The Neocatechumenal Way
the Way of Despair
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New World Order site How It All Fits Together
On the surface, the Neocatechumenal Way seems to be an intense but benign religious group dedicated to adult spiritual education and religious enlightenment for all people brave enough to accept its message. However, underneath the mask lurks a danger that goes unnoticed until it is too late. Emotional and spiritual damage, loss of contact with loved ones, and severe depression and confusion have engulfed those who have been attached to the movement for even a short time.
This website is here to help people who want to be free from the pain and sadness the Neocatechumenal Way brings, without making them give up any of the good things they may have found in their time "walking." It is also here to expose the lies told about and by the Way.
This site (and these videos: 1, 2, and 3) will warn people who are thinking of joining the Neocatechumenal Way of the dangers the group has brought to its members and to their grieving families and friends.
The Neocatechumenal Way, founded by Spanish guitar player and painter Francisco "Kiko" Arguello (y Wirtz) and former nun Carmen Hernandez, has succeeded in bringing many people out of destructive lifestyles, but has merely placed them in a new system of harmful practices. For example:
*Severe guilt
*Arranged marriages
*Overemphasis on "sins," especially sexual
*Heavy fasting
*Mind control or thought reform
*Outright fraudulent practices in the group's economic sector
*Breakup of families and cutting of ties with anti-Way persons
*Stigmatization of the world outside the group
Kiko apparently isn't even Christian, and has an interest in Illuminati imagery. His rituals incorporate many non-Christian elements, like having priests wear rabbi garb, and his paintings including esoteric pyramids with "all-seeing eyes" on top.
On this site, members will be able to find the truth about the Neocatechumenal Way, including stories of fraud, harassment, and deliberate psychological misleading, and will be better informed to make a good decision about how to live their lives. They may even become strong enough to free themselves from the demands of the Way and open up their lives to other influences.
I do not expect members and former members to have to give up their interest in the harmless elements of the Way. If they want to continue singing Kiko's songs, associating with Way members, enjoying his paintings, saying his prayers, or marveling at the romantic image of a flamenco guitarist come to save Christendom, they should be free to do so (I actually enjoy his music myself). If they still view Kiko as a positive figure, that's fine as well. [If this is the case, they should still recognize his actions are wrong; perhaps it would be a service to him to help him correct his misdeeds!] In fact, I would strongly suggest members hold onto the positive parts of the Way, and not to paint any one movement or person as entirely bad or good.
Nevertheless, this site opposes the practices of the Way because of the harm it causes members and their families. It makes the thesis that the founders and upper members are consciously allowing or causing these to happen, perhaps out of good intentions. This site also seeks to show members the evils that are occurring so they can reject those parts of the Way that are harmful. Regardless of the good aspects, the negative aspects must be cast aside if members are to heal and get the parts of their lives back they lost, including family, hobbies, interests, jobs, money, time, and often, their sanity.
It is hard to tell whether certain aspects of the Way are good or bad. They are often matters of opinion. Though this is to be expected when the concepts we are dealing with are largely subjective, it remains true that NC Way members often harbor a strong bias and this bias unfortunately extends to objective concepts as well. Although the merit of many things the Neocats preach and do is a matter of viewpoint, some things are objectively negative.
While it is up to members how much involvement they choose to retain in the Way, there are some practices which absolutely need to be rejected:
*Do not give the group money, whether in cash, check, labor, or goods. This is not a personal decision on your part, or related to whether or not you agree with the Way. The Way causes actual provable harm to persons and must not be given any ammunition whatsoever. Money, time, and help will unquestionably be used to bring hardship on those who did not properly consent to be part of or be influenced by the Way.
*Do not drop contact with friends or family members, even those who are opposed to the Way. Regardless of your own ability to withstand the practices of the Way, you have no right to hurt others. Just because you aren't upset by breaking off contact with loved ones doesn't mean the feeling is mutual. If you really are right in what you preach, you will not be swayed by their presence, and all the better to help them learn if you stay in contact.
