‘Moonies’ seek anti-cult probe

Press, 14 May 1981, Page 4

‘Moonies’ seek anti-cult probe

The Unification Church of New Zealand, whose members are known as "Moonies,” wants the Ombudsman to investigate an alleged liaison between some staff memberrs at the New Zealand Consulate in San Francisco and so-called cult "deprogrammers.” The church is preparing a report for the Ombudsman in. response to remits passed by the Wairarapa branch of the National Party about a month ago. Ope remit called for an investigation into the church’s activities and the psychological and mental effect the "cult” has on its followers. The other asked that the Government investigate the circumstances of New Zealand church members in the United States who are being "brainwashed and alienated from their families.” A ■ spokesman for the church, Mr Chris Newman, said yesterday that some staff at the consulate had referred families of New Zealand members of the church living in America to members of "anti-religion” movements, when the families came to visit a son or daughter. Mr Newman said that he had records of names, dates, and places when such activities had occurred.

“I was in touch with the New Zealand Consulate last

January about this, but did not intend to do anything about it until this remit was passed,” said Mr Newman.

"The 35 members of our curch in New Zealand are somewhat surprised that they are to become a ‘red herring’ in election year,” he said.