Ex-Cult Member Reveals Pressure to Donate Thousands
Dariyn Girton, a former member of the Melbourne branch of the fringe Christian group Shincheonji, shared her experience of being pressured to donate significant sums of money to the church. This pressure began when she joined the group in 2021, under the belief that her contributions would secure her spot in the “Kingdom of Heaven.”
Financial Strain and Sacrifice
Ms. Girton was compelled to give a substantial portion of her income, sometimes up to 100%. She ended up selling personal belongings, including gold jewelry, to meet the church’s financial demands. This financial burden left her struggling to afford basic necessities like food.
She mentioned, “You’re forced to think ‘I’m not storing up treasures on Earth but in Heaven’. You keep serving until you have nothing left.”
The Tithing System
- New recruits pay approximately $50 weekly during a nine-month course on the Book of Revelations.
- Once accepted, members are obligated to contribute 10% of their income as tithes, with many giving much more.
- Additional fees for group activities, events, and special donations for leaders and construction projects are common.
These payments can result in members compromising their financial stability—they often miss rent payments to fulfill their financial obligations to Shincheonji.
Psychological Impact and Control
Shincheonji employs various control tactics to maintain member obedience. Many former members have reported being manipulated through fear of an impending apocalypse. Members are often told that time is limited for salvation, creating pressure to prioritize tithes over personal needs.
The church also practices sleep deprivation as a means of control, with members reporting exhaustion from demanding schedules. According to some ex-members, this can lead to severe health issues.
The Role of Family
Dariyn’s father, Duane Girton, became worried about her well-being as her condition deteriorated due to the group’s intense demands. He was shocked when she admitted feeling suicidal while driving home from a meeting. After realizing the depth of her struggle, Duane sought medical intervention to help her escape the cult.
Eventually, with family support, Ms. Girton left the group but continued to face intimidation from Shincheonji members, which necessitated changing her contact information.
Shincheonji’s Financial Activities
According to records, Shincheonji’s Melbourne chapter reported over $750,000 in revenue for the 2023/24 financial year, primarily from donations. Registered as a charity since 2022, it enjoys tax concessions in Australia. An investigation by Australia’s Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) is currently underway regarding its charitable status.
Leadership and Controversy
Lee Man-hee, the founder of Shincheonji, was convicted in South Korea for embezzling around $5.5 million, funding a luxurious property known as a “palace of peace.” Such controversies raise concerns about the organization’s transparency and ethical practices regarding member donations.
Community Response and Future Outlook
Maria Esguerra, a director at the Olive Leaf Network supporting cult survivors, labels Shincheonji as one of Australia’s most prolific organizations. She highlights the sophisticated methods used for recruitment, expressing particular concern for children raised within the group.
Duane Girton fears for those still involved, as he believes systemic failures allow groups like Shincheonji to operate unchecked. “Our system has failed people and our faith,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action against such organizations.
