Protests Erupt in College Station Against The Network
College Station was alive with energy this past Saturday as **protestors gathered outside the Christland church**, part of The Network, a group of non-denominational churches facing serious allegations. The crowd was comprised mostly of members from two activist groups, **Families Against Cults on Campuses (FACC)** and **Leaving The Network**, who have previously voiced concerns over the practices employed by this church network.
A Voiced Concern for the Vulnerable
Attendees were there to protest amidst a fall leadership conference hosted by The Network at the Christland location. It was during this conference that they aimed to raise awareness about the accusations surrounding the church, particularly in light of a whistleblower allegation from 2022. The accusations included charges of **manipulation**, **coercion**, and even **spiritual abuse** against its members.
The controversy surrounding The Network intensified when it was revealed that founder Steve Morgan, the lead pastor of the Joshua Church, faced a serious charge—indicted for **criminal sodomy against a minor** back in 1987. Although the charge was ultimately dropped, the implications lingered, creating waves of concern regarding the practices of The Network. Morgan’s past raises many questions, particularly as he currently leads a number of churches in Texas including Christland, Joshua, and Rock River in San Marcos.
Protest Activities
On the day of the protest, members united outside the church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. holding signs and engaging with passersby. They aimed to inform others about their mission, distributing flyers and even utilizing a media truck prominently displaying the message “**Christland Crushes You**.”
Lindsay Wahlquist, a dedicated child advocate, was present at the protest and shared her thoughts on the potential **dangers** in environments that nurture a culture of silence. “There are member-reported, ongoing child safety concerns at The Network churches,” she articulated, shedding light on the **serious risk** posed to vulnerable individuals within these communities.
Lack of Accountability and Transparency
Wahlquist voiced substantial concerns about the church’s alleged lack of **mandatory safety protocols**. “They are not mandating background checks for people who work with children,” she added. The protestors emphasized the importance of **following mandatory reporting laws** and questioned why individuals with serious allegations had not been removed from church activities.
Amid all these allegations, the response from church leadership has been notably light. In a previous statement regarding these accusations, Christland’s lead pastor, Sándor Paull, openly supported Morgan but refrained from addressing the specific claims raised by protestors. This lack of transparency is causing frustration among community members seeking accountability.
Community Response
The mere presence of a protest at such a significant church event drew attention not only from **supporters but also skeptics**. Attendees standing outside the church did not engage with requests for comments about the situation, leaving many wondering about the true stance of The Network on such serious allegations.
In a digital age, the narratives surrounding controversies such as this one have proliferated on social media and other online platforms, providing space for former members to share their stories. Concerns about The Network have echoed through blogs and forums since 2021, prompting individuals like Wahlquist to stand up for survivors and advocate for change.
Looking Ahead
The situation remains tense as College Station witnesses the unlikely intersection of faith, community, and advocacy. With dedicated groups like FACC and Leaving The Network brave enough to stand against allegations of manipulation and abuse, one can only hope for better outcomes not just for those currently involved, but also for the broader community.
As it stands, Christland does not currently hold an active student organization at Texas A&M, further complicating the dynamics of dialogue. It seems this will not be the last we hear of this clash between faith-driven communities and the quest for **transparency** and **accountability**.
