Destructive Groups

Unauthorized High Pressure Religious Groups on Boston Campus

Public Service Announcement

Dear Northeastern Community,

CSDS/Spiritual Life has received concerning reports of unauthorized religious groups approaching students on or near the Boston campus. These interactions may seem innocuous at first, but often involve high-pressure and manipulative tactics which can affect our students’ mental health, academic performance, family/friend relationships, personal finances, privacy, and overall wellbeing. 

Specifically, we want to call your attention to Boston Church of Christ and Boston Alpha Omega (Boston AO) – which have been banned from Northeastern and other institutions for repeated violations of university policy.

Northeastern is home to nearly every major world religion, hosts fifty registered religious/spiritual/humanist groups and provides a staff of fifty trained and registered Spiritual Advisors and Affiliates to serve our students. The university is dedicated to supporting religious diversity, inclusion, and spiritual growth in safe, supportive settings.

Unfortunately, outside groups often violate Northeastern’s policies on “Purpose of Campus Religious Activity” and “Behavior of Religious Groups,” as well university policies around solicitation and harassment. These groups’ recruiters operate without university appointment letters or contracts, and have not been trained in Title IX reporting or other university policies. Boston Alpha Omega (AO) recruits students as “disciples” or “Bible study leaders” who draw students to off-campus gatherings at Wentworth, the YMCA, or rented church spaces. They make inordinate claims on students’ time, privacy, and freedom.

If you think that you – or others you know – have been approached by or are involved with an unhealthy group, please email [email protected] and reach out to campus resources. Spiritual Advisors at CSDS can provide a confidential and nonjudgmental space for you to process your experiences and ask questions. Other resources include University Health and Counseling Services or We Care.

We understand it can be difficult to say no to a group for a variety of reasons: including fear of losing friends, fear of judgment, or feeling like you’re being rude or unkind to nice people. However, with high-pressure groups, it is very important to set clear boundaries when leaving or saying no.

Please see the guide below which lists characteristics of unhealthy groups and resources for protecting yourself and others, as well as language you might use to distance yourself. For more information on the dangers of unregistered outside groups, especially Boston AO, you may wish to read these articles from Simmons University’s student newspaper.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us raise awareness as we work to promote safe and healthy spiritual life at Northeastern.

Sincerely,

The Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service

A Guide For Making Safe Judgments About Religious Groups On Campus

Do you think you may be involved with a destructive group? If you’re in doubt, call on helpful campus resources. Spiritual Advisors at the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service are confidential resources who can provide a nonjudgmental space for you to process your experiences with a group and ask questions. Other resources include University Health and Counseling Center and We Care. Below serves as a guide to making safe judgments about religious groups on campus.

Common Techniques used by unauthorized religious groups

  1. Claiming that a person’s previous religious/spiritual experiences are invalid (e.g. insisting on re-baptism)
  2. Claiming that the religious group is “true family” at the expense of other friends and family
  3. Engaging students in intensive one-on-one “study sessions” with the intent to indoctrinate
  4. Repeated questions and pressure to “confess,” especially involving sexual experiences
  5. Group pressure and “love bombing” (excessive flattery, discouraging of doubts, instant friendship with everyone)
  6. Claims of being the “one true” campus religious group and condemning other groups
  7. Absolutism — insisting on unquestioned obedience, limits independent thought or action

Checklist of Warning Signs

  • Is there room for my individuality in this group? Am I discouraged from making my own choices?
  • Do I feel pressured by constant visits, calls, or emails? Do group members refuse to take no for an answer?
  • Does it feel like too much is being asked of me too quickly? (time, commitment, money, divulging personal information, etc)
  • Is there an implicit or explicit threat of negative consequences for anyone who leaves the group?

Ask Yourself: Am I Accepted for Who I Am?

  • Does the group respect other beliefs and allow for discussion, questions, and doubts?
  • Does the group make you feel unworthy, guilty or ashamed?
  • Do they imply or claim that you need them?
  • Are group members forthcoming when answering your questions?
  • Are certain members believed to innately have more rights than others?
  • Does the group only meet in off-campus locations?
  • Is the leader held in high esteem, almost to the point of divinity?
  • Does the group hold its activities in higher regard than other things that are important to you, such as school, friends or family?
  • Are my questions seen as signs of weak faith? Are questions subtly discouraged, or even met with hostility?

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Do your research. Look up the group’s reputation using external sources before attending any events or meetings.
  • Reach out to trusted mentors, faculty, and staff for support if in doubt.
  • Know who you are and trust your gut. Don’t let others make decisions for you or tell you how you should feel.
  • Be wary of people who want you to share intimate personal information. You should not feel pressured to share your personal information or history. 
  • Beware of people who are excessively flattering or overly friendly.
  • Beware of groups who subtly separate you from friends or family.
  • Demand that the organization clearly identify themselves – what are their beliefs, practices, and expectations for your involvement?
  • Check to see if a group is registered with the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service and/or recognized by the university before becoming involved.

Unauthorized Groups

Boston Alpha Omega (Boston AO), Boston Church of Christ, International Church of Christ, Boston International Christian Church, ASEZ World Mission Society, and “NU Bible Talk,” among others, are not authorized to engage in religious- or spiritually based activities on Northeastern’s campuses. Unauthorized groups and any groups that practice destructive behaviors such as those outlined here do not belong on the Northeastern campuses.

Leaving a Group

We understand it can be very difficult to leave a group for a variety of reasons including fear of losing friends or feeling like you’re being mean to people who have been nice to you. Nevertheless, with high-pressure groups, it’s very important to set clear boundaries. Here is some example language you might use if you are approached:

  • “I understand you’re not a registered group at Northeastern, and I have concerns about the way you’ve approached me and others. I do not want to participate in your activities and expect you to cease all communication with me going forward.”

Helpful Resources

CSDS and Spiritual Advisors:

203 & 206 Ell Hall

[email protected]

University Health and Counseling:

617.373.2772 | [email protected]

We Care:

617.373.7591 | [email protected]