RELIGIOUS "CULT" PREYS ON WESTMINSTER STUDENTS

BY STEPHEN PORTLOCK

A religious group said by some to be “cult” has been trying to drum up followers at the University Of Westminster by holding secret meetings at Cavendish campus.

The London Church of Christ (LCOC) is a branch of the larger International Church of Christ, and its activities at Westminster have come under fire from both the university chaplain and the Christian Union.

University Chaplain Jonathan Brewster acknowledges that their beliefs appear to be largely orthodox Protestantism but he is still unhappy about the group’s presence at the university.

Head of the Christian Union, Andrew Fowler, agrees. He said students have been to meetings mistakenly believing that it is the official Christian group on campus and warned people to be careful when dealing with Christian groups unrelated to the Christian Union.

Defending the International Church of Christ, Adrian Hill told Westminster News that the Supreme Court in Singapore in 1998 had concluded that the religious group was not a cult.

He rejected allegations that LCOC uses aggressive recruitment techniques, and denied claims that attractive women are used to attract lonely and vulnerable students.

He also rejects charges of brainwashing and mind control, “unless you count following Jesus” but he did admit that followers are required to give up 10% of their income which he alleged was in keeping with the scriptures.