "New Testament" times, there have always been people or groups who, through the centuries, have tried to present the "Evangelism" "differently" or "better," or just mix it with their own findings. There are also groups today which clearly differentiate themselves from the recognized ecumenistic-oriented Christian churches and their teachings and practices. Each of these groups has their own specific practices; what is common among them though is that each one associates "healing" and "salvation" exclusively with itself. The "Bible" can be placed in conjunction with other "holy scriptures" or it can be augmented, changed or re-interpreted by other "sources of revelation."

THE FAMILY
David Berg founded this group in 1968, which was known by the name "Children of God." He was subsequently called "Moses David" or "Mo" by his adherents. Because the group was increasingly criticized for excessive sexual liberties, in 1978 Berg gave the order to dissolve the members' communes and to go underground (they moved to India, among other places). Recruitment of new members included the sexual missionary method called "flirty fishing." In 1987, this method was officially cancelled. Since 1988, the movement has been increasingly active in Europe. In 1992, they changed their name to "The Family." The style of the scriptures and the teachings also took an obvious turn in the direction of a evangelical resurrection movement. There is disagreement as to how far that change has actually taken effect in practice. In any case, according to the group's teachings, the world is on the brink of ruin. The only people who can allegedly be saved are those who radically reject the world, the state, society and family and join "The Family."

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

The members live from donations and from the sale of booklets and cassettes. There is strict control inside the group; there have been incidents of sexual practice with children and infants reported in the past.

The movement's labels include: "The Family," "Children of God," "Family of Love," "World Missions," "Family Service, "Family Care / International Educational Services," "World Educational Services International" and "21st Century International Schools." According to experts' estimates, more than half of the members are children.

UNIFICATION MOVEMENT
The "Moon movement" was brought to life by Sun Myung Moon (original name: Yong Myong Mun). According to its own literature, in 1936 he was assigned by Jesus to end the failed mission on the cross by forming the "true family." In 1954, he founded the "Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity," or the "Unification movement." Moon believed that communism was the satanic archenemy which was to be combatted. In 1960 he married Hak Ja Han. He and his wife became the "True Parents" and their community became the "True Family." Shortly after his own marriage, Moon staged the ritual of the "Blessings"; in the first, three couples were "married." The greatest event so far took place in 1997, when 3.6 million couples were blessed by Moon and his wife, but of which only a small portion were members of the Unification movement.

Since 1990, the movement has increased its efforts to unite world religions, especially with the "Women's Federation for World Peace" with Moon's wife. In 1992, Moon stated publicly for the first time that he was the messiah. That was followed in 1996 by the founding of the "Family Federation for World Peace."

The teachings are syncretic and contain elements from various faiths. The "Unification movement" takes the view that humanity was ruined by evil in the fall of mankind (Eve's unification with Satan). The teachings state that, through the "True Parents," humanity now has the opportunity for "blood purification," which is performed two at a time in mass adoptions ("Blessings").

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

Some of the unmarried members live together in communes, try to recruit new members and collect money. Marriage partners are almost always selected for the members and joined in "mass weddings." Moon and his wife both enjoy divine adoration by the Unification Movement.

A multitude of organizations back the "Moon movement," such as the "Austria Forum," the Artists' Association International (AAI), the "World Media Association" and the "Religious Youth Service" (RYS). In the missionary areas are mainly the "College Association for the Research of Principles" (CARP), the "Mobile Fundraising Team" (MFT), the "International One World Crusade" (IOWC) and the "International Seminar on the Unification Movement" (ISUM) (you can obtain detailed information at the information and counselling centers which are listed in the appendix.)

In addition, the Unification Movement publishes several magazines, e.g., "The Family," "Family Perspectives," and "Forum Religion and World Formation." The Moon movement also includes companies which are engaged in various fields.

