Some commentators have sought to explain the rise of these movements in terms of the failure of traditional religious belief and practice to attract new recruits, especially the young. Some of the new movements arose in the 1960s which was very much a decade of new departures from orthodoxy and permissiveness. The influence of American West Coast flower-power was significant. It was the era of the seeker after truth. The new movements offered the young membership of an ongoing community with high levels of personal contact and sometimes living in communities. The latter aspect often led to groups being accused of brainwashing new members and persuading them to hand their money over to the cult.

Although the impact of New Religious Movements upon wider society has not been great, the growth of these organisations has happened alongside a marked decline in traditional religious participation. So what is our own orthodox tradition of Christianity doing wrong ? The answer lies, I think, in an unwillingness to change and to be reflective. Too many people have a stake in making sure that things stay as they are, careers and privileges are safeguarded, ever-thickening walls of minor dignitaries protect the major figures, whilst ever-diminishing congregations are expected to foot the bill. It may be that some of the New Religious Movements can teach us a few things !

David Dewey

Parish Priest