FCA Briefing – The Truth about Cults’ in Australia and New Zealand

Words: Liz Larceda

FCA BRIEFING (online) with fellow journalist and cult/sect expert Anke Richter, who has conducted a labyrinthine investigation into how and why nightmarish cults are successful in well-off nations like Australia and NZ, despite the small population of both countries. Anke explored the reasons cults attract, entrap and destroy otherwise ordinary people – asking what the line is between tribe and cult, participant and perpetrator, seduction and sexual abuse. 

Strangely enough, cults play a disproportionate big role in Australian and New Zealand societies. Despite the small populations, cults like the Family in Melbourne or Auckland’s Centrepoint caused a carnage of abuse and emotional damage. Anke has also investigated the still-running Gloriavale sect, which is currently involved in several court proceedings. The sect, based on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, reminds onlookers of the famous TV series “The Handmaid’s Tale”. More info on this article: 
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/130449911/gloriavale-appoints-former-bank-exec-as-its-new-chief-executive

Anke Richter told the FCA members what really goes on inside the groups we call cults, and how to reckon with their aftermath. She also shared the personal toll of this investigation, which led to the publication of her book titled “Cult Trip”

Full recording of the briefing is available on request. Please contact FCA.