Inside the Cult of the Jesus Army

BBC Two England

11:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Tuesday 29 July

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Part one of two. A look at the origins and history of the Jesus Fellowship Church, which was founded in 1969. Its early vision of communal living, shared finances and spiritual commitment changed over time, becoming more disciplined and controlling. Unexplained deaths begin to occur within the community, exorcisms were performed on members with 'unclean spirits', and children as young as two were disciplined with birch canes in a practice known as rodding. In 1987, leader Noel Stanton announced the launch of a Jesus Army, with members often bringing new recruits back into community homes, where one became a witness to something that would change her life for ever