Legion Strong Arms Member! # 7 in series How to get our Loved ones Out of the Legion & Regnum

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LEGION SUPERIOR CONTROLS MEMBER --

under the title

Legionary Discerment

LINK

Many associated with the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi Movement have heard troubling stories of the difficulty in extracting members, especially from the houses of formation. Not only has their conscience been so formed as to internally police themselves against outside information, but even physical means are used to keep the family from exerting influence or making contact. The parent-child bond, in particular, is undermined with an insidious wedge, so that legitimate concerns are interpreted as demonic temptations and those suggesting that there may be problems with the methodology are considered enemies of the Church.


Friends of the Legion, members of Regnum Christi, and outside observers, please take note of a drama unfolding this very day. A concerned father went to talk to his son in a different state, a son who has been given enormous responsibilities for the formation of younger recruits to the Legion, despite the fact that he is not himself ordained. After a very long, difficult conversation, the son agreed to drive home with the father for the sake of praying through his present situation with the Legion. (Imagine the tortured thoughts of this poor young man, who worries that he is damning his soul, betraying Christ, and abandoning his responsibilities. All valid and commendable thoughts, although not proper to the life of a man who should be in a period of discernment himself.)

The first night passed in a hotel on the road, with neither of the men sleeping. They continued on their way today, only to be interrupted by a cell phone call from the Legion to the young man. They wanted him to know that they would do everything necessary to bring him back and disengage him from his father, even promising to begin a lawsuit on his behalf against the family. They also promised to have a Legionary waiting at his home so that he could simply begin the journey back and resume his rightful duties.

I humbly beg each reader to consider:

What sort of discernment process nails a brother to the mission in this way?
Can a brother truly consider his vocation when others in the community depend on his commitment?
What is so threatening about taking some time with the family to find God's holy will?
What sort of organisation threatens to sue parents within 24 hours of reclaiming their son?
How much are you willing to pray and fast that the true nature of this Movement come to light?
Many families are agonising over their options with sons and daughters in Legion schools, houses of formation and apostolates. Please take note of the game the Legion plays. In the vernacular, it would be called "hardball." (It is all the more astounding, given that the Congregatoin itself is under a cloud of suspicion at this very time.)

Fearsome, perhaps. But God is stronger. Let's join together to restore freedom and dignity to all the members of the Mystical Body of Christ. This family -- and many others -- are counting on your prayers. Saint Joseph, wise head of the Holy Family, be our guide!

April 03, 2009 in Cultish behaviour | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack

Are some of our children Second Generation Adults born into the Regnum Christi Cult? #2 in the series HOW TO

#2 in the series HOW TO GET MY LOVED ONES OUT OF THE LC/RC CULT?


Dear Friends,

I am still learning about the phenomenon of cults. "Second generation former members" sounds really far out for LC RC people but we need to take a second look. Could some of us or our children qualify?

See below. SGAs would be the children of RC members who were born into and grown up in the RC, that is, the parents were in the cult and the children became part of it, too, and so have never had a cult-free existence. There may be need to review our realities- and ponder whether some of our adult children might be SGAs and whether they display some of the 'symptoms' described below.

I know the facilitators personally and they are top class.

Respectfully,
Paul
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----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Carol Giambalvo
To: Carol Giambalvo
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 3:00:29 PM
Subject: A workshop for second-generation former members


SURVIVING AND MOVING ON AFTER A HIGH DEMAND GROUP EXPERIENCE

A Workshop for Second-Generation Former Members

Friday 3:00 p.m. April 17, 2009 to Sunday 2:00 p.m. April 19, 2009

Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, 1601 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo, FL 32765 (407-365-5571)

The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) has run workshops for former members of high-demand, “cultic” groups for many years. In recent years increasing numbers of people born or raised in such groups (i.e., “second generation adults” - SGAs) have attended these workshops. These ex-members have special needs, which can be most effectively addressed through a workshop that focuses on them. SGAs do not have a “pre-cult identity” to which they can return. SGAs raised in fringe subcultures have to learn the implicit rules and expectations of mainstream culture. SGAs frequently have educational and other skill deficits that interfere with adjustment to mainstream culture. Having grown up in high-control groups that are often based on irrational belief systems, SGAs tend to struggle with issues of dependency, self-esteem, and social conflict. Because many SGAs were physically or sexually abused, they often have to deal with anger, resentment, and other emotions related to trauma. SGAs have difficulty getting help because they tend to lack finances and be wary of other people, including helpers.

This workshop will address the needs of SGAs through a series of brief didactic presentations (supplemented by written handouts) followed by discussions, to which attendees may contribute according to their comfort levels. Specifically, the workshop will address:

§ critical thinking

§ socialization, culture shock, and acculturation

§ psychological development, child abuse and neglect, parenting styles, boundaries, and trust

§ long-term psychological, educational, and emotional effects of growing up in a culture of abuse and neglect

§ relationships with families and others

This workshop has been made possible by special donations and the willingness of facilitators to volunteer large amounts of their time. Without the dedication of these people, registration fees would be much higher than what is listed below. The donations cover a substantial portion of the total cost. Therefore, the fees listed below reflect a significant discount. Because many SGAs struggle economically, additional financial assistance is available for those in need. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please contact us.

Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, a mission and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, offers a sanctuary of hospitality for growth and learning. In the fall of 1982, Canterbury opened its doors to accommodate groups of many different sizes. Nestled on 48 acres, Canterbury provides a peaceful setting for groups and individual guests to enjoy. Currently, the facility includes forty-six lodging rooms, five meeting/conference rooms, St. Augustine's Chapel, St. Francis Oratory, and a dining room overlooking the lake. Canterbury Retreat is located just minutes away from Orlando and just 40 minutes to local area tourist attractions. We welcome conferences, meetings, and programs from many different walks of life.