If your family and friends support things you think are immoral or horrible, by all means reject their influence and take some time to yourself, but don't ignore or reject the persons themselves, and don't blame outside influences on your inability (or unwillingness) to resist sin. That's not responsible and it hurts others. (Also rethink your catechists' opinions on what's sinful and what isn't; anyone can make mistakes.)
*Do not try to recruit people into joining the group, even if many of their teachings are true and even if it could benefit a person at a rough time in their life. It is not worth it. Get them the help they need outside the Way.
Most members who have their thoughts changed by the group do not notice it happening, because they are not given the other side of the story. It is very hard to be sure you aren't being conditioned to think in an incorrect manner. If you really want to attend their events out of interest or like some of the practices, and you know what's ahead of you to the point where you are able to discern and reject the bad practices, then attend. But do not give the Way any more power (money, naive members, labor, etc). Naturally, this will be hard to get away with after a couple of scrutinies, so I would suggest not actually joining them at all.
*Do not follow catechists' advice on marriage or enter into an arranged marriage (a marriage you aren't enthusiastic about but catechists push and believe is "right" for you). They have a very unhealthy view of love and marriage.
Do not get married before you're ready or to someone you don't love just because they say it's "the right time" or it's your calling. If they push a partner on you and you aren't happy with him/her, don't fall for the bull about how "it's impossible to love your partner 100%," or "everyone must carry her/his cross!" If you aren't happy, it's not healthy, and it's not a real marriage. Marriage means love, not a piece of paper or a ceremony or a bunch of guitar songs and prayers.
If you know a couple who are in an arranged, forced, or otherwise false "marriage," alert people on the outside and get them legitimate (non-Neocat) help before the couple's lives are ruined and before any children are born to this unhealthy "union". Since Neocats are allegedly taught loving their partner is a sin, these "marriages" may take place between two people who are not in love, and therefore may be relatively easy to dismantle.
*Do not do or believe anything that makes you psychologically or physically uncomfortable. There is a difference between healthy or earned guilt and the type of guilt the catechists instill. Healthy spirituality is about personal discipline, not force, pain, and shame. If you cannot handle the 2 day long Easter fast, for example, do not do it. If you are nervous and break down at the confessions, do not do them. Refusing to do this does not mean you aren't a good Christian.
If a catechist makes you feel at fault for something out of your control, do not fall for it. I do agree we have our cross to bear and that our society lacks personal and moral discipline, but this doesn't mean it is healthy for them to make you carry the crosses of others, or feel guilty for things you have done that are not harmful to you or others, spiritually or physically.
Although the site is opposed to the Way's practices, it shows both bad and good testimonials about the NC Way, because honesty and balance come first. However, bear in mind that NC Way members are allegedly told to be dishonest about what goes on inside the group, and longstanding members are not allowed to reveal group secrets or questionable practices that lie ahead to newer members. Even after exiting some members still feel bound to secrecy.
On top of that, many of the practices or teachings of the Way can be viewed with much subjectivity, as either good or bad, forced or non-forced, depending on someone's viewpoint or the context the practices and teachings are in (though the harm they cause is objective). Many members cannot tell if they have been externally conditioned to act or believe a certain way or not.
Remember also that many NC Way members are taught the Internet and media are tools of the Devil, who uses them to spread negative opinions about the Way and Christianity. Therefore, we are missing the stories of many members who might have deleted their Internet or other social networking accounts and refuse to communicate much with the outside world.
About this site:
*Although I list both negative and positive account of the Way, I strongly believe it is largely a negative organization, and am inclined to take positive testimonies with a grain of salt, because it is alleged member are told to lie about the goings-on, because many members are unable to properly interpret their own feelings because of the Way, and because of my own personal experiences with someone inside it.
*This site will never be used to make a profit. Getting and keeping people out of a dangerous situation is enough profit for any person worth his salt.
