|
REPORT MADE IN THE NAME OF THE BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO CULTS (VIVIEN REPORT) |
|
CONCLUSION Difficult to define, not very easy to measure, impossible to grasp as a whole, the cult phenomenon does not constitute an any less tangible reality in the contemporary world: the expression of multiple spiritual movements distinct from the traditional religions and characterized by specific beliefs and practices. In fact, it is closely related to the major problems which arise for current societies, in that it causes the decline of traditional religions, the mutation of family structures, questioning of moral values, the place of policy [or politics], and the economic and social crisis. It is even, in a certain way, the reflection. If its diversity and its complexity prevent rendering a precise account of its quantitative and qualitative evolution, the research carried out shows that it developed during the last decade in France and abroad. And this, as well as in number of organizations, of followers, and of sympathizers. At the same time, it presents more varied forms, it implements more sophisticated techniques, and has increased financial means. The followers, growing in numbers, often engage completely, until they lose part of their identity. And it is there that the risk of deviation becomes serious, when engagement and the resulting absolute confidence are not being looked after [or treated, tended], to cut the ties with family, to give all the money one has. The intervention of the public authorities is essential when engagement leads to a psychological dependence which the leaders exploit to their own profit. The judicial decisions rendered during recent years show well that a number of them are guilty of offences, ranging from deception or fraud to ill treatments, to aggravated assault and sequestration. In addition, information provided to the Commission and testimony that it received leave no doubt about the fact that the businesses exposed by justice give only a partial account of the dangers which the sects pose, which are in fact at the same time more numerous, wider and more serious. The State cannot, obviously, allow to develop in its womb [the word "sein" which I translated "womb" can also refer to "breast," so this phrase is similar to the English "nursing a viper at one's breast."] that which, with much consideration, is part of a veritable scourge. To remain passive would be, indeed, not only irresponsible with regard to the people affected or likely to be affected, but dangerous for the democratic principles on which our Republic is founded. Your Commission thus considers it essential to react. That being, it appeared that the best way of counteracting the development of dangerous sects is surely not most spectacular, in the form of anti-sect legislation that the extent of our legal arsenal does not make necessary and which would likely be be used one day in a spirit of restriction of freedom of thought. The essential thing, accordingly, is to fully make good use of the existing provisions, their systematic and rigorous application having made it possible to effectively fight against the sectarian drifts. For that purpose, it is initially necessary to better know - it that would permit the creation of an ad hoc observatory - and, especially, to better make known the phenomenon and the dangers that it can [recˇler?]. In addition, it is necessary to become attached to it [becoming attached to this cause as one would become attached to a person in an affectionate way] so that the institutions charged to apply the law in this field are sensitized there. Moreover, certain adjustments to the existing legislation appear desirable for better taking account of the evolution of sectarian associations. Lastly, it is significant that the former followers can be helped to reintegrate themselves into society. All measures which, according to your Commission, should be taken as soon as possible. In France we do not feel threatened by a tragedy of the Waco type, even an attack like that perpetrated by the Aoum sect in the subway of Tokyo last spring. But the germs of such dramas exist in our territory, and prevention is essential. That known as, it is necessary to be lucid: the measures suggested here will probably not be enough alone to make these dangers disappear . Reflection of the difficulties of the current world, symptom of a profound social malaise, image of a moral crisis as much as a civic one, the sectarian phenomenon also calls for, indeed, a global response to the whole of the major problems of the contemporary epoch.
|