JEHOVA'S WITNESSES
The story of how this organization came about goes back to the last century, and is distinguished by the several times a date was established or re-established for the end of the world or the return of Christ. In 1870 Charles Taze Russell joined an Adventist splinter group which anticipated the return of Christ in 1874. After that did not turn out, Russell reset the date to 1914, then 1916 and finally to 1918. It was finally stated that the calculation for 1914 would have been right, but the method of the return had been invisible. "The Watchtower" magazine was founded by 1874. His successor, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, set the date for the end of the world's social system at 1925. In 1931 he gave his community the name "Jehovah's Witnesses." The membership grew by leaps and bounds until the 1970s, when it temporarily decreased after the next date which had been fixed for the end of the world by Rutherford's successor, Nathan Homer Knorr, did not turn out either. The Jehovah's Witnesses invoke the Bible, but their edition of the Bible ("New World Translation"), as do their teachings, deviate from the ecumenistically oriented churches.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

Jesus Christ is regarded as the first-made son of God and as the Archangel Michael made man, and is said to have begun a war against Satan and his demons in 1914. He is said to have erected a throne in heaven from where he directs the people of God (the "Jehovah's Witnesses") through his visible representatives (managing corporation of the Watchtower Society). In the battle of Armageddon, which is considered imminent, it is believed that Christ will destroy all nations in this world. The rescued "Jehovah's Witnesses" will then live in a Paradise established on earth.

Food which could contain animal blood (e.g., blood sausage) is viewed with as much reprehension as are blood transfusions - even when these are necessary to save a human life.

Disapproval is also expressed for participation in other worldly things such as the celebration of birthdays or even taking part in festivals which originate from the traditions of other religions (e.g., Christmas, Easter). Membership in political organizations is discouraged. The practice of the right to vote is handled differently according to the country. While service in the military is rejected, the decision to enter the civil service has recently been left up to the conscience of the individual Witnesses.

Ministerial services (including "house to house service") is regarded as the highest expression of love of neighbor. In doing that, the "Watchtower" and "Wake Up!" magazines are given out.

The "Jehovah's Witnesses" are accepted as one of the state registered religions in 1998 (see the chapter on "Background and legal situation").

Miscellaneous Groups

Several groups here are of the "transient" type which have insufficient contextual direction to make a firm classification possible. They include groups which borrow their teachings from a mixture of theology, philosophy and specific social content. Groups which claim exclusive world improvement

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

do not necessarily have explicit religious backgrounds. The "claim to salvation" of this type of movement refers to the attainment of a better society which could be made possible by implementing the groups' specific goals. The following organizations are named as examples:

EUROPEAN WORKERS PARTY /
CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT SOLIDARITY
This group's background was formed from the rightwing extremist US Labour Party, which was founded by former Troskyite Lyndon LaRouche. In 1974, his wife, the German Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founded the "European Workers Party" in the Federal Republic of Germany from which the "Buergerrechtsbewegung Solidaritaet" ("BueSo") arose in 1992.

The "European Workers Party / Civil Rights Movement Solidarity" does not have a religious background, but pursues political world improvement strategies. LaRouche's image of people is characterized by the person supposedly having the ability "to detect the legal system of the universe and to make the world more and more subject [to his will]." From that arises an extremist belief of science and advancement. Those whom this movement regards as its opposition (e.g., Bank of England, Club of Rome, and also individual persons) are drastically set apart and are supposed to be part of a worldwide conspiracy which has been going on down through the ages against life, growth, science and progress. The security service of this movement was employed as "The Labour Organizers Defense Fund."

Some groups which have been classified as part of the "European Workers Party / Civil Rights Movement Solidarity" include the "Anti-Drug Coalition, Inc.," the "Club of Life," the "Cusarus City" organization, the "Patriots for Germany," and the "Schiller Institute Association for State Art."

THE SOCIETY / HUMANISTIC PARTY / THE MOVEMENT
The "Society for Equality and Development of Man" was founded in 1969 by Argentinian Mario Luis Rodriguez Coboz, who appeared under the pseudonym of "Silo." In the early 1970s the group was renamed to the "Religious Society" and in 1978, "The Society." That was followed in 1984 by the founding of the "Humanistic Party" which represented the political branch of the group as an alternative to the Green Party.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

The "Center for Neighborhood and Communication" was also brought into being so that local political matters could be handled. The teachings of the organization ("Siloism") see the real meaning of life in the affirmation of transcendence. Only then can a person reconcile himself - and then suffering will disappear. "The Movement" was organized according to a strict hierarchy, each member had a precisely defined degree. Small teams which were led by "orienters" were to promote the image in the "Humanistic Movement." Besides meetings and courses, the members practice relaxation exercises and rituals to be able to make contact with their "inner leader." This "inner leader" is supposed to render assistance in the mastering of daily life.

