STORY
Youth With A Mission (YWAM), founded in 1960 by Loren and Darlene Cunningham, is a global Christian missionary organisation dedicated to evangelism, training, and mercy ministries. Operating in over 180 countries, YWAM engages thousands of young people annually in its mission to “know God and make Him known.” Recently, YWAM has faced serious allegations of spiritual abuse and coercive practices. Investigations have revealed claims from former missionaries of public shaming, coercive confessions, and exorcism-like rituals aimed at “curing” homosexual behaviour. Critics have likened the organisation’s culture to that of a cult, citing psychological manipulation and a lack of proper safeguarding measures.
An inquiry by the Observer newspaper has discovered serious abuse and hate within the church, with YWAM saying that it was “heartbroken” at the allegations and admitted that “we are aware and deeply regret that some have had harmful experiences of spiritual abuse and manipulation.” YWAM said that it would look at how to avoid shame of those involved in their organisations whilst remaining committed to Christian values.