Cult tries to hire university halls

A CONTROVERSIAL religious cult is hoping to use a university hall of residence for a conference this summer.

The Church of Christ, which is planning a rally in Cardiff from August 28-30, has booked 2,000 rooms in residences at the University of Wales, Cardiff. The university conference office does not vet religious groups.

The church has been criticised for its recruiting techniques and treatment of members.

A spokesman for the Cult Information Centre said: "The group is extremely active and we receive a disproportionate number of complaints about it compared to other groups. People who become involved seem to go through a change in personality."

The church denies allegations that recruits are pressurised to cut contact with people outside the group or prevented from leaving.

It has a church in Cardiff and has been recruiting in the city. Church members have been asked to leave the university student union after complaints, but there is no formal ban on them.

Cardiff County Council will decide on February whether to let the city's St David's Hall to the church at the normal commercial rate or the discount given to charitable and religious organisations.