Exclusive: The Truth About the Cult Awareness Network and Its Involvement in Coercive Deprogramming

In recent years, the Cult Awareness Network (CAN) has found itself at the center of growing controversy over its alleged criminal activities, particularly its involvement in coercive deprogramming. Compelling evidence, based on testimonies from CAN officials and other sources, suggests that the organization directed parents of members of new religious movements (NRMs) to professional deprogrammers, often in violation of the law.

CAN, an organization founded to provide support to those involved in cults, has been accused of acting as a referral agency for deprogrammers known for their coercive tactics. Depositions and court testimonies have revealed a disturbing reluctance by CAN officials to admit their involvement. Cynthia Kisser, the last executive director of CAN, demonstrated remarkable skill in evading direct questions about her involvement with deprogrammers like Rick Ross and Galen Kelly, both known for their questionable practices, during a 1994 deposition.

In one emblematic case, Kisser sought to downplay her involvement by stating, "I spoke with him [Rick Ross] rather than meeting him in my capacity as a CAN official." This type of evasive language was typical of her responses, attempting to avoid direct admissions of problematic connections. However, under pressure, Kisser admitted to having communicated with several convicted deprogrammers, confirming that figures like Ross and Kelly were regular attendees at CAN's annual conventions.

Another case illustrating CAN's practices involves Priscilla Coates, former executive director of the Citizens Freedom Foundation and head of the Los Angeles chapter of CAN. In her 1993 deposition, Coates provided an ambiguous definition of "involuntary deprogramming," attempting to dissociate the use of physical force from the practice of detaining someone against their will.

Internal documents and communications between deprogrammers and CAN officials paint a disturbing picture. In a 1988 letter to Priscilla Coates, Rick Ross lamented the lack of sufficient referrals to support his writing project, noting how Cynthia Kisser had tried to provide him with referrals, albeit unsuccessfully. Testimonies from deprogrammers like Robert Brandyberry and Mark Blocksom reveal that CAN actively referred deprogramming cases, with Brandyberry stating that approximately 75-85% of his assignments came directly from CAN officials.

Dr. Lowell D. Streiker, founder of the Freedom Counseling Center, confirmed that 80% of the deprogrammings reported to him were initiated by CAN's national office or its local chapters. Streiker described the anti-cult network, of which CAN was a part, as a confederation of parents, deprogrammers, disaffected former members of religious groups, mental health professionals, and evangelical religious propagandists, with CAN playing a central role in directing families to coercive deprogrammers.

In an affidavit, Streiker provided numerous examples of deprogrammings organized by CAN, stating his disgust at having to "clean up the wreckage left by their deprogrammers." Mark Blocksom also testified about CAN's activities, emphasizing how the referral policy for deprogramming was a well-established and widely known practice among the organization's members.

Testimonies from various deprogrammers and CAN operators demonstrate that the practice of referring cases for involuntary deprogramming was widespread and well-organized. Marty Butz, a CAN staff member in the early 1990s, estimated that he had personally handled approximately 400-500 deprogrammings for people who called CAN.

In summary, the evidence indicates that CAN was deeply involved in directing families to deprogrammers, often for illegal and potentially harmful deprogrammings. This involvement places CAN as a central figure in criminal activities related to coercive deprogramming, raising serious questions about the legitimacy and ethics of its operations.

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