Scientology, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Shincheonji among alleged high-control charity groups

Published February 27, 2026 By admin

For five months, survivors shared their harrowing experiences to a Victorian parliamentary inquiry shedding light on religious fringe groups and cults.

Survivor accounts detailed allegations of child sexual abuse, psychological manipulation, forced isolation, brutal beatings, and fearmongering.

The inquiry received 286 public submissions, generally prepared by former members or their loved ones, last year.

The ABC has analysed the inquiry submissions to understand the prevalence of registered charities within the groups mentioned in public testimonies.

Groups with three or fewer public submissions have been omitted from the data.

There are six alleged cults or fringe groups with four or more submissions.

Submissions to the inquiry

Includes groups referenced in four or more submissions only.

Jehovah’s Witnesses: 46
Geelong Revival Centre: 25
Shincheonji Church of Jesus: 10
City Builders Church: 6
Two by Twos: 5
The Church of Scientology: 4

Of these, four are registered charities through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) — affording them significant tax advantages.

Fundamentalist Christian sect Two by Twos and The Geelong Revival Centre are not registered charities or businesses in Australia.

The ABC has previously reported on allegations of widespread historical sexual abuse within Two By Twos.

Read more https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-27/charity-status-of-high-control-religious-groups-cult-inquiry/106359400

Content retrieved from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-27/charity-status-of-high-control-religious-groups-cult-inquiry/106359400.