Dariyn Girton, a former member of the Shincheonji Church in Melbourne, has come forward with allegations that she was pressured to make significant financial contributions to the organization, which she describes as a “Christian fringe group.” Girton, who joined the church in 2021, claims she was compelled to donate a portion of her income to secure her place in the “Kingdom of Heaven.”
Girton spent three years as part of the Melbourne branch of Shincheonji, which has been labeled by ex-members as an “apocalyptic Christian cult.” She alleges that the financial demands were so intense that she had to leave her full-time job and sell personal belongings, including gold jewelry, to meet the church’s expectations. “I ended up selling a lot of my personal possessions,” she said, adding that at times she struggled to afford basic necessities like food.
Shincheonji is registered as a charity in Australia, benefiting from tax advantages. However, several former members have reported feeling coerced into donating large sums, believing it would protect them from an impending apocalypse. The church’s practices are currently under scrutiny in a Victorian inquiry into cults and fringe groups.
Financial and Emotional Toll on Members
The journey into Shincheonji begins with a nine-month course centered on the Book of Revelations, during which recruits are encouraged to pay around $50 weekly. Upon completion, they face exams and may need to retake the course if they fail. Once fully integrated, members are expected to tithe 10% of their income, with some opting to give even more. Additional fees for group activities and events further strain their finances.
Patel, a former “accountant” for the Melbourne branch, shared insights into the church’s financial practices. “I would have to encourage members to give tithes on time,” he said, noting that many struggled financially, often sacrificing essentials like rent to meet the church’s demands. Patel described how church leaders used the fear of an imminent apocalypse as a tool for control, urging members to prioritize spiritual over material wealth.
“People are actually basically giving the majority of what they have, even like, missing their rent just to be able to give to the church,” Patel said.
Impact on Personal Lives
Girton’s experience with Shincheonji initially felt positive, with social events and Bible classes. However, the church’s demands soon consumed her life. “It ended up taking every single day, from morning to late into the evening,” she recalled. The Victorian inquiry has documented practices like sleep deprivation, with members reporting exhaustion and neglect of personal hygiene.
Girton’s father, Duane, recounted a harrowing incident where his daughter fell asleep at the wheel after a long church meeting, narrowly avoiding a serious accident. He described watching her physical and mental health deteriorate, a situation that eventually led to her estrangement from family and friends.
“Dariyn was always there for every single family function, every single get-together that we had, she was always there for us, and she suddenly disappeared,” Mr. Girton said.
With her family’s support, Girton managed to leave Shincheonji, but not without difficulty. She reported being pursued by church members at her home, church, and even local supermarkets. The experience left her terrified, prompting her to change her phone number and live in fear of being followed.
Financial Transparency and Legal Scrutiny
Shincheonji’s Melbourne chapter reported over $750,000 in revenue for the 2023/24 financial year, with more than 97% coming from donations and bequests. Despite being registered as a charity, the church’s financial transparency is now under investigation by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
Patel expressed skepticism about the church’s financial dealings, noting a lack of specificity in how funds were allocated. This echoes past controversies involving the church’s founder, Lee Man-hee, who was convicted of embezzling $5.5 million in South Korea in 2021.
“But then when you really think about it, there is no specificity to it,” Patel said, regarding the church’s financial transparency.
Concerns for the Future
Maria Esguerra, director of the Olive Leaf Network, a cult survivor support group, described Shincheonji as one of the most prolific groups in Australia. She expressed concern for children born into the church, who may grow up isolated from the outside world. “It’s incredibly harmful,” she said, highlighting the totalitarian environment within the church.
Duane Girton remains worried for those still involved with Shincheonji, criticizing the system for failing to protect vulnerable individuals. “Our system has not just failed the people and the kids that get caught up in it; they’ve actually failed our faith,” he said.
As investigations continue, the future of Shincheonji’s operations in Australia remains uncertain. The unfolding legal and social scrutiny may bring changes to how such organizations are monitored and regulated, potentially offering hope to those seeking to escape their influence.
