Spiritual Abuse Recovery

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Resources for Spiritual Abuse & Recovery

Because there are no guidelines within Pentecostal and Charismatic assemblies -- in general -- for how much authority church pastors can assume over their congregations, spiritual abuse is rampant within the movement, creating many difficulties for those within these faiths. Even in those churches with kind, mild-mannered leaders, these rules are not set in stone, and the potential for abuse is still great.

Many resources are starting to emerge to deal with these issues, and we have a selection of them here for you. With the exception of the first linked page, these are mostly all "off-site," so please return to Association of Former Pentecostals using the left arrow on your browser when finished.!

Counseling Resources - Answers for "religion-induced" Depression and Anxiety Many people suffer from depression or anxiety related disorders after leaving Pentecostal and Charismatic congregations -- some (whether in the faith or not) even contemplate suicide as an answer to their inner turmoil created by the ideas of these emotional abusive congregations. Many have found help in counseling and from the field of medicine to alleviate these problems -- and to find positive solutions to everyday problems. Check out our new page that explores these options -- it could help you or someone you love!

Trinity Foundation, Inc. A non-profit corporation that proclaims to be "the leading 'watchdog' of religious media, conducting investigations and providing information used to expose fraud and abuses committed in the name of God." Part of their ministry is offering a toll-free hotline for people to report abuses by televangelists for themselves or loved ones. Been ripped off or abused by a TV preachers? Call 1-800-229-VICTIM.

SpiritualAbuse.com A ministry of Christian Recovery International, it provides some resources toward recovery from abusive spiritual systems.

The Ross Institute - A website exploring many abusive thought systems and religious faiths.

Freedom of Mind Center - A former "Moonie," this therapist helps others emerge from "mind-imprisoning" faiths.

The Watchman Fellowship - A site with tons of information and articles on aberrant faith systems.

eQuip - A ministry by Christian Research Institute, providing online resources and research materials for students of religions.

www.pleaseconsider.info - A resource examining the experiences of the "Revivalist" Charismatic movement in Australia. Included are essays on Pentecostal/Charismatic practices similar to those in the greater movements.

Confronting Collusion in Churches - A resource dealing with sexual abuse in churches.

Ex-Pentecostal Forums - The forums associated with this site -- providing fellowship for former Pentecostals and Charismatics from around the world. Featuring such forums as "Azusa Street Survivors," "Surviving Through Christ," "Freethinkers Union," and more!

ExCharisma - A Yahoo!Group forum for former Charismatics. Hosted by Robin Arnaud, ministered with a current "Reformed theology" theme.

Essays on Spiritual Abuse & Recovery

Psychological Issues of Former Members of Restrictive Religious Groups -- An essay that explores the psychological problems uniquely associated with people who've left cults or cult-like religious congregations.