Disclaimer
Why ICSA Does Not Maintain a List of "Bad" Groups
Groups vary significantly and different persons will respond differently to the same group. We urge inquirers to read our essay on definition to avoid the temptation to oversimplify.
ICSA does NOT maintain a list of "bad" groups or "cults." We nonjudgmentally list groups on which we have information.
A listing on ICSA's web site does not mean that ICSA perceives the group named to be a cult, to practice coercive or destructive tactics, or to be in violation of any law. It simply means that ICSA has information on the group and/or has received inquiries from current and former members, their families, professionals, researchers, the media, or the general public.
Groups listed, described, or referred to on ICSA's Web sites may be mainstream or nonmainstream, controversial or noncontroversial, religious or nonreligious, cult or not cult, harmful or benign.
We encourage inquirers to consider a variety of opinions, negative and positive, so that inquirers can make independent and informed judgments pertinent to their particular concerns.
Views expressed at ICSA events or on ICSA Websites are those of the speakers or the document's author(s) and are not necessarily shared, endorsed, or recommended by ICSA or any of its directors, staff, advisers, or supporters.