Our Mission and Ethical Framework

This site exists to provide in-depth analysis of high-control systems within faith contexts. Our goal is to equip individuals and leaders with the clarity to distinguish between genuine spiritual community and systems designed for control. We believe that rigorous, evidence-based critique is a vital tool for fostering safer and healthier church environments.

To that end, we adhere to the following ethical principles:

A Survivor-Informed Ethic

The well-being of those harmed by spiritual abuse is our primary concern. Our work is guided by a trauma-informed approach that seeks to:

• Prioritise Safety: We aim to prevent re-traumatisation by focusing on systems and methodologies rather than graphic personal details, unless given explicit consent by a survivor.
• Provide Resources: Where appropriate, we will include contact information for independent safeguarding charities and support organisations.
• Centre the Lived Experience: Our analysis is informed by the documented experiences of survivors, whose perspectives are essential for understanding the real-world impact of these systems.

Analytical Rigor and Evidence

Our analysis is built on a foundation of verifiable evidence and a multi-disciplinary approach. Our methodology includes:

• Primary Source Analysis: We prioritise analysing a subject's own published materials (books, articles, interviews) to ensure we critique their system based on their own words. We are committed to representing their positions fairly before offering a critical perspective.
• Established Frameworks: We apply concepts from established fields—such as clinical psychology, communication theory, and theology—to provide a robust analytical lens.
• Corroboration: We cross-reference our analysis with public survivor testimonies and documented institutional reports where available.

Independence

This work is undertaken independently. It is not funded or directed by any institution, campaign group, or individual with a vested interest in the outcome of our investigations.

Principles

• Right of Reply: All subjects of a critical investigation are offered a formal right of reply before publication. Their response, or lack thereof, will be noted in the article.
• Personal Relationships: I do not investigate individuals with whom I have personal or professional connections. Doing so would compromise trust and objectivity.
• Corrections and Accountability: We are committed to accuracy. An open contact channel is maintained for feedback and corrections. Any substantiated factual errors will be corrected and logged transparently. Integrity must be tested, not assumed.

On Pseudonymity and Protection

Institutional accountability in the UK church landscape remains deeply uneven. In environments where good-faith scrutiny can be punished, pseudonymity is a necessary tool to protect individuals from professional or personal retaliation.

It is a shield for the work, not a cloak for unaccountable claims. It allows the focus to remain on the evidence presented, rather than on the personality or position of the author. I acknowledge this is not a perfect solution, but believe it is the most responsible approach available given current institutional conditions. Dialogue is not a threat to integrity; it is a requirement for it.

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Comments

A Note on Commenting

Thank you for joining the conversation. This space is intended to be a place for support, clarification, and shared understanding for those who have been impacted by high-control spiritual environments. To help create a safe and constructive dialogue, please consider the following guidelines:

• Pseudonym Friendly. You are encouraged to use a pseudonym to protect your identity. If you do, please try to use it consistently across your comments to help with conversational flow. Avoid sharing personally identifying details like specific locations, workplaces, or the full names of non-public figures. Your safety is the priority.
• Offer Support, Not Unsolicited Advice. Simple words of validation like, "Thank you for sharing," or "That sounds very familiar," can be powerful. Please respect that everyone's journey is unique. Refrain from telling others what they should do or should have done.
• Prioritise Your Well-being. Engaging with this topic can be emotionally demanding. It is okay to step away from the conversation if you feel overwhelmed. You are not obligated to answer questions or respond to every comment. Please pace yourself and prioritise your own mental and emotional health. If you're not 100% comfortable with the topic, please don't feel obligated to comment. This post will still be here tomorrow.
• Engage with Grace. Everyone is at a different stage of healing and understanding. It is possible to disagree with an idea respectfully, but personal attacks, invalidation of others' experiences, or shaming language will not be tolerated. Let's aim to make this a space of mutual respect.