History
Info-Cult is recognized for its expertise and the quality of its services, particularly in the support offered to families and people affected by cultic phenomena. The organization pursues its mission to inform the public and continues to promote research and reflection on group dynamics in order to more effectively intervene when needed.
Much like the groups it observes, Info-Cult has experienced many changes since its founding in 1980, whether in terms of its:
- name;
- structure and operation;
- funding;
- clientele and services provided;
- network.
A more in-depth examination of the history of the organization and its beginnings makes it possible to better understand its development and the transformations of its perspective on cultic phenomena. It is also possible to consult a selection of press clippings HERE.
This section includes some of the defining moments of Info-Cult.
BEGINNINGS
Along with a decline in traditional religious institutions as well as a certain undermining of normative values, the last century has witnessed a change in religious institutions, paving the way for a rise in new forms of religiosities or various spiritual quests. These changes were also accompanied by a marked growth in the number of groups with different callings (religious, spiritual, political, therapeutic, etc.). During the 1960s, the proliferation of these groups sparked public curiosity and a need for information. One wonders what is attractive about these groups, especially among young adults, whose lifestyle tends to change radically following contact with a group. Towards the end of the 1970s, concerns about “cults” increased following various tragedies, notably that of Jonestown (in Guyana) where 918 people died in 1978.
1978
01 Jan
Founding of the Cult Information Center, an association of volunteers aimed at raising awareness of cultic phenomena.
1979
01 Jan
Under the initiative of the Montreal section of the Hillel association (a Jewish student organization that is active on several university and college campuses), conferences are organized in order to sensitize students and the population to cultic phenomena. Interest generated by these conferences, combined with the expressed needs of the community, led a small group of people (notably Mike Kropveld, Leonard Lazarus and Patrick Quincy) to consider setting up a permanent resource center on cults. Recognizing the relevance of such a project, leaders of the Hillel organization applied for a grant from the Jewish community of Montreal in order to develop this resource center more concretely.
1980
01 Jan
Under the auspices of the B’nai Brith Hillel Foundation of Montreal (a student association), the Cult Project was born. Subsidized by the Jewish Community Services of Montreal as well as by private donations, this non-profit education and resource center on cults offers a public and non-denominational service to the entire population. Its objectives are to:
During its first ten years of existence, three people have been employed by the Cult Project (two with the help of government grants) and are responsible for a number of research projects. Various prevention and awareness programs about cults and “mental manipulation” techniques are presented in high schools, CEGEPs, universities, community centers and professional associations in Montreal and its surroundings.
1982
01 Jan
The Cult Project publishes a research report entitled Les sectes dans le milieu francophone à Montréal. 02 Jan
In collaboration with the Cult Project, a ten-part course entitled Coping with Cults is offered to high schools. Produced by the Jewish Education Council of Montreal and developed by Sylvia Stipelman, the program won the William Haber Prize.
1986
01 Jan
The Cult Project publishes two research reports: & Les difficultés reliées à la consommation rencontrées par les consommateurs dans certains nouveaux mouvements religieux et para-religieux de la Province de Québec (funded by a grant from the Quebec Consumer Protection Office).
1987
01 Jan
The Cult Project publishes a report on cultism in France which is subsidized in part by the Office franco-québécois pour la jeunesse.
1988
01 Jan
To commemorate the victims of the Johnstown tragedy, the Cult Project undertakes an awareness campaign in Montreal, from November 14 to 18.
1990
01 Jan
Now located in new offices (on Park Avenue, Montreal), The Cult Project becomes Info-Cult, an independent, bilingual and non-denominational organization which is governed by a board of directors composed of legal, education, mental health, counseling and business professionals. The mission of Info-Cult is also updated to reflect its growth over the last 10 years: "In order to promote the dignity and integrity of the person, with respect for individual and collective rights, freedom of thought and expression, and the right to information, Info-Cult’s objects are the following:
1991
01 Jan
A media campaign is organized to sensitize the Quebec population on cultic phenomenon. In collaboration with Info-Cult, an information brochure entitled Are you vulnerable? is published and distributed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
1992
01 Jan
“In recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada”, Mike Kropveld, founder of Info-Cult, receives the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal from the Government of Canada. 02 Jan
Following a number of testimonies, Info-Cult makes public the case of the Médecins du Ciel, channeler healers. Certain steps taken by Info-Cult contribute to the filing of a complaint to the College of Physicians of Quebec for the illegal practice of medicine leading to healers being fined.
1993
01 Jan
Release of the documentary, Au-delà des mirages which will be followed in 1994 by the release of the English version, Beyond the Mirage. Directed by Jorge Martinez and produced by Info-Cult, this documentary aims to make young people more aware of cultic phenomena. It is used in Canada and the United States for educational purposes. 02 Jan
Info-Cult submits a report as part of a Parliamentary Commission of the Quebec government on alternative therapies.
1994
01 Jan
Equipped with a larger space, Info-Cult takes another step in promoting its documentation center.
1995
01 Jan
The staff of Info-Cult reflects on the concept of “cultic thinking”. This terminology is now used by Info-Cult to take into account individual behavior and group dynamics, but is not used as criteria for distinguishing groups that may represent a potential risk to its members.
1999
01 Jan
Info-Cult enters cyberspace and launches the first version of its bilingual website, which becomes a source of references on cultic phenomena and how groups function.
2003
01 Jan
Publication of the book, Le phénomène des sectes : l’étude du fonctionnement des groupes (by Mike Kropveld and Marie-Andrée Pelland). This book was made possible thanks to a grant from the Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l’Immigration du Québec.
2005
01 Jan
Info-Cult celebrates its 25th anniversary of service to the community and produces, for the occasion, a commemorative booklet including tributes.
2006
01 Jan
With the help of Canadian Heritage, Info-Cult publishes The Cult Phenomenon: How Groups Function (by Mike Kropveld and Marie-Andrée Pelland) an update of the French version of the book published in 2003 by the same authors.
2007
01 Jan
"In recognition of his leadership in the effort to preserve and protect individual liberties", Info-Cult's Executive Director, Mike Kropveld, is the recipient of the Herbert L. Rosedale Award from the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA).
2009
01 Jan
In collaboration with two Montreal organizations (the Association Plaidoyer-Victimes and the CINR – now CEINR), Info-Cult organizes a two-day conference at the Université de Montréal entitled: Du croire à l’extrême et des pratiques sectaires: prendre en compte et intervenir.
2012
01 Jan
Info-Cult is called upon to respond to questions and concerns relating to the “end of the world” or the end of the Mayan calendar (December 21, 2012). 02 Jan
During the summer, Info-Cult hosts ICSA’s international conference in Montreal.
2018
01 Jan
In response to the needs expressed by former members, Info-Cult starts a support group in French which is facilitated by professionals offering their services on a voluntary basis.
2020
01 Jan
A complementary name is added: Center for Assistance and for the Study of Cultic Phenomena. 03 Jan
A second support group in English for former members is started.
2021
01 Jan
A support group is started for families and loved ones
2022
01 Jan
Info-Cult launches its new website and creates the Dianne Casoni Award. |
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