NEW ACROPOLIS
Argentinian Jorge Angel Livraga founded the "New Acropolis" international organization in 1957 in Buenos Aires. The organization views itself as the guardian of all esoteric knowledge and is classified by experts as theosophy. By travelling back into the spiritual inside world of the person, a new state theory is supposed to be constructed in which the state enables life decisions for its citizens. Spiritual exercises are supposed to liberate the students and form them into "new people." The "New Acropolis" arranges presentations on esoteric knowledge of past civilizations. Inside the movement is a strict system of leadership with its own security service and a code of silence.

SOKA GAKKAI
The Buddhist lay movement, "Soka Gakkai," which originated in Japan, was founded in 1930 by teacher Makiguchi Tsunesaburo after he joined the school of the Buddhist monk Nichiren Daisonin (1222-1282). The organization proselytized heavily in the 1950s and 60s and today it claims it has about 12 million members worldwide. Its central idea is veneration of "Gohonzon," one of the mantras presented calligraphically on a wooden tablet. Every member has a likeness of it. The "Gongyo" (constant exercise) ceremony is carried out daily in front of the "Gohonzon" while the two chapters of the "Lotos Sutra" (one of the teachings of Buddha's Shakyamuni) and the "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo" mantra (title line of the Lotos Sutra) are recited out loud.

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Brief Overview of Organizations Active in Austria

The recitation of the mantras is called "chanting" and - according to the needs of the faithful - are practiced up to several hours a day.

After the founding of its own political party in Japan in 1964, the organization won considerable political influence there with its president, Daisaku Ikeda. It is reported that the party reacts independently in organizational and financial respects, from which it has obtained good mutual contacts. After one stage of rigid organizational work, Soka Gakkai seems to have recently started a dialogue on cultural work with Buddhism and other religions in Europe. It cannot yet be predicted how far this tendency to be open has gone in all locations worldwide.

In addition there are still a series of movements which operate on the principles of a widely diverse group of currents which cannot be covered here because of restrictions in space. In case of doubt, please make inquiries at one of the information and counselling centers listed in the appendix.

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Effects and Consequences

Possible Consequences
for Individuals and Society

On the basis of findings to date, conflicts for the individual as well as for all of society can appear depending on the contextual alignment and the intensity of the ties with the group. Therefore the following overview summarizes the potential conflicts which could appear as a result of the methods described in the second section - but naturally would not have to appear in every case.

Possible Conflict for Individuals

• restriction of personal area of operation
• psychic retreat into childhood stages of development
• loss of a realistic ability to judge or criticize
• loss of finances needed to live and loss of values of ownership
• loss of ties and responsibilities to family and friends
• loss of friends outside the organization
• dependence upon "religious model experiences"
• alterations of emotional perception ("always" being happy)
• agonizing feelings of fear, guilt and shame
• neglect or prohibition of objective treatment of diseases
• exhaustion due to overwhelming activities

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Effects and Consequences

• able to be blackmailed because of group's knowledge of intimate biographical details
• loss of individual personality in favor of a strange or "unit" personality

Possible Conflicts with Society

• following group-egotistical, profit-oriented or totalitarian-assimilative goals by invoking freedom of religion
• restriction of democratic freedom of decision and freedom of operation
• life in a radical world counter to existing society whereby any belief representing the necessary social attitudes can be associated with a falling out
• omission of solid career training which result in the following:
• a shortage or lack of social security (social security payments or retirement plans are often missing)
• burden upon society's social network by expulsion from or abandonment by the organization (in case of illness or loss of ability to work or integrate)
• imposition of disadvantages upon children who grow up in this type of group isolated, uneducated, disintegrated or even abused.

It goes without saying that all problems do not apply to all members of any "sect"; the deciding factor is whether and which of the methods described in the second section are being utilized. The existence of several of these factors can harm or have a negative influence upon the life of a person and his social environment.

The Special Case of Young People

It must be mentioned up front that young people are not the target group of most "sects." But if young people are affected by the theme of "sects," then this adds a special dimension.

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Effects and Consequences

The potential for influence and behavioral modification by this type of organization is greater for people who are growing up than it is for adults, who have a more or less fixed concept of life. Therefore the consequences of membership can be all the more serious. Findings by psychologists specializing in adolescence have shown that young people are upset not only in regards to the physical, but also to their intellectual constitution. The extreme feelings of not being able to perform often are counterbalanced with an overpowering feeling of self-worth. This is an attitude which can described in everyday speech as "not knowing whether to laugh or cry." In social areas, according to youth psychologists, adolescents have insecurities about moral judgments, the ability to react carefully and sensibly and about rating the implications of behavior. Young people cannot always be expected to maintain a critical distance to new ideas.

