Recover From Coercive Control
A note before you read on:
The information on this page may bring up difficult feelings, particularly if you have personal experience with this group. That's a completely understandable response — what many members go through is genuinely harmful.
It's also worth noting that the overall score presented here is an average. Regardless of where a group sits on the scale, a single adverse experience — like being deceived, manipulated, or pressured even once — can be genuinely traumatic and deserving of support.
If you'd like help making sense of your experience, Renée offers specialised online counselling for survivors of high-control groups. Renée's counselling is built around understanding exactly how groups like this operate.
Christian
Sedenborgian Church
Also known as The Church of New Jerusalem
Founded by Emanuel Swedenborg
1789 -
Established in England. Has bases in Australia, United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, and Japan.
Estimated followers: c.10,000
Summary of Beliefs
The Swedenborgian Church, also known as the New Church, follows the theological teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th-century Swedish philosopher and theologian. They believe in the spiritual interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and inner transformation. Central tenets include the belief in a loving God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the immortality of the soul, and the concept of spiritual rebirth.
Analysis Using Renée's Cult Ranking
1. Authoritative Leadership
Score: 1
The Swedenborgian Church operates with a more democratic leadership style. Decisions are typically made collectively, with significant input from members. There is no single, charismatic leader with absolute authority.
2. Control Over Information
Score: 1
The church encourages transparency and openness in sharing information. Swedenborg's writings are widely accessible, and members are encouraged to study and interpret these teachings independently.
3. Deception
Score: 0
The Swedenborgian Church is known for its honesty and openness. The teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg are presented transparently, with no significant evidence of misleading claims or deception during recruitment or otherwise.
4. Exclusive Knowledge
Score: 2
While the church is open to new ideas, Swedenborg’s teachings are considered central and often seen as a unique, divinely inspired interpretation of Christianity. Followers may view these teachings as superior to conventional Christian doctrines.
5. Exploitation
Score: 0
There is no significant evidence of exploitation within the Swedenborgian Church. Members are generally treated fairly, with no reports of financial, labour, or sexual exploitation.
6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation
Score: 0
The church emphasises respect and dignity for all individuals. Fear, guilt, and intimidation are not used as tools to control members or cultivate loyalty.
7. Isolation
Score: 0
The Swedenborgian Church does not restrict members' interaction with the outside world. Members are free to engage with non-members and other belief systems, promoting an open and inclusive community.
8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks
Score: 0
Members maintain full autonomy in managing their daily tasks. There are no excessive demands or obligations regarding their involvement in church activities.
9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours
Score: 0
Members of the Swedenborgian Church enjoy full autonomy regarding their thoughts and behaviours. There is no systematic monitoring or surveillance of personal activities.
10. Punishment & Discipline
Score: 0
The church emphasises constructive feedback and accountability. Punitive measures are not employed, and there is no evidence of extreme disciplinary practices.
11. Thought Reform
Score: 0
The church respects diverse thoughts and beliefs. While it promotes Swedenborg’s teachings, it does not employ coercive methods to alter members' beliefs or behaviours.
12. Us vs. Them Mentality
Score: 1
There may be some bias towards Swedenborgian beliefs as superior, but there is no significant derogatory attitude towards those outside the church. The church generally promotes equality and respect for all.
Total Score: 5/36
Overall Cult Ranking: 1. Benign Group
Based on Renee's Ranking System, the Swedenborgian Church exhibits few, if any, characteristics associated with destructive cult behaviours. It maintains a democratic leadership style, openness, and respect for individual autonomy. While it holds Swedenborg’s teachings in high regard, it does not employ coercive control or exploitative practices. This analysis suggests that the Swedenborgian Church operates as a non-destructive religious group, fostering a healthy and open community.
Further Reading
IS IT A CULT?: Response from
Sedenborgian Church
No known response.
Support available for anyone impacted by a high-control groups or relationships, and want to speak to someone who understands coercive control and the road to recovery
These assessments evaluate group dynamics, particularly patterns associated with coercive control. They are not determinations about whether any individual has or has not experienced trauma, abuse, or harm. Personal impact varies widely. Coercive control often develops through an accumulation of influences rather than a single event, though specific moments — such as discovering deception or betrayal — can themselves be deeply distressing or traumatic. If your experiences in a group have affected your wellbeing, support from a trauma-informed counsellor or therapist can be an important step toward understanding, healing, and regaining a sense of autonomy. Assessments provided here are conducted using Renée's Cult Ranking system and reflect her personal opinions, which are based on online sources and personal testimonies. Renée acknowledges that groups can change over time, for better or worse, and that individual experiences within any given group can vary. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.