College Station Residents Rally Against Alleged Abuses at Christland Church
In the heart of College Station, Texas, concerned citizens gathered on a chilly October Saturday morning outside Christland Church, a place of worship that has recently come under scrutiny. Dressed in red, a small group of parents and former attendees of The Network took a stand to raise awareness about what they describe as the church’s troubling practices and environment.
“Christland breaks families!” shouted one protester, Catherine Hunter, as she held up a sign that voiced the sentiments of the group. Hunter, who spent three years attending services at Christland with her ex-husband, shared her experiences of what she perceived as controlling behavior from the church. “It was one of the first signs I saw of the control Christland Church had on him,” she reflected.
A Call for Awareness
The protest aimed to highlight alleged abuses reminiscent of a recent scandal involving Pastor Robert Morris from Gateway Church in Dallas. Morris, once a trusted spiritual adviser and leader, recently resigned amid serious misconduct claims dating back decades. Just how serious these issues can become became frighteningly clear to the protesters, who likened their experiences at Christland to those of other victims of spiritual abuse.
Founded in 2017, Christland Church is part of a larger network of churches led by Steven D. Morgan, a man with a controversial past marked by allegations of serious misconduct involving minors. Morgan’s history prompted Hunter and others to question the integrity and safety of those involved in The Network. “They need to know that a person with Morgan’s history shouldn’t be in a position of authority in a church,” Hunter expressed passionately. “Forgiveness exists, but accountability is crucial.”
A Disturbing Connection
Another protester, Geneva Moore, recounted her experiences while attending Joshua Church, a central hub of The Network. She described unsettling moments where church teachings felt wholly unbiblical. “I was in complete shock when everyone around me seemed to nod in agreement at something so clearly wrong,” she said, expressing concern about the lack of critical thinking and accountability within these church circles.
Moore also spoke about how exiting The Network felt isolating, as many friends turned away from her after she shared her doubts about the church’s practices. Her mental health took a toll, which led to a harrowing suicide attempt. “It had such a negative impact on my mental health,” she shared. “It’s hard when the people you once saw as friends no longer see your value.”
Gathering Strength and Solidarity
The protest gained momentum when it was strategically timed to coincide with a church conference at Christland, drawing the attention of both supporters and adversaries. “People need to know,” Moore said, “a church should be a safe space, not a breeding ground for manipulation.”
Members of the public joined with striking visuals, including red balloons and signs featuring phrases like “Red Flags” emblazoned across them. A consistent theme emerged from the protesters: the importance of recognizing the signs of spiritual abuse and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, especially students at Texas A&M University seeking community.
Hope for Change
Though they face challenges, protesters remain optimistic about changing the status quo. Organizations like Leaving The Network and Families Against Cults on Campus are committed to supporting those affected by such spiritual abuse and advocating for necessary reforms within these religious institutions.
As the protest unfolded, the church staff declined to comment directly on the demonstration but acknowledged the participants’ right to express their views. Throughout the day, a sense of solidarity was palpable among the protesters, many of whom seek to provide support for those who might feel trapped within the church environment.
In the words of Catherine Hunter, “I still love everyone inside of that church and I hope that one day they will come and see what’s going on.” This gathering in College Station served not only as a protest but as a beacon of hope for a community yearning for accountability, understanding, and healing.
