A FUNDAMENTALIST Catholic sect has infiltrated dioceses in Britain amid accusations that is brainwashes its followers, organises arranged marriages and leaves its victimes psychologically damaged.

The growth of the Neo-Catechumenate Way, a lay organisation founded in Spain. Has prompted one bishop to ban further recruitment by the sect, led to a curate resigning and provoked outrage among parishioners who say it is a cult designed to take over the church.

Followers or "The Way" are organised into groups or communities of up to 40 people who have separate masses and secret mettings in which they must confess their worst sins to one another. Defectors have told of arranged marriages and lengthy interrogations by "catechist'', the sect's authoritarian leaders.

Selected converts are expected to travel outside their parish, sometimes abroad, to recruit members and establish communities. A study by Gerald Urquhart, a Catholic writer, concludes that the NeoCatechumenate Way, which has members in Spain, Italy, America and Ireland, sees itself "not only as the future of the Catholic church but the future of the world".

The Bishop or Cliflon has banncd sect leaders from further recruitment in the diocese, where it has been accused of hijacking three parishes in Bristol, Gloucester and Cheltenham. The group, which exists in at least 13 parishes, has also been active ih London and Lancaster.

Monsignor Joseph Buckley, the vicar-general of Clifton, said it could be compared to extremist cults. "It smacks too much of a sect and there is a danger of psychological damage to those who follow il. It has been divisive and has caused a lot of hurt in some parishes. Several bishops share my concerns.

The sect, founded in 1964 by Kiko Arguello, a Spanish, claims to have no written doctrine, insisting it simply expounds traditional Catholic values. Arguello has won the support of Pope John PauI II, traditionalist who favours initiatives by lay members.

Its activities have, however, split parishes. At Sacred Hearts church in Cheltenham, Father John Hanvey resigned as curate after becoming alarmed at the suppori given to the NeoCatechumenates by his parish priest. "As soon as I said I wasn't interested in joining them they referred to me as the enemy. There is no doubt they brainwash vulnerable people."

Hanvey counsels former members of the sect, some of whom have been referred to psychiatrists. He helped one couple get their marriage annulled after they were forced to wed by the sect. One woman was told that her disabled, illegitimate child was God’s punishment, according to Hanvey. A man was told be should have his vasectomy reversed.

Parishioners al St Nicholas of Tolentino in Bristol, where about 80 have joined, are planning legal action to oust the sect from the parish. Louis SuffoIk, an organist, attended a dozen of the group's recruitment meetings. "You're prevented from asking questions," he said. "Their talks tell you that you’re all sinners, and make you think the only way to salvation is through them. It was horrirying. We've lost our church to them."

Followers of The Way reject the criticism. Tony Cook, a catechist and member of Britain’s oldest Neo-Catechumenate community at the Guardian Angel church in east London, said the group was a response to the spiritual needs of the 20th century. "I see it as a gift from God to the parish. There is no coercion. Nobody is forced to do anything."

Father Carmello Di Giovanni, of St Peter's Italian church in Clerkenwell, who invited the first Neo-Catechumenates to Britain 23 years ago, said: "I don't care what people say. Nobody has ever brainwashed me."

For further information, refer to on Internet at:  www.oocities.org/Athens/Delphi/6919

To send comments write to e-mail: alterinfo@yahoo.com