An expert on cults is warning Winnipeggers predatory groups are not only still present but are pursuing new followers in a myriad of ways.
Mike King will speak on the psychology of cults at the Centennial Concert Hall Tuesday, in an effort to inform and warn people about the risks associated with membership in these groups.
“They drill in absolute control,” said King, who has more than four decades of experience investigating and researching cults.
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Cult expert and criminal investigator Mike King says cults and closed societies generally pursue people who are experiencing feelings of hopelessness. King will be at the Centennial Concert Hall Tuesday evening to speak on the psychology of cults.
He looks at the groups from both an academic and law-enforcement perspective, stressing their targets are often the most vulnerable people.
“These cult leaders are experts at finding the chinks in our armor,” he said.
At least two organizations operating in Manitoba have been identified as closed societies.
They include the Twelve Tribes, which operates the Yellow Deli on Des Meurons Street and the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Stonewall.
King said cults and closed societies generally pursue people who are experiencing feelings of hopelessness.
A Manitoba social worker said the connections offered by these groups are powerful.
“They’re just not getting what they need, so they’re looking elsewhere for it,” Jola Hnatiuk said. “Sometimes they’re so vulnerable, they don’t realize they’re falling under a grooming pattern.”
Hnatiuk, who works with vulnerable people, aged 12 to 29, both in and out of the city, said people can become ensnared extremely quickly.
“If someone is meeting all of your needs and you feel safe with them, you tend to give more of yourself,” she said.
King said in many cases abuse and manipulation are present in cults and closed societies.
“I feel very comfortable saying that it’s happening globally,” King said. “The challenge is to what degree?”
He said 1970s and ’80s cults would offer a more “brick-and-mortar” approach, with recruitment taking place on street corners and doorsteps.
The advent of the internet, and specifically social media, has made it easier to draw people in.
“We’re seeing a real challenging period of time, where like-minded people can find each other much easier,” he said.
Online videos, digital imagery and keywords are used to recruit.
“These cult leaders have become really good at casting a broad net and then waiting for the right people to reach out to them.”
Raising awareness about cults and closed societies is important, a Winnipeg counsellor said.
“People need one another to help prevent distortion of thought and belief,” said Gerry Goertzen, a psychotherapist with more than 20 years experience.
He said when people become engaged in these societies, their perceptions of reality may be warped, causing them to think only one person — or group — can truly love and care for them.
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“The isolating effect of that, in my mind, would be dangerous,” Goertzen said.
Goertzen said supporting someone involved with a cult can be challenging.
“There needs to be some real wisdom in the approach so that it doesn’t further isolate, or push that person further into isolation,” he said.
“Who is the person? Who is the loved one and what is their history? What is it they need? There’s a lot of questions that would need to be processed before coming up with an approach for helping that person.”
morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca
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