The Woman Who Brought Down A Global Cult
6/24/202620 min
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Childline -- 020 7616 9999
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Juliana Bühring was born into a notorious, global cult founded by David Berg in the 1960s. Removed from her parents' care at the age of three, she was raised in a series of military-style training camps and endured a difficult, nomadic childhood, alleging frequent physical, psychological and sexual abuse.
After the death of her sister Davida, Juliana left the group and co-wrote a memoir that helped to expose the cult's wrongdoings, eventually leading to its demise. Using the strength and resilience she found within herself during her early years, she later took up endurance cycling and became the first woman to complete a round-the-world cycle.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify now.
In this brand-new series, Zara sits down with people whose lives have been shaped by extraordinary experiences. From surviving life-changing events and escaping dangerous situations to stories of crime, cults, and shocking split-second decisions, each guest shares their story with complete honesty. Raw, candid and deeply personal, these are the stories you won't forget.
The Family International has previously said that it respects the views of former members, while maintaining that these allegations are subjective, exaggerated, and do not reflect the organisation as a whole. However, it acknowledges that some former members have had negative experiences, for which it apologises.
The Family International has admitted that there were incidents of inappropriate behaviour towards minors in the past. However, since 1986, any form of abuse has been forbidden and sexual contact between adults and minors has been prohibited, resulting in immediate expulsion.
The Family International says that it has undergone independent investigations involving around 700 children, with no evidence of abuse found. It also states that such claims risk overshadowing what it describes as its longstanding Christian missionary and humanitarian work.
This story may include sensitive themes. Please listen with care. The experiences and views shared belong to the individuals involved and reflect their own experiences and beliefs.
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Produced by South Shore Productions
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Juliana Bühring· Guest0:55
It was quite notorious as a sex cult.
Speaker 50:59
In the 1960s, a man called David Berg founded a religious movement that gained global traction.
David Berg· Soundbite1:05
All you have to have to worship God today is your own heart.
Speaker 51:08
but soon gave way to one of the biggest child sex abuse scandals of the 20th century.
Juliana Bühring· Guest1:13
This cult leader is a pedophile. He said children are as much sexual beings as adults are. Juliana was born into this cult. They'd ship me from country to country. We were beaten, we were isolated, solitary confinement, starved, also a lot of sexual abuse.