Missionary Group Accused of Shaming & Rituals to “Cure” Sin

Youth With a Mission Faces Allegations of spiritual Abuse and Controlling Behavior

Allegations of spiritual abuse and controlling behavior have surfaced against Youth With a Mission (YWAM), a global Christian missionary organization, raising concerns about its safeguarding practices and the well-being of its young volunteers.Former members report instances of public shaming, attempts to “cure” homosexuality, and pressure to remain within the organization against their will. The allegations, spanning two decades, highlight the need for greater oversight and accountability within the organization.

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Claims of Abuse and Manipulation

An investigation has revealed disturbing accounts from former YWAM missionaries, many of whom joined the organization during their gap years or as young adults seeking to spread the gospel.These individuals describe a culture of intense scrutiny and control, where personal freedoms where curtailed, and spiritual manipulation was allegedly commonplace.

Central to the allegations are claims of mandatory confession sessions. Former missionaries detailed how they were pressured to confess perceived “sins,” ranging from homosexual thoughts and sexual activity to disobeying leaders or harboring “rebellious thoughts.” these confessions, often made in a group setting, could lead to public apologies, questioning, or even punishment, including removal from volunteer roles.

“They were always changing what other people wanted to do by saying: ‘I reckon, god is saying this.’ It was used to manipulate,”

– A former missionary

The implications of such practices are meaningful, particularly in the U.S. context, where religious freedom is a constitutionally protected right. However, the line between religious expression and spiritual abuse can be blurred, raising complex legal and ethical questions.

“Curing” Homosexuality and Other Extreme Practices

Perhaps the most disturbing of the allegations involve attempts to “cure” homosexuality.One former worship leader recounted a “casting out” ritual in Australia, where leaders laid hands on a man who had disclosed same-sex relations and chanted prayers to “banish the spirit of homosexuality.” The man reportedly convulsed during the ritual. He said he was left feeling as though a “demon” was living inside him.

Such practices are not only ethically questionable but also carry the risk of significant psychological harm. The American Psychological Association (APA) has long condemned conversion therapy, stating that it is indeed ineffective and can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

Other former volunteers described instances where people disclosed being victims of assault or sexual abuse, only to have their experiences minimized or dismissed. This raises serious concerns about YWAM’s handling of safeguarding issues and its duty to protect vulnerable individuals.

Control and Restrictions

Beyond the alleged abuse, former missionaries also described a highly controlled environment, with restrictions on romantic relationships, clothing, and visits to family. these restrictions,coupled with the pressure to conform to YWAM’s expectations,allegedly created a culture of fear and dependence.

In the U.S., such restrictions could potentially raise legal concerns related to freedom of association and the right to personal autonomy. While religious organizations are generally granted broad latitude in setting their own rules and standards, these rules cannot infringe upon fundamental rights or violate anti-discrimination laws.

YWAM’s Response and Internal Divisions

YWAM operates in approximately 180 countries and sends around 25,000 people on short-term missions each year. Founded in 1960 by American missionary Loren Cunningham, the organization has key bases in the U.S., Australia, Switzerland, and the UK.

In response to the allegations, a YWAM spokesperson stated that the organization was “heartbroken” by the claims and was “deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing” of everyone in its care. YWAM England stated it was committed to “continuous improvement in safeguarding practices” and that each location was responsible for upholding standards. It said it was “strongly opposed” to forced confessions. “While confession of sin may occur, the person should never be publicly shamed or pressured to apologise.”

Though, critics argue that YWAM’s decentralized structure, which defers power to leaders on individual bases, leads to insufficient oversight and accountability. This lack of central control, they contend, allows for harmful practices to flourish unchecked.

Internal divisions within YWAM are also apparent. In 2020,lynn Green,one of YWAM’s most senior leaders and the founder of YWAM England,published a blog post blaming abortion and “the homosexual agenda” for “bringing destruction.” While Green stood by his comments, he also said he condemned any form of spiritual abuse.

These conflicting statements highlight the complex and often contradictory views within YWAM, making it difficult to assess the organization’s overall commitment to safeguarding and ethical conduct.

Implications for U.S. Churches and missionary Organizations

The allegations against YWAM have broader implications for churches and missionary organizations in the U.S.They serve as a reminder of the potential for abuse within religious settings and the importance of robust safeguarding measures.

Several U.S.-based organizations, such as the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), offer accreditation and accountability standards for religious non-profits. However, these standards often focus on financial integrity and governance, rather than safeguarding and ethical conduct. Experts say the YWAM case should prompt a reevaluation of these standards to ensure they adequately protect vulnerable individuals.

Parents and young adults considering joining missionary organizations should carefully vet the organization’s policies and practices, ask questions about safeguarding measures, and seek independent advice from trusted sources.

The Send and YWAM’s Recruitment Efforts

The allegations against YWAM come at a time when the organization is actively seeking to recruit new members through initiatives such as The Send UK & Ireland. this initiative, legally controlled by the YWAM branch in harpenden, Hertfordshire, aims to recruit 100,000 young British adults to do missionary work in the UK and abroad.