*Although I think documenting the liturgical errors of the Way is important, nothing bothers me more than anti-NC Way complainers who insist on chugging on and on the music they use or their preferred Communion position or other such things, to the ignoring of the psychological and practical abuses they inflict on members. Christianity, above all things, is a pragmatic religion. Jesus of all people would be much more bothered by the psychological harm done by the Way than by the wrong use of a ritual or symbol.
*I tried to organize this site in as orderly a manner as possible, complete with a great site map ("Map"), because I hate going to sites which I can't navigate or which are confusing to my eyes. If you don't like the way something was organized, please let me know and I will consider changing it if your suggestion makes sense.
*I will translate this entire site, including the documents, into various foreign languages, in order of how relevant to the Way I think the languages are (for example, the country with the most Way communities is Italy, and it's based in Italy, so I will first translate into Italian rather than Hindi; the second largest number of communities is in Spain, so Spanish will be next in line). Be patient because I will get around to your language sooner or later. Google Translate can handle over 50 languages.
If something is not easily readable when translated, I will try to reword it into simpler language before I translate it with Google, while still trying to keep the original meaning of the sentences as close as possible. I will provide a link to the document in English, a link to the document translated into another language, and a third link to the document translated into the language after I have reworded it.
Most of the documents are understandable when translated, even with non-human translators like Google, so you will be able to get the gist.
*If you want to send me pro-Neocatechumenal Way propaganda, go right ahead and waste your time. I don't care. I know what I dislike about the Way, and I'm not going to be converted. I understand the good the Way has to offer and can enjoy the songs and the paintings and the idea of a close knit emotional community without accepting the bad.
This site contains:
-a number of opinions from former members, priests, bishops, family, religious scholars and concerned psychologists
-detailed personal testimonies from former members and their loved ones
-documents and letters from Popes, bishops, Kiko and Carmen, and other official papers, including Neocatechumenal ones
-information from Kiko's secret catechesis
-liturgical and other "technical" objections to the Neocatechumenal Way
-opinions from those who support the Neocatechumenal Way as well as those who don't
-links to every single NC Way-related document, article, comment, or discussion I could find online, organized by content
-a useful site map
-my own personal theories and strategies to help members become free
While I am not a psychologist or other sort of "exit strategy" therapist, I am an intelligent human being with common sense, a great instinct about human nature, and an intense interest in this issue. I think I can at least help members see the light, if not get them out of the Way's grasp. I do recommend members contact a trusted and honest doctor, theologian, psychologist, therapist, (non-NC Way) priest, exit strategist, religious sect expert, social scientist/philosopher, or other such "established" individual for more detailed or sophisticated help in exiting or getting the harmful aspects of the Way out of their system.
I also warn loved ones that members sometimes become very depressed when trying to sort their lives out after exiting, and they will not always share their psychological situation with you. So don't assume everything's A-OK just because you succeeded in getting them freed. Don't take the fact they are depressed as proof it's better for them to remain stuck inside the Way. Quitting cigarettes is also painful, but it is more damaging to keep using them.
Refrain from giving ensnared members an "us VS them" ultimatum with regards to the Way. Not only is such a view childish, but it plays right into the strategies of the manipulators. This site tries to prove the falsity of the NC Way's "us VS them" view. Also refrain from criticizing the Way for reasons other than its objectively bad practices. The good parts are not our target.
If your loved one needs hospitalization or suicide watch, choose a facility with extreme caution, as they can often be as damaging as the cults; mental health is still a new field and is plagued by faulty knowledge and even corruption. We don't live in a perfect world so don't expect anything in life to be perfect. Always take caution.
