Articles about the International Churches of Christ Including testimonies from former members

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Contents

Birmingham Church of Christ
Indianapolis Church of Christ
London Church of Christ
Los Angeles Church of Christ
Madrid Church of Christ
Nairobi Christian Church (ICC)
San Francisco Church of Christ
Singapore Central Christian Church (ICC)


Other/General Articles (Worldwide)

• Henry Kriete's open letter to the ICOC, "Honest to God"
  Read the open letter from a senior member of the London Church of Christ, describing serious problems he has seen in the church around the world.

• "From Babylon to Zion - Revolution through Restoration III" - by Kip McKean
  Kip McKean, who resigned as leader of the ICOC in November 2002 and is now an evangelist in the Portland branch of the church, responds to Henry Kriete's letter.

• REVEAL letter to ICOC Elder Al Baird
  This letter was sent to Los Angeles ICC elder Al Baird in March, 2003. To date, there has been no response. However, REVEAL's offer in this letter applies to any ICC congregations/leaders/members, and it is now being circulated publicly for their benefit.

• A new letter by Marty Wooten and his wife Cathy.
  Marty and Cathy Wooten have published an open letter to all members of the ICOC, "especially to the membership of the Central Region of the Los Angeles International Church and the Northern Federation World Sector". The letter details what they describe as the series of events that began to unfold in the Northern Federation World Sector which culminated in they consider to be their wrongful and unscriptural termination in September 2002. The letter does not make easy reading.

• UK ICOC: Statement from directors
  All but three staff members of the UK ICOC are made redundant because of financial crisis. Find out more in this official statement from the ICOC dated April 2003.

• ICOC, DPI and HOPE Worldwide financial documents
  Read the publicly available documentation on how the ICOC and its affilated organisations is funded.

• Marty Wooten responds
  Read the letter from Marty Wooten, responding to Henry Kriete.

• Sue Condon's Diary "The Emperor's New Clothes"
  Unavailable on the net since 1997, Sue Condon has given permission for her diary to be redistributed in light of Henry Kriete's open letter.

• Daniel Eng's story: "Something died that night"
  The story of Daniel Eng, an evangelist in the Jakarta Church of Christ, released in light of Henry Kriete's open letter.

• Birmingham University bans Birmingham Central Church of Christ
  The university banned the ICC from its campus on 13 February 1989.

• Birmingham University and Guild of Students warns students of dangers of ICC
  In September 1989 Birmingham University and the Guild of Students issued this warning to new first year students.

• The Story of Susannah
  Susannah joined the Birmingham Church of Christ and came to realise she was involved in a religious cult. During her 15 month involvement she tells of how she became isolated from her family and friends.

Indianapolis Church of Christ (USA)

The Indianapolis Church of Christ split from the International Churches of Christ in 1994.
• History of the Indianapolis Church of Christ split
  The Indianapolis Church of Christ split from the ICC/Boston Movement in 1994. This history was written by Roger Hendricks, Senior Zone Leader of the Indianapolis Church of Christ, with the help and collaboration of other members who were present at the time these things were happening.

  The Indianapolis Tapes: Ed Powers, 27th February 1994
  The Indianapolis Tapes: Marty Fuqua, Roger Lamb, Douglas Arthur
  The Indianapolis Tapes: Kip McKean
  The Indianapolis Tapes: One week later - 6th March 1994

• "The truth about what happened in Indianapolis"
  This is a copy of a letter sent to Kip McKean, and other leaders of the International Churches of Christ, in June 1994. Kip McKean never replied.

• Was Kip McKean Telling the Truth About the Indianapolis Church's Growth Statistics?
  This article examines the claims made by Kip McKean, leader of the International Churches of Christ, when he discussed the situation in Indianapolis.

• Thoughts on the International Churches of Christ
  This article was written by Marc Malafarina, a former member of the Montreal Church of Christ. In it he discusses the ICC at length and also examines Kip McKean's comments following the Indianapolis Church of Christ's split.

London Church of Christ

• Seven Years in the Boston Movement
  The testimony of Jane Akshar, a former member of the London Church of Christ. Jane was 31, owned her own house, had a car and had a well-paid career in computing when she was recruited by the ICC.

• Saved
  Karl Williams tells of his experiences in the London Church of Christ. He describes how difficult he found it to leave the group.

• Angels of Light
  The story of one young man's involvement with the London Church of Christ. The story describes his recruitment, baptism and eventual exit.

• While Shepherds Watch...
  An in-depth story of Tony and Julie Yorke - a young, professional couple who became involved in the London Church of Christ. This story goes into considerable detail as to the activities of the ICC, and the history of the London Church of Christ in particular.

