Prophets, Apostles, & Gurus: When Spiritual Authority Becomes Controlling

For many Black survivors of religious trauma and cultic abuse, the deepest wounds are often connected to those we were taught to trust the most.
Pastors, Prophets, Apostles, Gurus, Spiritual Fathers and mothers, Elders
and Teachers--These titles often carry deep respect, influence, and spiritual significance within many Black religious and spiritual communities.

While healthy spiritual leadership can encourage growth, wisdom, and healing, there are times when spiritual authority becomes controlling, manipulative, or abusive.
How do we recognize the difference?

In this support group, we'll explore how spiritual authority can gradually shift from guidance to control and why it can be so difficult to recognize when it happens. Together, we'll discuss the role of charisma, unquestioned authority, special revelation, dependency, fear, obedience, and the misuse of spiritual influence.

Whether your experiences were within a church, ministry, spiritual movement, or other high-control community, this gathering offers a compassionate, culturally responsive space to better understand the dynamics of spiritual authority and continue developing the discernment needed for healing and recovery.

*This gathering is designed specifically for Black survivors of religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and cultic abuse. Together, we'll create a compassionate, culturally responsive space to learn, share, and develop greater discernment as we continue making sense of our experiences.

Looking forward to seeing you on 8/20/26 @7pm EST

With Care,
Black Religious Trauma Recovery Network