Shincheonji Church: Former members expose lifetime damage from toxic Perth ‘cult’

Former members of an alleged cult targeting WA young people across Perth have revealed how it consumed their lives and changed them forever.

In an exclusive investigation by 7NEWS, several former members of the Shincheonji Church — which is known as one the fastest growing cults in Australia — revealed how they were preyed upon and then isolated.

Universities and shopping centres like Forrest Chase have become recruiting hotspots.

In 2019, Matt Thomas was recruited.

“I missed all the red flags and in my perception it was just a normal bible study I was getting involved with,” he said.

As the months went by, he says he was pulled away from his family — and became more controlled by the highly secretive church.

“How I looked, how I spoke, who I was allowed to speak to, the relationships I was allowed to carry, what I do with my money and my assets. Everything started going towards them,” he said.

Followers are taught the Church’s leader will same them from the end of times. Some donate thousands of dollars.

Mr Thomas says the doctrine came to consume his life.

“That came down to as little as four hours of sleep a night. A number of car accidents within a four-year span just due to sleep deprivation,” he said.

Other ex-members say the group targets international students and those on their own.

Another former member, Mufaro Marindo, said: “I remember when I kept asking questions they kept saying you need to be careful, this could be the devil trying to pull you away.”

Godelive Kwete, also a former member, added: “I was really heartbroken, I cried for weeks. For weeks I was just in my room crying.”

Jim Spencer’s daughter is a current member. He fears he is losing her.

“It devastates me that we had this well structured family environment and relationship and that is basically gone,” the father said.

“She’s not the person she used to be.

“Kids are not safe. These people are so clever.”

The group’s local leader stayed tight-lipped when questioned and refused an interview.

“Sorry can I not be interviewed right now,” he said.

Some of those who have left the group have needed years of counselling.

A support group has been set up for those who have escaped and want others to know that they are not alone.

In July the the Town of Cambridge unanimously voted down an application from the group to turn a West Leederville building into a teaching base.

Now, it is understood they’re trying to re-establish a headquarters elsewhere.