The word "cult" has legitimate uses across several contexts: academic, entertainment, sociological, and theological. In sociology and cult psychology, a cult is generally characterized, not by its doctrine alone, but by its structure and behavior. More specifically, cults are typically identified by authoritarian leadership, thought control, information control, us-versus-them isolationism, and the systematic suppression of dissent and personal agency.

Check My Church’s FAICE Model identifies five red flags of cultic and corrupt churches and ministries. By learning about these clear warning signs, you can confidently check your church and protect yourself and loved ones from the deep, painful, and long-lasting harm caused by abusive churches and cults.

In a significant victory for survivors of alleged clergy sexual abuse, the Washington State Court of Appeals has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former pastor Micahn Carter against his former church assistant, Mary Jones, who publicly accused him of raping her in 2019.