The Audio Long Read The rise and fall of the British cult that hid in plain sight
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Sep 1, 2025 Philippa Barnes shares her harrowing journey within the Jesus Fellowship cult, exposing its manipulative practices and strict ideologies. Survivor testimonies reveal the cult's shocking scale of abuse, highlighting the struggle for freedom faced by former members. The podcast delves into the sociological complexities of cult dynamics, contrasting their utopian façade with oppressive control. Following the leader's death, a disturbing scandal unfolds, leading to a survivors' association fighting for justice and ultimately seeking redress for the victims.
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Financial Control Fuels Growth
- The Fellowship centralised wealth by requiring communal members to hand over assets and work in its businesses.
- That financial control funded expansion and reinforced dependence on Stanton's hierarchy.
Mysterious Deaths Raise Alarm
- Two young members were found dead under mysterious circumstances after expressing doubts or wanting to leave.
- Local coroner raised concerns and parents feared for their children's safety.
Reporting Abuse And Its Aftermath
- Philippa and her father secretly contacted police after a friend reported sexual abuse, bypassing Fellowship leadership.
- The accused was later convicted and briefly jailed, then welcomed back by the Fellowship.
