Letter: Christian transformation without 'mind control'

AT THE Cult Information Centre we handle several thousand phone calls each year. Many are from distressed families that have lost loved ones to cults.

There are more than 500 cults operating in the UK, and they represent a very serious and growing problem. By our definition a cult has five characteristics, the most important being the use of mind-control techniques to recruit and maintain its membership.

However, your article about the Alpha course organised by Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, may have given the erroneous impression that the Cult Information Centre believes that Alpha uses mind-control techniques. I would like to say that this is not the case and never has been.

IAN HAWORTH

Cult Information Centre

Orpington, Kent