Christian Non-Profit Called 'Psychologically Harmful to Children'

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Jul 01, 2014

Christian Non-Profit Called 'Psychologically Harmful to Children'

Child Evangelism Fellowship, a Christian non-profit group has been accused of psychologically damaging the kids involved. The group’s “Good News Club” has a mission “to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living,” but critics say the organization promotes fear, judgement and separation.

The Good News Club uses songs, games, and Bible stories to teach children about sin, Jesus, and holiness. However, some are concerned that the group “uses shame and fear indoctrination, thought control, attacks on science education, authoritarian conditioning, and deceptive marketing to negatively influence students,” writes Christian Today.

Seattle parent John Lederer said, “When I read their mission statement and values and principles it was clear that this was a very theologically conservative, right wing and evangelical form of Christian faith.” 

According to Lederer, the group targeted very young children to join, including his six-year-old. “Cake, cookies, balloons are very attractive to [children]. [CEF] use enticements like these to get children to say to their parents, 'Can I go?' Children can't tell the difference between Good News Club and school sponsored activities like chess club."

Protect Portland Children is now actively working to “spread the word that the Good News Club’s extreme teachings can be psychologically harmful to children,” said member Kay Schmitt. 

Publication date: June 30, 2014



Christian Non-Profit Called 'Psychologically Harmful to Children'