Cults Operating in Australia

Cults operate around the world, and Australia is no exception. Some estimates suggest there are approximately 3000 groups of varying size and ideologies operating on our shores. The list below presents a snapshot of some of these that have appeared in the media and are generally recognised as a cult.

Assessments provided here are conducted using Renée's Cult Ranking system and reflect her personal opinions, which are based on online sources and personal testimonies. Renée acknowledges that groups can change over time, for better or worse, and that individual experiences within any given group can vary. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.

Established in Dublin, Ireland. Current locations include: Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, South Africa, India, Ireland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark.

Brethren

Also known as the Exclusive Brethren, Taylor-Hales Brethren, Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), Plymouth Brethren, Assemblies of Brethren, or The Brethren

RCR

Established in America. Current countries involved include Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and New Zealand

Sovereign Citizens

Also known as Sovereign Citizens Movement, Freemen on the Land, State Citizens, or Constitutionalists

RCR

Established in Oakden, South Australia, Australia. Group later moved to Fiji.

Agape Ministries

Also known as House of God

RCR

Established in Springvale, Victoria, Australia

Al-Furqan

Also known as Al-Furqan Islamic Center, Al-Furqan Mosque, Al-Furqan Foundation, or Al-Furqan Association

RCR

Established in Peshawar, Pakistan. Are considered a potential threat to Australia. Have been active in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt.

Al-Qa’ida

Also known as Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaida, Al-Qa'eda, Al-Qaida Network, The Base, Qaedat al-Jihad, and Qaeda

RCR

Established in Perth, Western Australia, where it was locally active.

Australian Nationalist Movement

Also known as ANM

RCR

Established in Samford Valley, Queensland, Australia

Brisbane Christian Fellowship (BCF)

Sister churches include Melbourne Christian Fellowship, Adelaide Christian Fellowship, Sydney Christian Fellowship and several others. (May be linked to Brethren.)

RCR

Established in California, USA. Currently an online community with networks in 75 countries across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North & South America.

Children of God

Also known as The Family International, Teens for Christ, The Children of God (COG), The Family of Love, or The Family.

RCR

Church of Christ

RCR

City Builders Church (Sale, Victoria)

Also known as City Builders, City Builders Network, or City Builders Ministries

RCR

Established in America, has contacts in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Poland, Russia and Switzerland.

Creativity Movement

Also known as World Church of the Creator (WCOTC) or Creative Alliance

RCR

Established in Wilkesdale, Queensland, Australia

Divine Truth

RCR

Gloriavale Christian Community

RCR

Established in New York City, USA. Current locations include Australia, India, United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Germany, Brazil, and Netherlands

Hare Krishna

Also known as ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) or Krishna Consciousness Movement. Sometimes affiliated with the Vaishnava Movement

RCR