Cult Awareness Network
The Cult Awareness Network (CAN) was originally a clearing house for information about cults. Founded following the mass suicides by members of the People's Temple, its main mission was to educate the public about the effects of mind control as used by destructive cults, and to provide support to victims of cults and their families. Organizers included cult deprogrammer Ted Patrick, who had previously been involved with the formation of FREECOG, the first organized anti-cult group.
In 1995, CAN, along with cult expert Rick Ross and others were convicted of civil rights violations. Because of the damage award, plus a number of additional civil cases brought against it by the Church of Scientology, CAN was driven into bankruptcy. Its assets were sold at auction for $20,000.00 to Scientologist Steven L. Hayes.
The new Cult Awareness Network describes itself as "a mediatory organization" whose only agenda "is to help bring people together and keep families, and therefore society strong regardless of religious differences and by any legal, ethical means available to us." Critics describe the new CAN as a front for the Church of Scientology.
External Links
- CAN, The NEW Cult Awareness Network
- Rick Ross Website information on CAN
- Apologetics Index Article on CAN
- Transcript of "60 Minutes" TV Program about the end of CAN
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