INTERNATIONAL CULT AWARENESS DAY
November 18th is recognized as International Cult Awareness Day, sponsored by Cult Recovery 101, People Leave Cults, Cult Mediation, Cult Intervention101, Cult Education Events, and CultNEWS101.
About International Cult Awareness Day:
On November 18th, 45 years ago, over 900 individuals were victims of a mass-murder suicide who were members of the Peoples Temple cult. This event is most commonly known as the “Jonestown Massacre” which has been described as, “one of the largest mass deaths in American history”.
We want to be sensitive so as not to exploit those affected by this tragedy. Cult Awareness Day brings awareness to harms* that some have experienced in cultic systems. This year’s International Cult Awareness Day is a time to reflect on the 45th Anniversary of Jonestown for the following goals:
- 1) remember the victims of tragedies that have occurred in cults, with a specific focus this year on remembering the victims of Jonestown, *Additional tragedies have occurred in the following other groups: Chinese Dragon Buddha, Movement for The Restoration of The Ten Commandments of God, MOVE, Synanon, The Children of God, Alusi Okija, Aum Shinrikyo, Beasts of Satan, Faith Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith, Falun Gong, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Remnant Fellowship Church/Weigh Down Workshop, Heaven’s Gate, Word of Faith Fellowship, Solar Temple, Béchard Lane Eckankar, WACO and many more.
- 2) spread awareness of those harmed by cults, and
- 3) provide resources for those who have been harmed while in these settings.
Mass suicide is a form of suicide, occurring when a group of people simultaneously kill themselves.
San Diego State University: Jonestown Collection
Paradise Undone: A Novel of Jonestown – Annie Dawid
