Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
In a quiet corner of Northamptonshire lies Bugbrooke Chapel, where the Jesus Fellowship was established in 1969. Today, the memories of the past haunt hundreds of individuals who were subject to abuse at the hands of this once-revered evangelical movement. Investigative journalist Jon Ironmonger delved into the dark secrets of the Jesus Army before its dissolution five years ago, and now he meets Ellena Wood, the director of a new BBC documentary series chronicling its tumultuous history.
Initially, the Jesus Army appeared to be a jovial church community nestled in the English countryside, boasting thousands of members, a distinctive military-style attire, and a fleet of brightly colored buses. However, beneath this facade lay a harrowing reality. Ironmonger’s journey began in 2016 when reports surfaced about the group’s questionable activities and unexplained deaths, shedding light on the hidden horrors within. An encounter with a former teenage member revealed the extent of the trauma inflicted, with revelations of over six to seven hundred victims emerging during the course of two years of relentless investigation.
Ellena Wood, a documentary filmmaker, was drawn to the unfolding narrative of the Jesus Army scandal in 2022, prompting her to delve deeper into the testimonies of survivors and their families. Through poignant interviews with over 80 individuals, Wood uncovers the disturbing legacy of the cult, illustrating the enduring trauma experienced by those who suffered abuse. The resulting documentary challenges preconceived notions about cult dynamics and sheds light on the complexities of leaving such communities, where emotional manipulation and fear tactics reign supreme.
As the film exposes the distressing realities faced by children within the Jesus Army, stories of systemic abuse and psychological manipulation come to the forefront. Wood’s exploration delves into the harrowing experiences of survivors, revealing the enduring impact of their time in the cult. Despite the church’s closure and subsequent acknowledgment of past wrongs, wounds inflicted by the late founder, Noel Stanton, and his cohorts continue to haunt those who were ensnared by the group’s toxic grip. Through Wood’s lens, the documentary seeks to unravel the intricate layers of trauma and resilience within the remnants of the Jesus Army
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.