Introducing Dialogue Ireland Trust

Explanatory note: Whenever we use the words ‘cult’, ‘cultism’ or ‘cultist’ we are referring solely to the phenomenon where troubling levels of undue psychological influence may exist. This phenomenon can occur in almost any group or organisation.

Motivated by the inalienable right to religious freedom, Dialogue Ireland is an independent Trust that seeks to promote people’s freedom to make informed choices about religious, spiritual and philosophical beliefs. Though Dialogue Ireland has its origins as a Christian organisation it is now open to all belief systems and none. All we require is that those working with us share a common understanding of cultism*.

We fully accept the CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION as giving expression to our work:

Fundamental Rights Platform

*We acknowledge that “cultist” tendencies can creep into any organisation, including even mainstream movements. We do receive calls from people who perceive themselves or a family member as being victims of “cultist” activity on the part of a wide variety of sources. These people turn to Dialogue Ireland for guidance and support. Such situations can be very painful for the people involved. Some have compared it to the death of a loved one without the funeral. Fortunately, the experiences of most people joining movements/groups are much less dramatic than this.

You can learn about the history of Dialogue Ireland by clicking here.

Donations

As a charity we rely upon volunteer work (which can add up to hundreds of hours) and upon the financial support of donors such as you who make it possible for us to continue offering services. Please consider making a donation that will help us to continue providing our services to the community.

Introduction

As its name implies, the starting point of Dialogue Ireland’s mission is to seek relationships of dialogue with the groups and movements that we study. This will necessitate the study of both of the movements themselves and, where relevant, the world religions that may have given rise to them. We recognize that the vast majority of these movements were set up with good intentions and acknowledge that in many instances even more mainstream organisations have much to learn from them. Also it is clear that the “seekers” who join these groups are genuine in their spiritual search.

However, in the case of a number of groups and movements dialogue has proven difficult to achieve. On occasion we have had to engage in dialogue-in-confrontation or to debate publicly with representatives of a group. Our reason for taking such a step arises from the conviction that the public have a right to know how people can be affected by the activities of a particular organisation. When we do reluctantly find it necessary to go public on a group, it is always the aim of Dialogue Ireland to speak the truth in a spirit of genuine love for the members and leaders of the movement in question, as well as for the families of everyone involved. We do feel it is important to give courage to those under the control of the group in question to address the leadership in a robust and confrontational manner. But we are clear that those wounded by these groups need gentle support when exiting from those groups. We advise that until they have recovered sufficiently they are not give any interviews to the media. However difficult things may get, some groups are open to change. However, there are those we deal with that seem impervious to transformation and are dominated by a high level of control.

The goals of Dialogue Ireland

To work for contact and dialogue among people with different beliefs and philosophies; recognising the vast differences that exist among New Religious Movements, mainstream groups and other organisations active in Ireland.

To promote the study and understanding of cultism. To provide pastoral support to members and former members who have experienced cultism and their families according to their needs. To provide advice and information on cultism to those affected and to the media.

To promote the study and understanding of World Religions when it is required as a context for understanding cultist and non-cultist New Religious Movements (NRMs). We hold conferences and seminars on some aspect of Cultism to further this aim.

To provide information and educational services to schools, vocational groups and other establishments. We cooperate with governmental and police bodies using intelligence collected from our international partners, and our own research, related to cultism. Rather than warn or raise fears, our strategy is to inform and empower people that are making enquiries

To compile and assess current documentation and news reports on the topics we study and, by way of our web site and Blog, to provide the public access to up-to-date information as well as links to significant sites within the field.

Personnel & Scope

From our base in Dublin, we offer our services nationally and now internationally with the advent of the internet. We also give advice and information world wide by telephone and email.

Personnel:
Matthew McKenna is the webmaster for Dialogue Ireland. You can contact him via diwordpress@yahoo.co.uk.
Mike Garde is the Director of Dialogue Ireland and is supported by a strong executive committee. Because of harassment in the past this committee is not listed here, but any information about them is available to genuine enquirers at the numbers below.

For postal enquiries please contact: DIALOGUE IRELAND 7/8 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

Tel (01) 830 9384 Fax (01) 874 4913 Mobile (087) 2396229