Churches of Christ Face Allegations of High-Pressure Recruitment on Boston University Campuses (Boston, Massachusetts)

Three years ago, an anonymous user shared a warning on Reddit, cautioning young adults in Boston about the Boston Church of Christ (BCOC) and its parent organization, the International Church of Christ (ICOC). The post, posted on the “r/excoc” page, highlighted concerns about the groups’ tactics on college campuses. The author, who used the pseudonym John, urged students to be cautious, noting that interns and ministry staff from these groups are actively recruiting on Boston-area campuses.

The BCOC has long been associated with targeting students, a practice that has drawn scrutiny for decades. At Northeastern University, the ICOC and BCOC are classified as “unauthorized groups” by the university’s Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service (CSDS). These groups are banned from all university campuses due to alleged destructive behaviors, including lovebombing and offering absolution to attract students. The CSDS defines unauthorized groups as those that engage in high-pressure and manipulative tactics that may harm students’ well-being.

The BCOC has been active at Northeastern since the 1980s. A former member, known only as “Diane,” described in a 1986 article how the group used intense pressure on students. She reported experiencing social isolation, heightened insecurities, and pressure to undergo baptism. The BCOC has not responded to multiple requests for comment over the past year, including emails, website inquiries, and phone calls.

According to the CSDS, unregistered religious groups can still approach Northeastern students, using tactics that may affect their well-being. Julie Rothhaar-Sanders, assistant vice chancellor of engagement at Northeastern, explained that a group does not need to be officially affiliated with the university to be considered unauthorized. She noted that students have reported being harassed by individuals on public property, including receiving unsolicited flyers.

The BCOC is part of a broader network of student-focused church groups connected to the ICOC. Other banned groups include Boston Alpha Omega, Boston International Christian Church, and NU Bible Talk. Despite being banned from campus, the BCOC maintains an active webpage where individuals can express interest in joining Northeastern Bible Talk. This continued presence raises questions about the group’s outreach strategies and their alignment with university policies.

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