Which Problems are being "solved"

In the search for their own personality, young people try to seek out not only models and images of leadership, but also try to motivate themselves with ideals and ideologies.

Part of growing up, of course, also includes personal crises which could produce a personal identity or a partnership through conflicts with authorities (e.g., parents).

A noticeable inner tension, the experience of helplessness and inability and the experience of threat and danger from outside are the results. A "vulnerability" which can be exploited by "sects" and similar organizations exists in any one of this type of life situation for young people. The desired self-sufficiency is supposedly made possible, detachment from parents is promoted, and the feeling of self-worth is seemingly increased: instead of one's own family, the person concerned gets a "pseudo-family." The isolation from one's familiar environment is suggestive of self-sufficiency and the presumed discovery of an identity in the new worldview gives one the feeling of "finally having made it." This can be "reinforced" by certain factors, such as receiving "responsible" assignments or positions.

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Effects and Consequences

Also certain rituals which concern private life, such as extreme rules about chastity or the total exclusion of sexuality could present an attractive offer for the young adult in this phase of life.

Not until after a period of time can recruits be aware that the degree to which these things are done are not what was intended. But by that time they are often not in the position to extricate themselves from the situation.

Which youth are especially at risk

According to findings by youth psychologists, the following young people are especially at risk:

• young people who have conflicts with authority, problems with work, school or partnership;
• young people who suffer from anxieties, stress, depression or psychosomatic illness;
• young people who are affected by personality development disorders which combine eccentricity and the joy of youthful experimentation under the concepts of shortage or excess.

Why recognition is most important

From the perspective of psychotherapy, conditions which inspire confidence must be met to help those who want to break their dependency on a "sect." For the young people concerned, the feeling of being accepted is most important. Therefore reproaches and criticism are not called for. If the young person is to be put in the clear concerning the reality of his dependency or situation, then security and support are most important - and not personal recriminations. Above anything else, personal "I" and "we" experiences have to be constructed in a new social community in order to enable a feeling of belonging outside the organization.

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Effects and Consequences

The young people affected have to be encouraged toward a new life style and a new community and to break their dependency.

That does not put demands just on professional psychologists, but also on parents and relatives. It is not a matter of saving young people from certain ideological purposes, but to teach them to be able to ask about ideas and ideologies for themselves. In the long term, that is the best protection against manipulative influence.

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What to do?

What to do?

What is important in judging a group

What to do when one comes into contact with a group but is not sure how to evaluate it? In this case you should carefully review what the group preaches before you make a move toward becoming a member. The following check list will help you in doing that:

• Is the world on a collision course with catastrophe and only this group knows how we can save it?
• Does the group have a patent recipe for solving all problems? Are the teachings of this group described as any kind of science?
• Is the worldview of the group perplexingly simple and does it seemingly explain any problem?
• Is there a strong dependency of the members on a "charismatic" leadership figure (master / guru / father / mother) or upon hierarchy which rules authoritatively which cannot be more closely defined from below?
• Does thinking occur solely in "black-white" categories?
• Is established science or any rational thought rejected?
• Is little or no criticism permitted in the community?
• Are questions dodged or are the answers postponed to a later time?
• Are books and newspaper reports rejected or at least ignored by the group concerned? Is criticism and rejection from outsiders regarded as proof that the group is right?
• Is there a lack of openness or lack of transparency in regards to financial demands made on the members?
• Is an attempt being made at isolation or dependency in scheduling daily meetings or using certain books or films or by forbidding contact with friends or relatives?

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Effects and Consequences

• Are members put under pressure to reveal intimate details of their lives?
• Do potential applicants get hints of a kind of "secret teaching"?
• Are there frequent conflicts in the group's environment, such as personnel conflicts between present and former members? Are there legal conflicts with official agencies and other public establishments?
• Does the highest goal consist of doing yet more work for this community?
• Is there noticeable pressure to recruit members as quickly as possible?

Important: naturally, one group will not meet all these criteria. Caution is advised when several of these questions must be answered in the affirmative.

What to do when others are affected?