• ICC: Saints or Sinners?
  Robert Brown writes about his experiences as a member of the London Church of Christ. Robert also became involved with the group in Leeds and Edinburgh.

• Why I left the London Church of Christ
  Former member Mary tells her story, and writes an open letter to current members of the ICC.

• Broadcasting Complaints Commission Report
  The London Church of Christ complained about a BBC Newsnight investigation into the church's activities and finances (broadcast in July 1993). This was the Broadcasting Complaints Commission's judgement.

• Conversion Course
  Damian Thompson, a reporter with the Daily Telegraph, spends a week with the London Church of Christ.

• Twisted Scriptures
  A current member of the ICC writes about what he believes to be deceptions in their Bible study lessons.

• The Story of Andrew and Amanda Hart
  Andrew and Amanda Hart write about their experiences of the London Church of Christ, and how they rejoined the group to examine it more closely.

• A letter from Cardiff Christian Chaplaincies to Higher Education regarding the International Churches of Christ
  The Methodist, Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, URC, and Presbyterian Chaplains of Cardiff joined forces to write this letter advising students to be aware of the activities of the ICC.

Los Angeles Church of Christ

• Kip McKean announces his "sabbatical" from being leader of the ICC

• Kip McKean resigns as leader of the ICC

• Open Letter from Tammy Murphy
  Tammy Murphy was a member of the Los Angeles Church of Christ with her husband. Tammy was a member from 1995-1998 and her husband Dan from 1996-1998. They both left in June 1998.

• To Learn the Hard Way: The Story of Dan Murphy
  Dan Murphy became a member of the Los Angles Church of Christ in 1996. Dan explains the circumstances of his recruitment, and how he and his wife Tammy left in June 1998.

• The Story of Pierce Watson
  Pierce Watson became a member of the Los Angles Church of Christ in 1993. He describes how he became increasingly concerned by the intense control exerted by the ICC over its members lives.

• Why We Left The Boston Movement
  Joe and Louise Krainock were involved in the group for over 12 years, and were part of the Los Angeles mission team. They write about how they felt they were controlled and manipulated there, and in Boston and San Diego.

Madrid Church of Christ

• The letter of departure from the ICC
  David Medrano and Natercia Alves, former evangelist and women's ministry leader in the Madrid Church of Christ, explain why they chose to leave the ICC.

• Kyle Degge's Response to the ICC Leaders
  Kyle Degge, a former evangelist in the Boston Movement, who was an eyewitness to the events at the Madrid Church of Christ, responds to a letter written to ICC members by Randy McKean, ICC World Sector Leader, and other ICC leaders.

Nairobi Christian Church (Kenya)

• A Disciple of Christ or the Movement?
  Francis Mbugua, a former member of the ICC's Nairobi branch, was 51 when he joined. He describes the circumstances by which he was recruited and baptised into the group, and how he came to leave and was eventually "marked" by the leaders.

• The Empire Dies Screaming
  Lucas Mboya was a member of the Nairobi branch of the ICC for almost six years. He writes about his experiences.

• Like Beasts of Burden
  Former member Lucas Mboya reviews his excommunication from the Nairobi branch of the ICC and produces evidence of double standards within the organisation. This article includes details of correspondence from the Nairobi leadership.

• 'Fine' Christianity
  Lucas Mboya writes about what happened on one ICC member's wedding day.

• Open Letter to Evangelist Richard Alawaye, Nairobi Christian Church
  Joseph Owade was a member of staff at the Nairobi branch of the ICC. He wrote this open letter to evangelist Richard Alawaye.

• The Marks of a Cult
  Joseph Owade, a former member of staff at the Nairobi branch of the ICC, has written an extensive examination of the group.

• Nairobi Christian Church press release (Jan 3 1998)
  Richard Alawaye, evangelist with the Nairobi branch of the ICC, issued this press release responding to accusations of cultism.

• Why Nairobi Christian Church ex-communicated over 100 faithfulls
  Jeff Omwella, a former member of the Nairobi Christian Church, responds to Richard Alawaye's January 3rd 1998 press release.

San Francisco Church of Christ (USA)

• The Hard Way
  Anonymous left the San Francisco Church of Christ in 1994. Here she describes her life before, during and after the ICC. She has requested her anonymity for this story.

• Without Grace
  Michelle Campbell was was recruited into the ICC during her junior year in college, and remained a member for over five years. She describes how she was recruited and the difficulties she experienced in leaving. Today Michelle helps people through REVEAL.

Singapore Central Christian Church (ICC)

• To Speak What Is Right
  Kuo Soon Yong was only 16 when recruited into the Singapore branch of the ICC.

