• Discuss

Where available, discussion resources on specific groups and movements are listed under their specific entries in the A-Z Index. See, for example, discussion resources on Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, and Apologetics.

Note:

• While helpful, online discussion lists generally are not a good substitute for face-to-face counseling.
• Restricted-access mailing lists do provide a level of support in that ex-cult members can encourage each other during the healing process.
• Be careful with confidential information, especially in public newsgroups, but also on private mailing lists and in private correspondence.
• If you are being harassed, contact the list/forums moderator.

Mailing Lists

AR-talk High-quality, moderated mailing list where apologists and counter-cult professionals request and share Christian apologetics resources. Open to all religion professionals. Supplements the weekly Apologia Report. Moderated.

Web-based Forums

CARM Discussion Boards Operated by the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. Moderated.
FACTnet Operated by FACTnet, the Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network -- "Since 1993, Discussion, Resources and Support for Recovery from the Abusive Practices of Religions and Cults". Loosely moderated.

Freedom of Mind "Discussion focused on cults, mind control, undue influence by groups and individuals, and ways to help others and yourself." Affiliated with -- but operated largely independent of -- Steve Hassan's Freedom of Mind counseling center. The group is moderated, but frequently has the unfettered feel of a Usenet group -- with posts and discussions ranging from helpful to ridiculous and counterproductive. Since the group is frequently monopolized by a strident 'know-it-all' it is best to use the email subscription feature so you can filter out the noise.

Religious InfoNet Discussion Forum On the Walter Martin site. Discussion on a wide variety of topics, including doctrines, cults, religions. Moderated.

Usenet/Newsgroups

Note: More than any other online forum, unmoderated Usenet discussion groups tend to be somewhat like the online equivalent of food fights.

Alt.religion.scientology Contra-Scientology Newsgroup. Best source of up-to-date news and information about Scientology. This newsgroups is under frequent attack by Scientologists - folks who hate free speech.