In case a person in your environment is obviously in the area of a "sect's" influence, you should react quickly and carefully. You will read the legal alternatives in the next section. How you behave in your personal contact with the person concerned (with their children, spouse, a relative or friend) is also extremely important. Heed the following advice:

• Do not reproach yourself in any way! Self-reproach is preprogrammed, especially when dealing with your own child or spouse. If you want to constantly beat yourself over the head about something wrong you have done, that will not help anyone. On the contrary, that only weakens your own position because you will always be waiting on the words from the person affected which will save you from your own self-accusations. Experts describe this situation as "co-dependency." The fact of the matter is that the relationship to the person affected is at highest risk: loss, separation or divorce - you have to be completely aware of these consequences. Even if that may sound "brutal": do not let the person concerned turn into the sole content of your life. Get your own life in order. That is the important basis for personal strength. Only then will you be able to sensibly help the person in question.

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What to do?

• Your affection is important! Even if you disapproved of the group which the person belongs to: show the person that you will not stop loving or giving them affection. Make sure that contact is not broken. Make your personal relationship the topic of conversations and not their current organization. If the involved person is your child and is underage, you should quickly and consistently make use of your parental rights: you could also seek assistance from the police if the group concerned does not stop recruitment or persecution, as the case may be.
• Do not ever give up on the person! The love, affection and trust which you give your child or a spouse have made an impression upon this person. In the long-term, this cannot be erased by refined techniques.
• State your position! In speaking with the person, you should always present your standpoint. He who fears that a "straight front" will break the last connection is mistaken. Wishy-washy agreement will not help anybody. Maintain your ability to engage in dialogue, and state your opinion clearly and honestly. In doing that, however, avoid reproach ("If only you would have ..."). Let the person tell you what is happening. Perhaps that will also be the important opportunity he has to reflect on his own behavior. He will not have time or opportunity to do that in his group.
• Never use forceful methods! Avoid measures which use force to get the person out of the influence of the "sect" (e.g., "deprogramming"). Those are not only criminal, but extremely dangerous. The person has not noticed how he has come to be under the influence of the group nor how he has successively been shedding his own personality. The person's individuality which is already at extreme risk could be entirely destroyed by deprogramming.
• After he departs the group, you should still - insofar as the person has been seriously destabilized - seek cooperation from experienced psychologists who can work together with the person on healing his mental wounds. Avoid any kind of pressure in the event that their efforts are not successful: the stronger the pressure from them, the stronger will be the resistance of the person in question.

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Effects and Consequences

• Careful with your gifts! Give the person neither money nor valuables. Often these types of presents do not end up in their own hands, but in those of the group.
• Collect information. Take the trouble to get as much information as possible about the group (newspapers, books, also see literature tips in the appendix to this booklet). You should absolutely take a look at the information which is offered in the counselling centers. This information will help you in your assessment of the situation and in any type of conversation with the person affected. It would also be important and helpful if you would go to a meeting of the group. In doing so, do not rely solely on their wealth of evaluations, but also include factually based data.
• Document everything! Document all events and dates concerning the person in the group (first contact, advertisement, moves, etc.). Also write down all names, addresses and telephone numbers having to do with the activities of the person in the group. This could provide important help in agency and court activities.
• Get counselling! In Austria, there are numerous counselling establishments available. There you can get free counselling anonymously, find out what to do and what alternatives you have. Expect actual tips and information, not miracles. Naturally, you can also join a self-help group. You are not alone with your problems. You will find addresses and telephone numbers of counselling establishments in the appendix of this booklet.

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What to do?

What to recommend to interested people

If people in your vicinity announce an interest in joining an organization, be sure and share the following advice with them:

• Money put into the group will not be easily refunded;
• One signature is all it takes to obligate oneself;
• Always keep your own personal documents (passport, registration, etc.);
• Explicitly make sure that you are sufficiently insured for accident or illness;
• Everyone has a right to take back one's own decision to join at any time. Opinions may change. Anybody has the right to leave a group of this type at any time

What are the state's protective instruments

In our national state, there are various alternatives at your disposal which offer citizens protection from dangers to their freedom and fortune which could emanate from "sects" or objectionable cults:

Criminal Law as Protection
Criminal law can be applied to crimes such as fraud, contractual deception or - in extreme cases - duress or deprivation of liberty. A difficulty which can arise is that the victim is no longer in the position to appear in court as a party or as a witness because of a loss of will or because of existing psychopressure. Another problem is the circumstance that crimes can only be applied against individuals. That excludes a complaint against an entire group or against an association. Many potential perpetrators themselves are only "small fry" who are also under psychic or economic pressure. Therefore it is almost never possible to get at the men in the background of the large, internationally active "sect business."