• Singapore Court Case Ruling and Judgment (7 November 1997)

• Comparison of Court Ruling with Excerpts ICC Leaders Gave to Members

• Singapore Court Case Appeal (1 September 1998)

• Comment on the ICC's legal "victory" in Singapore

Other/General articles (worldwide)

• International Church of Christ statistics
  Documents from inside the ICOC, presenting the statistics they record on membership amongst their churches worldwide, and how much money they are making.

• Kip McKean announces his "sabbatical" from being leader of the ICC

• Kip McKean resigns as leader of the ICC

• Sue Condon's Diary "The Emperor's New Clothes"

• The Do's and the Don'ts
  This paper offers invaluable advice if you have a friend or a loved one in a religious cult. We strongly recommend you read it before doing anything else. You should also check out the "Crisis? Don't panic!" page.

• How does it feel to leave a cult?
  A poignant article by Jan Groenveld of the Cult Awareness and Information Centre in Australia.

• Down from Kingdom Mountain: A story from the early days of the Discipling/"Crossroads" Movement
  Catherine Hampton writes at length about her experiences. Today Catherine is helping people through REVEAL.

• The Writing on the Wall: The Story of Athena Higgins
  Athena Higgins was a member of the ICC for ten years from 1998 to 1998. Athena was recruited into the Paris Church of Christ (L'Eglise du Christ de Paris) shortly after graduating from university, and was later a member of ICC congregations in New York, San Diego and Seattle. During her ten years as a member, she went through three reconstructions, was discipled by prominent leaders in the movement, worked in campus ministry, worked in the fledgling media and arts ministry in New York, and dated and got married in the movement. Today Athena is helping people through REVEAL. Recommended!

• My experience in the Manchester Christian Church
  Tony Hoyle was recruited into the Manchester (UK) branch of the ICC in 1991. He writes about the pressure he was placed under, how he suffered from depression, and how a friend was driven to attempt suicide. Tony says he is still deeply affected by his time in the group.

• Transcript: The Marking of Isaiah Pickett
  Isaiah Pickett, an elder with the Chicago Church of Christ, was publicly "marked" by the church. Read the transcript of his marking and the reaction from the members of the Chicago Church of Christ.

• Why I decided to leave..
  Dutch Dasanaike was a member of the Triangle Church of Christ in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. Dutch has written an open letter to current members of the ICC and describes the issues which helped him make the painful decision to leave.

• The Second Truth
  Lois and Gordon Estabrook describe how their daughter Linda was recruited by the New York Church of Christ's campus ministry at Purchase College. They tell the story of her recruitment and eventual extrication from her parent's point of view.

• A Search for Truth on a Path of Lies
  Linda Estabrook was a member of the New York Church of Christ's campus ministry at Purchase College. This is an account of her encounter with the International Church of Christ; the months preceding her baptism into the church, and the months following, through her departure from the church.

• The truth has set me free: The Story of Jennifer Porter
  Jennifer Porter was a member of the San Diego Church of Christ. She wrote this letter to current members of the ICC explaining her reasons for leaving.

• A Slavish Fear: The Story of Susan Berry
  Susan Berry was a member of the San Diego Church of Christ. She describes the pressure she was put under, and how she began to question the group.

• The Story of Jodi Llacera: My Marriage and the Boston Church of Christ
  Jodi Llacera writes about her experiences of the Boston Church of Christ and the influence she believes it had on the end of her marriage.

• The Story of Gintas Jazbutis
  After graduating from college in 1985, Gintas Jazbutis visited the Boston Church of Christ, and then moved to San Diego and joined the Poway/Mission Church of Christ, where he remained until he was kicked out during the reconstruction of the Mission Church in 1987.

• The Story of Marci Hooten Parker
  Marci Hooten was a member of the Phoenix Valley Church of Christ. She describes how she joined the group, how her doubts developed and how she eventually left. She also describes her life since leaving the ICC, including her marriage to another ex-ICC member - David Parker.

• The Story of Kathi Browne
  Kathi Browne and her husband had a close enounter with the ICC in Dayton, Ohio. She describes how the group attempted to recruit her, and how after researching the group on the internet they were able to avoid becoming members.

• The Story of Tom Khoury
  Tom Khoury was a member of the Washington DC Church of Christ. This testimony describes how he joined and eventually came to leave the group.

• The Verdict Is In
  An open letter from Tom Khoury, a former member of the Washington DC Church of Christ.

• It was five years ago today...
  Tim Neely, a former member of the Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ, reflects on the fifth anniversary of his decision to leave the group.

• Quest for Truth
  Yun Kim was a member of the Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ. Yun was a member of the ICC from 1994-1996.

• A letter from Yun Kim
  Yun Kim, a former member of the Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ, wrote an open letter to the leaders and members of the ICC describing her reasons for leaving.

• The Story of Matt Cramer
  Matt Cramer was recruited by the Greater Cleveland Church of Christ during his freshman year. He describes how he was recruited by the ICC and how he eventually managed to leave.