After a launch event at ovo arena Wembley, hundreds of people signed up via QR code to serve as missionaries through YWAM and The Send’s other partner organizations. Given the allegations of abuse and manipulation,these recruitment efforts raise ethical concerns about the organization’s potential to harm vulnerable individuals.

Moving Forward: Accountability and Reform

The allegations against YWAM demand a thorough and independent investigation. The organization must be held accountable for any failures in its safeguarding practices and take concrete steps to prevent future abuse.

this includes:

• Implementing independent oversight mechanisms.
• Establishing clear reporting channels for abuse.
• Providing thorough training on safeguarding and ethical conduct for all staff and volunteers.
• Offering support and counseling to former members who have experienced abuse.

Ultimately, the YWAM case serves as a cautionary tale for all religious organizations. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and a unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all members.

Key Issue	Potential U.S.Legal Ramifications	Safeguarding Recommendations
Forced Confessions	Potential violation of freedom of conscience; possible coercion charges.	Ensure confession is voluntary and confidential; avoid group pressure.
“curing” Homosexuality	Potential violation of consumer protection laws (if marketed as therapy); risk of malpractice claims.	Cease all conversion therapy practices; provide LGBTQ+ affirming support.
Restrictions on Personal Freedom	Potential violation of freedom of association; possible discrimination claims.	Ensure restrictions are clearly defined and justified; respect individual autonomy.

Given the allegations against YWAM, what steps can organizations take to create a culture of openness and accountability to prevent spiritual abuse?

Interview: Addressing Allegations of Spiritual Abuse and Controlling behaviour Within Youth With a Mission (YWAM)

Archyde News Editor sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in religious trauma and cult dynamics, to discuss the recent allegations of spiritual abuse and controlling behavior within Youth With a Mission (YWAM).

Archyde News Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. to start, could you briefly explain what constitutes “spiritual abuse” and why it’s so damaging, particularly within religious organizations like YWAM?

Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. Spiritual abuse involves the manipulation and control of an individual using religious beliefs and practices. It’s incredibly damaging as it frequently enough undermines a person’s sense of self, their ability to trust, and their spiritual well-being. It can lead to long-term psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and complex trauma, as the article mentions.

Archyde News Editor: The article details allegations of forced confessions, attempts to “cure” homosexuality, and restrictions on personal freedoms. How do these practices align with the definition of spiritual abuse?

Dr. Carter: All of those practices are classic red flags. Forced confessions, as described, are a blatant violation of personal autonomy and can be used to shame and control individuals. “Curing” homosexuality, which is scientifically debunked, is not only unethical, but it can cause severe psychological distress. Restrictions on personal freedoms, like those on relationships or clothing, can create a dependency on the association and stifle individual growth.These create a culture of fear and dependence.

Archyde News Editor: The article also highlights the decentralized structure of YWAM as a potential factor contributing to these problems. How can a lack of central oversight exacerbate the potential for abuse?

Dr.Carter: A decentralized structure can certainly create loopholes. Without a strong central authority setting and enforcing clear guidelines,it becomes easier for individual leaders or bases to operate with limited accountability. This lack of oversight can allow harmful practices to persist unchecked, as there’s no consistent system for reporting or addressing concerns of spiritual abuse or controlling behaviors.

Archyde News Editor: What specific steps would you recommend for organizations,like YWAM,to begin to address these allegations and ensure the safety and well-being of their members?

Dr. Carter: First and foremost, an independent inquiry is crucial.They need to establish clear reporting channels, implement robust safeguarding policies with mandatory training for all staff and volunteers. They also need to offer therapy and support for former members who’ve experienced abuse. Transparency and accountability are paramount – including a mechanism for addressing complaints and acting upon them promptly.

Archyde News Editor: The article touches on the legal implications, particularly concerning freedom of conscience and potential coercion charges within the U.S. context. How might these legal considerations factor into the potential consequences for YWAM?

Dr. Carter: Organizations within the U.S. certainly have a right to religious freedom. However,that right does not supersede an individual’s constitutional rights nor does it protect their organization from civil lawsuits. Any action that clearly violates those rights has consequences. As an example, as the article mentions, if the alleged conversion therapy activities were a formalized therapeutic procedure, that could be argued in civil liability, and an organization is legally obligated to respect an individual’s autonomy, and any actions that lead to damage to a person can trigger legal action.

Archyde News Editor: Knowing that YWAM is actively recruiting, what advice would you give parents or young adults considering joining such organizations?

Dr. Carter: Do your research. Scrutinize the organization’s policies. Ask specific questions about safeguarding measures, like, are there third-party options for reporting, or what happens when issues arise? Seek out independent advice, and talk to former members. It’s essential to prioritize independent thought and ensure that the group doesn’t isolate themselves from family and friends.

Archyde News Editor: what do you believe is the most important takeaway regarding the allegations against YWAM for readers and the future practices of other religious organizations?

Dr. Carter: the key takeaway is that safeguarding must be a priority. Regardless of religious beliefs, organizations have a moral and ethical obligation to protect vulnerable individuals. This underscores the importance of transparency, independent oversight, and a commitment to the well-being of all members. I think this has broad implications for a wide group of organizations and religious groups as a whole. What do you think?