Educational tool only. All groups exist on a spectrum of control. Individual experiences vary. Based on publicly available reports, ex-member accounts, court records, and expert analyses — not medical or legal advice.
6 group profiles for organisations whose documented founding falls in the 1890s. Sorted by CLCI score, descending.
Long-secretive Christian movement (founded 1897 by William Irvine) with no formal name, no buildings, no public website, claiming to be the only true church. The 2023+ public revelations of widespread sexual abuse across multiple US states and other countries — 700+ victims — have triggered the largest reckoning in the movement's history.
Secretive nameless international Christian sect founded 1897 in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland by Scottish evangelist William Irvine (1863-1947). Distinguished by itinerant 'Workers' (preacher-pairs in 'two by two' pattern of Luke 10) and 'Friends' (lay members), and the deliberate absence of any organisational name or public infrastructure. Approximately 100,000 members across 26 countries. The 2023+ Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in the Two by Twos documented century-long systemic abuse cover-up; multiple criminal prosecutions of Workers 2023-2025.
Major Sant Mat-derived Indian movement headquartered at Dera Beas, Punjab. Distinctive lineage of living Sant Satgurus. Substantial global following.
Japanese new religion founded by Deguchi Nao (1892) and developed by her son-in-law Onisaburo Deguchi. Spawned multiple successor groups including Sekai Kyusei Kyo and Aizen-en. Distinctive emphasis on art, world peace, and Esperanto.
Mainstream Advaita Vedanta lineage of Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950). Sri Ramanasramam at Tiruvannamalai. Very low-control reference point.
Mainstream secular Humanist organisations — American Humanist Association (1941), Humanists UK (1896 as Ethical Society). Very low-control reference.