• An open letter from Matt Cramer
  Matt Cramer wrote an open letter to members of the Greater Cleveland Church of Christ explaining why he no longer attends their church.

• The Story of Gloria Astrid Hestle
  Gloria Astrid Hestle was brought up in the traditional Church of Christ (not affiliated with the ICC). She describe her experiences of the New York Church of Christ.

• Letter from a mom to the ICC leadership
  The daughter of Beverly Adams is a member of the ICC. Beverly has written this open letter to the leaders of the ICC.

• Two years of freedom
  Uchenna, who had come to study in the USA from Africa, describes how she was recruited into the ICC at College Park Maryland. After two years of freedom she describes how she is still learning to cope with the experience.

• Free Will
  Steve Lien writes about what happened to him and his girlfriend in the Taipei Christian Church (Taiwan).

• The Time Warp
  Kim Krecek joined the ICC in 1987 - she writes about her experiences in depth.

• Pain From A Cult
  Brian Jones tells the story of his experiences in the Boston Church of Christ. He writes of the pain the group brought him.

• Masters of Seduction
  Karen's mother was a member of the ICC in Nashville. She writes about her experiences and her concerns for her mother.

• The Nashville Experience: The Story of Debbie Campbell
  Debbie Campbell was a member of the Nashville Church of Christ for four years. She writes honestly about what she experienced at the hands of the leadership.

• The Story of Aaron H.
  Aaron H was a member of the Orlando Church of Christ for almost two years, joining when he was still a teenager.

• The Story of Jill Honeycutt
  Jill N Honeycutt was a member of the Orlando Church of Christ. She describes the financial pressures placed upon her by the ICC, and how she has found happiness since leaving.

• The Story of Randy Cooper
  Randy Cooper was a member of a Crossroads movement congregation for four years, and had sporadic contact with the movement for seven more years before leaving it entirely. He was recruited from the mainline Church of Christ during college, in 1981, and was actively involved through his graduation in 1985.

• My ICC Life
  Curtiss Hayes tells of how we was met by a member of the International Churches of Christ in January of 1993 while a hospital patient in Dallas. He writes a moving account of his time in the International Church of Christ, and how he came to realise he had joined a religious cult.

• Looking for God
  An indepth newspaper article about how Christy Henderson joined and eventually managed to leave the Boston Church of Christ.

• A Discipler's Joke?
  Bryan Slatner, a former member of the ICC, describes an experience he had in the group.

• The Story of Amelia Manteufel
  Amelia Manteufel writes of how she became involved in the Kansas City Church of Christ, and came to realise she had joined a religious cult.

• The Story of Catherine O'Neill
  Catherine O'Neill writes of how she and her family left the ICC in June 1996.

• The Story of Sandra
  Sandra describes how she and her husband joined the ICC in 1992 in Conneticut, their transfer to the Greater Norfolk Church of Christ in Virginia, and how she was harrassed when she tried to leave. Sandra goes on to tell how she feels the ICC broke up her marriage.

• The Story of Gina Palmer
  Gina Palmer describes how she left the Dallas Fortworth branch of the ICC.

• Salvation isn't this hard: My story with the Church of Christ in Springfield, MA
  Joel was in his junior year at Springfield College in Massachusetts when the ICC tried to recruit him. He describes the pressures he was put under.

• The Story of the Milan Mission Team Church Planting
  The story of how the Milan Church of Christ split from the ICC. It also includes an open letter written by the Milan Church of Christ to ICC leader Kip McKean.

• What Price Success?
  James Bjornstad analyses the Boston Church of Christ.

• The Boston Church of Christ - Has Mind Control come to Beantown?
  Stephen F Cannon wrote this paper about the ICC.

• Information about Hope WorldWide
  HOPE WorldWide is the ICC's charitable wing. You can read their 1997 tax return online, and find out more about them.

• The Numbers Game
  This article lists quotes from leaders of the ICC, detailing their obsession with competitiveness and recruiting more people.

• Loading the Language
  An article about some of the jargon used by the ICC.

• Sinlist Central
  View some of the sinlists compiled by the ICC.

• Television Reports on the ICC "Sin Lists," Confidentiality and Other Documentation
  Read the truth about the ICC sinlists.

• The ICC Bible Studies
  Dave Anderson's analysis of the ICC's First Principles Bible Study Series.

• Die ICC-Bibelstudien: Eine Kritische Analyse
  A German translation of Dave Anderson's analysis.

• Sydney Church of Christ's Provisional Accounts
  Scanned copies of Sydney Church of Christ's Provisional Accounts (Year Ending 31 December 1997)

• You'll find much more material about the activities of the International Churches of Christ on the media reports page.