Church Turned Cult: Promises of Salvation Lead to Betrayal
Two lawsuits filed against the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) allege that the organization is a cult that has covered up sexual abuse and rape for decades. The lawsuits claim that church leaders discouraged victims from reporting abuse to the police and subjected LGBTQ members to conversion therapy. Former members have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse, controlling behaviors, and conversion therapy. The ICOC, founded by Thomas "Kip" McKean in 1979, has faced negative media attention in the past for its alleged authoritarian control over members' lives. The plaintiffs plan to refile the lawsuits in state courts, focusing on the abuse claims.