FEES

Fees include sleeping accommodations (Friday and Saturday) and meals (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Sunday breakfast and lunch). Double occupancy (please tell us your roommate’s name or request that we assign a roommate): $250 per person. Single occupancy: $350 per person.

REGISTRATION

Please send us a note indicating your interest in attending (SGAs ONLY!) and your name, address, phone(s), and e-mail along with a check (made out to ICSA) or Visa or MasterCard number and expiration date. .

Online Registration: http://www.icsahome .com/infoserv_ conferences/ Workshops/ 2009_SGA_ FL.asp



THE FACILITATORS

Leona Furnari, MSW is a licensed clinical social worker in Boulder Colorado. She is a psychotherapist specializing in recovery from trauma, including recovery from abusive groups and relationships. Ms. Furnari is a former member of an Eastern/New Age group, and it was that experience that led to her commitment to help others recover from abusive groups. She has been a regular facilitator/ presenter at ICSA's Recovery Workshops in Estes Park, CO for the last four years. She also works as a school social worker at the middle school level, and facilitates support groups for adolescents dealing with grief, family change and peer relationships.

Carol Giambalvo is an ex-cult member who has been a Thought Reform Consultant since 1984 and a cofounder of reFOCUS, a national support network for former cult members. She is on ICSA’s Board of Directors, Director of ICSA’s Recovery Programs, and is responsible for its Project Outreach. Author of Exit Counseling: A Family Intervention, co-editor of The Boston Movement: Critical Perspectives on the International Churches of Christ, and co-author of “Ethical Standards for Thought Reform Consultants,” Ms. Giambalvo has written and lectured extensively on cult-related topics. (affcarol@worldnet. att.net)

Lorna Goldberg, M.S.W., L. C. S. W., a psychoanalyst in private practice with children, adolescents, and adults. She has co-led a support group for ex-cult members with her husband, William, for over 25 years. She is on the Board of Directors of ICSA/ICSA and is Dean of Faculty, Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies, Teaneck, New Jersey. She has written extensively for social work and ICSA publications. (Lorna@blgoldberg. com)

William Goldberg, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., a therapist in private practice, has co-led a support group for ex-cult members with his wife, Lorna, for over 25 years. He is Director of the Community Support Center and The Young Adult Center of the Rockland County (NY) Department of Mental Health. Mr. Goldberg is an Adjunct Professor in the Social Work Department of Dominican College. (Bill@blgoldberg. com)

Rosanne Henry, M.A., L.P.C., a member of ICSA's Board of Directors, is a psychotherapist practicing in Littleton, Colorado. For the last fifteen years she has been helping those harmed by cults through the original CAN and ICSA. Her private practice specializes in the treatment of cult survivors and their families. She is a former member of Kashi Ranch. (rosanne@cultrecove r.com)

Joyce Martella is the daughter of a leader of a pseudo-Christian cultic group, ISOT, in Northern California. Born and raised in this group, she left after 25 years. She has been cut off from her siblings and mother for over 15 years. She is currently working in a Batterer's Intervention Program and pursuing a doctorate in Depth Psychology.

Michael Martella, a licensed family therapist, was raised in a Bible-based cult for 20 years, leaving in 1980. He is a licensed counselor and an expert in domestic violence treatment in San Diego, California. Over the last three years, he has conducted seven “Cult Survivor Workshops” for ex-cult members, and he is currently writing his doctoral dissertation on “Cult Wounds and Cult Healing.”

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Is the Legion/Regnum a Cult? 1- How to get my loved one out of the Legion of Christ/Regnum Christi

Does the LEGION OF CHRIST/REGNUM CHRISTI possess any of these features?

The Cult Checklist was composed by Dr. Langone, Ph.D (Executive Director, International Cultic Studies Association) and other experts in the Cultic Studies field, including Janja Lalich whose 2006 reworking of "Captive Hearts, Captive Minds" is cutting edge and readable: "Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships"

1. The group is focused on a living leader to whom members seem to display excessively zealous, unquestioning commitment.
2. The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.
3. The group is preoccupied with making money.
4. Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.
5. Mind-numbing techniques [such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, debilitating work routines] are used to suppress doubts about the group and its leader[s].
6. The leadership dictates -sometimes in great detail- how members should think, act and feel [for example: members must get permission from leaders to date, change jobs, get married; leaders may prescribe what type of clothes to wear, where to live, how to discipline children, and so forth].
7. The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leaders and members [for example: the leader is considered the Messiah, or an avatar; the group and/or the leader has a special mission to save humanity].
8. The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which causes conflict with the wider society.
9. The group's leader is not accountable to any authorities [as are, for example, military commanders and ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream denominations]. The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify means that members would have considered unethical before joining the group [for example: collecting money for bogus charities].
10. The leadership induces feeling of guilt in members in order to control them.
11. Members' subservience to the group causes them to cut ties with family, friends, and personal group goals and activities that were of interest before joining the group.
12. Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group.
13. Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.

(This list was composed a couple of decades ago and has become a classic, widely quoted, as it appears literally in "Captive Hearts, Captive Minds, Freedom and Recovery from Cults and Abusive Relationships" by Landau-Tobias & Lalich, Hunter Press, 1994, Appendix, pp 276-7)

If you consider that the Legion/Regnum does possess several or all of these features then you are discovering the true nature of this organization. Remember, a cult is about METHODS more than CONTENT [Doctrine, Orthodoxy, etc.] it is NOT WHAT but HOW they do things, the MEANs they use to reach their often lofty, idealistic, challenging, and possibly "good" goals.

FURTHER STUDY
See Introduction to the annual International Cultic Studies Conference where two cult experts explain what a Cult is and how Members and Relatives can be helped LINK