A Word of Caution

Signs of high-pressure, destructive religious groups

It is not uncommon for students to experience times of homesickness, loneliness, emotional distress and anxiety while at college. College is a time of many decisions and of learning how to negotiate a wide variety of responsibilities and pressures. Students may find themselves feeling vulnerable and needy.

Religious/spiritual groups can be a wonderful and supportive network at such times. At the same time it is important especially in vulnerable moments to be wary of high-pressure religious groups who may try to seek out and recruit students. Some ways to identify such groups include:

• The group claims to have "all the answers" to the problems you are experiencing.
• Coercive, high-pressure tactics are used to recruit you, or to keep you coming to the group's meetings.
• The group begins to isolate you from friends and family.
• The group interprets your questions or doubts as signs of weak faith and insists on obedience to leaders.
• The group puts down your past religious, social or political affiliations.
• The group encourages you to put their meetings and commitments before everything else, including your studies and your family.
• If you have any questions about a group on campus or off campus regarding these statements above, contact the Chaplain at 410 337-6048 or email Rev. Cynthia Terry
• Don't be manipulated!