It is astonishing to learn just how many different churches, sects and congregations there are that all profess a Christian faith. It sometimes seems as if each sect believes that they are they only one that is following the true path. Unfortunately, criticisms against a specific sect are often levelled in public and sometimes the attacks against such sects are fierce. At present there are certainly many people that are doing their utmost to see the HOPCC exposed.
Even a rudimentary internet search will reveal several websites dedicated to the exposure of the House of Prayer Christian Church. There are even Twitter and Facebook groups dedicated to exposing the sect as evil, unchristian and cruel. In many cases those levelling the criticism were members of the House of Prayer at one time or family and friends of members.
Criticisms against the church follow various themes. One of the main ones is that the church allegedly requires its members to show their faith by donating all their possessions to the church. Some critics have stated that they were forced to donate their homes. Others said that they were intimidated into resigning their jobs so that they can spend more time promoting the goals of the church.
There are also serious criticisms regarding the recruitment practices of the House of Prayer. Some witnesses state that their children became members only to be indoctrinated and alienated from their family and loved ones. Young members are allegedly forbidden to have any contact with their parents, especially if the parents do not approve membership of the church. Parents also say that their children show disturbing behaviour once they become members.
Relentless critics have tried to convince the authorities to launch investigations into the House of Prayer Christian Church. Not much has been done thus far, however. The authorities have made it clear that they cannot and will not investigate a church unless there is reasonable proof that a crime or crimes have been committed. The voluntary donation of money and assets is not a crime.
On its own website the House of Prayer state students at its seminary and the staff connected to the seminary are required to eschew worldly matters. They are required to employ all their energies in prayer, contemplation and in the achievement of personal growth. The church says that only those that are one hundred per cent dedicated to the mission of the church are fit to serve.
The church has not responded to the attacks levelled against it, apart from publishing a number of glowing reports and letters from some of its members. The church also state that the only requirements of their members is that they spend as much time as possible in prayer and in attending services. Critics say that members are coerced to write positive reports.
Those defending the church point out that some of the criticism levelled against the church come perilously close to hate speech. Rude language and allegations bordering on slander are common. They maintain that this is a sure sign of envy and hatred and that most of the attacks are from disgruntled and envious previous members. Defenders of the church urge the public to see through these criticisms and to ignore unproven allegations.
Even a rudimentary internet search will reveal several websites dedicated to the exposure of the House of Prayer Christian Church. There are even Twitter and Facebook groups dedicated to exposing the sect as evil, unchristian and cruel. In many cases those levelling the criticism were members of the House of Prayer at one time or family and friends of members.
Criticisms against the church follow various themes. One of the main ones is that the church allegedly requires its members to show their faith by donating all their possessions to the church. Some critics have stated that they were forced to donate their homes. Others said that they were intimidated into resigning their jobs so that they can spend more time promoting the goals of the church.
There are also serious criticisms regarding the recruitment practices of the House of Prayer. Some witnesses state that their children became members only to be indoctrinated and alienated from their family and loved ones. Young members are allegedly forbidden to have any contact with their parents, especially if the parents do not approve membership of the church. Parents also say that their children show disturbing behaviour once they become members.
Relentless critics have tried to convince the authorities to launch investigations into the House of Prayer Christian Church. Not much has been done thus far, however. The authorities have made it clear that they cannot and will not investigate a church unless there is reasonable proof that a crime or crimes have been committed. The voluntary donation of money and assets is not a crime.
On its own website the House of Prayer state students at its seminary and the staff connected to the seminary are required to eschew worldly matters. They are required to employ all their energies in prayer, contemplation and in the achievement of personal growth. The church says that only those that are one hundred per cent dedicated to the mission of the church are fit to serve.
The church has not responded to the attacks levelled against it, apart from publishing a number of glowing reports and letters from some of its members. The church also state that the only requirements of their members is that they spend as much time as possible in prayer and in attending services. Critics say that members are coerced to write positive reports.
Those defending the church point out that some of the criticism levelled against the church come perilously close to hate speech. Rude language and allegations bordering on slander are common. They maintain that this is a sure sign of envy and hatred and that most of the attacks are from disgruntled and envious previous members. Defenders of the church urge the public to see through these criticisms and to ignore unproven allegations.
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