|
NOTE: We no longer need subjects for this survey - feel free to take the
survey. We thank very much
the more than 250 people who did respond - see a
report on the results.
ICSA’s Religion Committee
seeks to develop a network of mainstream religious organizations (e.g.,
churches, synagogues, campus religious groups) that can provide former members
of cultic groups a safe religious environment without hidden agendas and that
can offer them practical help or advice (e.g., housing, employment, medical
care), pastoral counseling, referral to psychotherapists, and other assistance.
Many religious organizations already offer such services to populations in
need. ICSA hopes to tap into this resource, offer training to religious
organizations, and connect them to cult-aware resources, such as therapists,
support groups, and others. Eventually, we hope to have at least one or two
participating religious organizations in each major metropolitan area.
We are aware that some former
members of cultic groups are reluctant to approach mainstream religious
organizations. However, many are not; indeed, many seek assistance from these
organizations, although with mixed results. This project focuses on those who
are open to help from mainstream religious organizations.
Before establishing a network
of cult-aware religious organizations, ICSA wants to survey former members of
cultic groups and others in order to determine the specific kinds of assistance
that ex-members need. Your responses to the questionnaire below will help
us to understand what kinds of help former members need. Please answer whether
or not you would or would have considered seeking support from a religious
institution.
“Ex-member” in the questions
below refers to the person who is/was in a cultic group.
Family members, friends, and
helping professionals may also complete the survey. Helping professionals who
have worked with multiple ex-members and/or second generation adults may select
one or more cases that specifically address the questions in this survey. Please
resubmit a new form for each case, limiting the number to those most salient for
the purposes of this survey and leaving blank those questions that seem
inappropriate.
Thank you!
Please provide the following contact information,
if you wish. Do provide your birth date and gender. Thank you. |