Scientology generated the most queries in Switzerland.
Keystone / Alessandro Della Bella
Observers estimate that there are around 1,000 small sectsExternal link in Switzerland. What do you want to know about them?
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Infosekta, an independent Zurich-based association that answers queries about different sects, received over 2,600 requests for information last year. In most cases, those reaching out to Infosekta knew someone who had joined a sect. In around 15% of the cases, the enquiry involved one or more minors.
What is a sect? Which is the biggest one? Do they improve people’s lives? Do they prey on the vulnerable?
The majority of requests were regarding Jehovah’s Witnesses (15%), YOU Church (5%), Scientology (3%), International Christian Fellowship (2%) and the Anastasia movement (2%).
However, some of these groups reject being labelled as sects. Many are evangelist groups or free churches while others have more niche appeal.
What is certain is they generate a lot of interest as well as criticism. Let us know what you’d like us to investigate in the form below.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
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