Female students are complaining about being approached by a “cult-like” church on campus

Women from several Virginia universities, including VCU, have taken their complaints to Twitter about missionaries approaching them with asking their beliefs in “God the Mother”.

The World Mission Society Church of God, founded in South Korea, is the only church that believes in God the Mother, according to their website. A University of Virginia student warned other women against talking to WMSCOG missionaries in a tweet Feb. 5.

“If anyone comes up to you and tries to tell you about ‘God the Mother,’ walk away and get help!” the tweet stated. “Google it and become aware! Spread the word!”

The comments left by other women from Virginia colleges in a thread of responses shared similar sentiments: the women were invited to bible study, asked personal information and were alone when they were approached by missionaries. The incidents were in public places like their campuses and malls.

Professor Andrew Chesnut, Bishop Sullivan Chair in Catholic Studies at VCU, said there is no doubt the WMSCOG engages in cult-like behavior, with “aggressive proselytization strategies.” He said the missionaries typically target middle-class, Millennial women. He said students should avoid any interaction with them.

“The church is strongly apocalyptic, having predicted the end of the world and Second Coming of Christ on several occasions, most recently for 2012,” Chesnut said. “Students should not worry about coming off as rude in declining to talk to unknown religious recruiters.”

This happened to me on VCU campus!!! Spring semester 2017! I knew I had never learned about a God the Mother so I never pursued their group, but I’m seriously in shock. Hadn’t thought about them again until now https://t.co/v11uvzzRkQ

— jada fowler (@JadaFowler) February 15, 2018

Adrienne Beckett-Ansa, a sophomore at VCU, said she was also discomforted by the persistence shown by similar women who approached her. She shared the UVA student’s tweet before the profile went private, adding that VCU women should also be aware of the missionaries.

“They were extremely persistent, like no backing down, even if you said no.” Beckett-Ansa said. “[They] approached me asking me if I knew about ‘God the Mother’ and if I was religious. I started to walk away and they kept asking me more questions — basically so much pressure until I gave them a [phone] number.”

Ladies @ VCU please also be aware!! This has personally happened to me I was approached by some ladies talking about “God the mother” and bible study. They will do anything to receive your contact info and harass you. DO NOT DO IT!! Be smart and safe! https://t.co/bDU5a383I4

— Adri (@adrienneba_) February 9, 2018

Sophomore Khoi Banks said she was pressured to provide personal information to the missionaries who approached her outside the Siegel Center during a basketball game.

“They went into great detail about this religion … and I didn’t care to listen, but [the missionaries] asked for my name and my number,” Banks said. “I was so annoyed that I ended up giving them my number to get rid of them…they texted me nonstop, I never responded and eventually blocked them.”

Nia Tariq, Contributing Writer