An odd sect seems to be trying to recruit in York. They had been active in the autumn and I thought they had gone. According to reports I have been receiving they have now returned at the beginning of 2008.

The group has been trying to infiltrate churches and has been at work in the York Uni CU. A number of people have reported details to me.

The group displays cultic features that will be familiar to many of us:

  • Avoiding revealing, or being evasive about their true identity
  • Claiming superiority over other Christian groups
  • Claiming to have special revelation that other groups do not have
  • A legalistic and joy-less faith which is contrary to the message of grace and the truth we know as “Justification by Faith”.
  • Their predatory behaviour

The group members are reluctant to give information as to their real identity. We now think they may be part of ICC (International Church of Christ).

The group seems to be turning up at various events/places and, “Looking for like minded Christians” as they say. A young women had been approaching Christian students on the York Uni campus after they came out of the CU meeting one Saturday evening. An older woman attended our church one Sunday morning, spending a lot of time talking with one of our young female students. I had it reported to me afterwards by the same student that the woman had been trying to recruit.

Sadly it is reported that some zealous, but vulnerable believers in York churches have joined the group already.

These people seem to hold the view that a Christian should not have friendships with non-Christians. They say that dialogue, if not about Jesus/ God, should be limited to practical matters. No wonder then that a loss of joy results. They go on to say that Christians should give all their time to God and should avoid being involved in leisure activities, sports or supporting sports unless it is for the express purpose of evangelism. This teaching is of course contrary to the teaching of Jesus that a believer is to be “in the world” but not part of it.

Christians “should meet together everyday” they say. It is recorded that the early believers met together everyday in defiance of the command of Jesus to go into all the world and make disciples. The believers were eventually thrust out of Jerusalem, into mission, as a result of persecution following the martyrdom of Stephen. If meeting were the magic formula there are many churches who offer such an opportunity such as York Minster – perhaps that is the one true church!?

They also claim that there should be no denominations other than theirs. They believe that ICC is the Kingdom of God.

According to CultWatch the founder of ICC Kip Mckeen has resigned, and repents over misleading believers.

More information can be found about the ICC if you Google “ICC cult“.

Lord, may we see Your protection over Your people in this matter. May Your peace and revelation be a saving grace upon these people in York. Amen