I need an expert on French cults

February 13, 2024 9:06 AM

For a piece I'm writing, I need to talk/email with someone who's an expert on contemporary cults in France. Below the fold, I'll include names I've tried.

I reached out to Janga Lalich, who suggested Laure Telo in Paris (Centre Contre les Manipulations Mentale) and Didier Pachoud in Marseille, neither of whom worked out. She also suggested FECRIS.

I haven't gotten anywhere so far.

I have decent French language skills but not good enough for a discussion about cults.

I have looked up relevant books for author names and contacts, but so far no luck.

I figure in all the cult documentaries and podcast, there has to be at least one French expert that will talk to me. Again, this is contemporary, not historical.

Any leads?

posted by mermaidcafe to Religion & Philosophy (2 answers total)

Have you tried contacting Miviludes, the French government agency tasked with monitoring cult movements? Though they're struggling at the moment and are described as working with a skeleton staff these days. FECRIS is also under pressure these days.

You could also reach out to CIAOSN, the Belgian equivalent of Miviludes, which monitors local cults and their international ties (including France). They might be able to give you some leads. Feel free to MeMail me if you need help with translations.
posted by pendrift at 11:51 AM on February 13 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Thank you! I know Scientologists have been trying to shut FECRIS down for a while . I don’t know about Milivudes. Will look into it. Thanks!
posted by mermaidcafe at 5:56 PM on February 13