International Churches of Christ and Taiwan Branch Face Legal Scrutiny Over Alleged Spiritual and Financial Control

The International Churches of Christ (ICOC) and its branch, the International Christian Church (ICC), have faced multiple lawsuits in recent years, accused of concealing child sexual abuse, exerting financial pressure, and engaging in spiritual manipulation. Tracking websites such as icoc-icclawsuits.com, updated in November 2024, list six ongoing cases with over twenty plaintiffs. International media outlets, including Christian Post, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, and the LA Times, have covered these cases, highlighting the power dynamics and spiritual abuse within the organizations. These legal proceedings continue, yet their implications extend beyond the courtroom, raising questions about the extent of religious freedom when faith is used as a tool for control.

The Taiwan branch of ICOC, known as the Taiwan International Churches of Christ (TCOC), was originally established in the 1990s by believers returning from Boston. It operated under the name Taipei Christian Church (TCC) and became known for its rigorous Bible study and active group activities, drawing many young followers. For some, the church offered spiritual guidance and discipline; however, former members described a system of high control and emotional manipulation. They reported that the church required frequent gatherings and personal reporting, with financial contributions and attendance rates used to measure spiritual maturity. Those who left were often labeled as “apostates.”

These practices are not unique to the Taiwan branch. Similar patterns have been documented in ICOC and ICC churches in the United States and other regions, suggesting that the controlling culture is institutionalized rather than accidental. More than twenty years before the current legal actions, Taiwan had already raised concerns. In 1998, a believer named Steve Lien published an article titled “Free Will,” detailing his experiences in the Taipei Christian Church. Lien had studied the Bible with his girlfriend but found the church excessively involved in personal relationships and life decisions. He was subjected to intensive mentoring Bible studies, regular confessions, and assessments by leaders on his worthiness for baptism. The church eventually pressured him to end his relationship, citing the need to “focus on following God.”

Lien wrote, “God has given us free will, allowing us to choose to live under Christ rather than being controlled by the church.” These words, revisited today, appear almost prophetic in light of the ongoing controversies. Former members and other sources have continued to document these experiences, shedding light on the broader implications of institutional control within religious organizations.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)