College Station Hosts Protest Against Local Church Network
College Station, Texas, was buzzing this past Saturday as a passionate group of individuals gathered to protest against a local branch of a nationwide church network. The demonstration took place outside Christland, one of the three Texas locations for a group called The Network, which has been facing serious allegations regarding its practices and leadership.
A Call for Change
The protest was organized by Families Against Cults on Campuses (FACC) and Leaving The Network. These organizations have been vocal critics of the group for some time now, primarily focusing on issues related to manipulation and practices they believe harm the well-being of young adults. Roughly 20 people showed up, standing in solidarity with signs and flyers, hoping to raise awareness about their concerns.
Why Now?
This protest came at a critical time as it coincided with the second day of a leadership conference for The Network, hosted at the Christland location. Members joining this conference included leaders from the other two Texas churches: Joshua Church in Austin and Rock River Church in San Marcos.
The Network’s founder, Steve Morgan, has a troubling history that has resurfaced amidst ongoing discussions around the group’s practices. A whistleblower revealed that Morgan had faced charges of criminal sodomy against a minor back in 1987. The charge was dropped after he agreed to counseling and restrictions that would keep him away from youth organizations, raising questions about his continued leadership role.
Concerns Raised
Among those speaking out at the protest was child advocate Lindsay Wahlquist. She voiced deep concerns regarding child safety within The Network, highlighting that the group is allegedly not enforcing background checks for individuals working with children nor obeying mandatory reporting laws on abuse. “There are member-reported, ongoing child safety concerns at The Network churches,” she stated emphatically.
This sense of urgency among protesters stems from what many believe is a culture of silence that both protects individuals like Morgan and discourages victims from coming forward. Wahlquist further added that disturbing patterns of manipulation encourage college students to sever ties with family and friends who do not share their beliefs.
The Community Reacts
Protesters displayed signs and handed out flyers around the neighborhood, with some using a media truck emblazoned with striking messages like “Christland Crushes You.” Their aim was to direct attention to both the church’s alleged harmful practices and to provide resources for those affected, including a link to FACC’s YouTube page and a whistleblower platform.
Despite their efforts, reactions from church attendees were scarce, as none offered comments when approached by demonstrators. Christland’s leadership has remained mostly silent as well, with previous statements not addressing the specific allegations but rather reaffirming support for Morgan.
Community Conversations
The upheaval surrounding The Network has sparked conversations not only within the church community but also amongst students at Texas A&M. Many students and locals have become aware of the potential dangers linked to The Network and are beginning to voice their concerns.
“I’m here to stand up against [Morgan],” Wahlquist stated. “I’m here for the survivor, who was sexually assaulted by Steve Morgan, and for any other survivors who might be out there.” Many protesters echoed her resolve, hoping to shine a light on what they regard as a systemic problem of accountability and transparency in some religious organizations.
Conclusion
The protest on Saturday marks a significant chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of The Network and its practices. As more voices come forward, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what impact it will have on the community and those affiliated with the church network.
This event not only highlights the ongoing discussions around spiritual leadership and accountability but also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations across all avenues of society.