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Effects and Consequences

Civil Law as Protection
Economic disadvantages which may be caused by these types of groups can be redressed with civil law. Examples of this are the demand for refund of inappropriately expensive course fees or "handling costs." Naturally, being able to prove the case plays a role: if money exchanges hands without a receipt, refund is then difficult.

Problems with labor and social security laws also regularly appear when members of these types of groups give up their career to go to work for the group. Does compensation exist for services performed? Are the staff members receiving social security benefits? Is there a work protection plan?

"Sects" which exploit their members as part of the work force also profit in this area when members are timid about representing their own rights. When one is "with it" enthusiasm overwhelms the need for security; one who has left often has the desire to not have anything to do with the group anymore, or simply has fear of reprisals.

Family and Guardian Laws as Protection
More and more frequently family courts are deciding on suits for divorce, child custody or visiting rights which are characterized by one of the parents' membership in a "sect." Membership by itself does not present a basis for divorce nor for the court to deny custody of the child. The facts reviewed include whether this membership and particularly its associated practices and methods may lead to a conscious alienation, and therefore a break-up, in the marriage which would lead to divorce, or whether they may put the children at risk. In all legal custody measures, in particular the award or revocation of custody and visiting rights, the legal position is always to put the welfare of the child at the central point. If a child who was integrated with his environment and with his circle of friends were to be torn away from his environment by the membership of a (separated) parent in a "sect" and put into a culturally alien society not suited to his age group and development, then that would comprise a very strong argument that the custody of this child should be awarded to the other parent,

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What to do?

who would assure continued harmonious development in a normal life environment insofar as the personal relationship to this parent remained intact.

Information and Counselling as Protection
Naturally, information on objectionable groups in advance provides effective protection. With every report which is forwarded by a person who has been affected or his relatives to the counseling centers, the knowledge about the actual practices of the conflict-carrying organization becomes more precise. This is an unavoidable provision for supporting others. In addition, counseling centers advise which legal steps have been taken successfully and which have been taken in vain.

What to do after leaving

Problems do not stop after one has left a "sect." Their psychic situation is extremely difficult. The more strongly one has identified with the current organization, the greater the problem there is in finding one's way back to family and society. Psychologists have found the following difficulties which can characterize the period after one leaves a group:

• Aggressiveness and hostility
• Inability to communicate or concentrate
• Sexual difficulties
• Alteration of awareness, loss of a feeling of reality
• Backslide of overall development
• Inability to deal with reality (symptom of "hospitalism")
• Immense feeling of guilt (caused from the feeling of having betrayed ones "brothers and sisters"
• Anxiety

Problems are less intense only in cases where separation from the group took place under amicable circumstances. Former members of this type of group have withstood the test with the following therapy steps:

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Effects and Consequences

Regeneration: As a first step, the person in question must have to opportunity to find himself again - without annoyances. Recuperation and rest are on the program. The family or relations have to be forewarned that the person will be difficult, closed or even aggressive. In no case may they be left alone with their fears and feelings of guilt. Listening is necessary, and support by family therapy is advantageous.

Reconstruction of one's own way: It is important that the people have the opportunity to talk through their way in the organization with an experienced counsellor. By doing that, most find it easier to accept their past and make it possible to cope.

Working through it: Because of the background of familiarity with the group, the traumatic experiences which occurred in the group have to be talked through. In this phase it is typical that visible reversions appear. The feelings of freedom can soon give way to feelings of guilt which will cause the person to yearn for the group again. Therefore conscious support is necessary. The person has to be made aware of the possibility of such reversions in advance. The more the psychic recuperation has progressed, the greater the intervals between reversions. Every reversion which has been successfully worked through improves the stability of the psychic equilibrium gained through therapy.

Consolidation: When the first crisis after leaving the organization has been successfully handled, the person can then work on constructing a new professional identity and constructing personal relationships. Naturally this is important because these areas were neglected during the time of group membership. Social therapeutic help and family support are important in doing that. Therapy is concluded when the person has managed to gain a new group of friends, obtain a satisfactory professional position and find the life for which he had sought in vain in the group: according to a self-determined and a self-responsible meaning in life.

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[The original German document contains titles of German-language literature and addresses of counselling and information centers in Austria.]