I hope you find this site interesting as well as informative, and I hope many former members of the Neocatechumenal Way will stop by to share their stories, which may serve as warnings to others who are thinking about joining. I also hope Kiko and Carmen decide to clean up their act and relinquish the severe level of control they have over the lives of their members.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I created this site because I lost a beloved friend of mine who is ensnared in the Way. He dropped contact with me for no apparent reason. I lost his beautiful friendship- which was short-lived but very deep- with no explanation. Only later did I find out the Neocatechumenal Way, which he had told me he was a part of, has elements of a psychologically destructive cult or sect and encourages behavior like this from its members.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Severe guilt
*Arranged marriages
*Overemphasis on "sins," especially sexual
*Heavy fasting
*Mind control or thought reform
*Outright fraudulent practices in the group's economic sector
*Breakup of families and cutting of ties with anti-Way persons
*Stigmatization of the world outside the group
Kiko apparently isn't even Christian, and has an interest in Illuminati imagery. His rituals incorporate many non-Christian elements, like having priests wear rabbi garb, and his paintings including esoteric pyramids with "all-seeing eyes" on top.
On this site, members will be able to find the truth about the Neocatechumenal Way, including stories of fraud, harassment, and deliberate psychological misleading, and will be better informed to make a good decision about how to live their lives. They may even become strong enough to free themselves from the demands of the Way and open up their lives to other influences.
I do not expect members and former members to have to give up their interest in the harmless elements of the Way. If they want to continue singing Kiko's songs, associating with Way members, enjoying his paintings, saying his prayers, or marveling at the romantic image of a flamenco guitarist come to save Christendom, they should be free to do so (I actually enjoy his music myself). If they still view Kiko as a positive figure, that's fine as well. [If this is the case, they should still recognize his actions are wrong; perhaps it would be a service to him to help him correct his misdeeds!] In fact, I would strongly suggest members hold onto the positive parts of the Way, and not to paint any one movement or person as entirely bad or good.
Nevertheless, this site opposes the practices of the Way because of the harm it causes members and their families. It makes the thesis that the founders and upper members are consciously allowing or causing these to happen, perhaps out of good intentions. This site also seeks to show members the evils that are occurring so they can reject those parts of the Way that are harmful. Regardless of the good aspects, the negative aspects must be cast aside if members are to heal and get the parts of their lives back they lost, including family, hobbies, interests, jobs, money, time, and often, their sanity.
It is hard to tell whether certain aspects of the Way are good or bad. They are often matters of opinion. Though this is to be expected when the concepts we are dealing with are largely subjective, it remains true that NC Way members often harbor a strong bias and this bias unfortunately extends to objective concepts as well. Although the merit of many things the Neocats preach and do is a matter of viewpoint, some things are objectively negative.
While it is up to members how much involvement they choose to retain in the Way, there are some practices which absolutely need to be rejected:
*Do not give the group money, whether in cash, check, labor, or goods. This is not a personal decision on your part, or related to whether or not you agree with the Way. The Way causes actual provable harm to persons and must not be given any ammunition whatsoever. Money, time, and help will unquestionably be used to bring hardship on those who did not properly consent to be part of or be influenced by the Way.
*Do not drop contact with friends or family members, even those who are opposed to the Way. Regardless of your own ability to withstand the practices of the Way, you have no right to hurt others. Just because you aren't upset by breaking off contact with loved ones doesn't mean the feeling is mutual. If you really are right in what you preach, you will not be swayed by their presence, and all the better to help them learn if you stay in contact.
If your family and friends support things you think are immoral or horrible, by all means reject their influence and take some time to yourself, but don't ignore or reject the persons themselves, and don't blame outside influences on your inability (or unwillingness) to resist sin. That's not responsible and it hurts others. (Also rethink your catechists' opinions on what's sinful and what isn't; anyone can make mistakes.)
*Do not try to recruit people into joining the group, even if many of their teachings are true and even if it could benefit a person at a rough time in their life. It is not worth it. Get them the help they need outside the Way.
Most members who have their thoughts changed by the group do not notice it happening, because they are not given the other side of the story. It is very hard to be sure you aren't being conditioned to think in an incorrect manner. If you really want to attend their events out of interest or like some of the practices, and you know what's ahead of you to the point where you are able to discern and reject the bad practices, then attend. But do not give the Way any more power (money, naive members, labor, etc). Naturally, this will be hard to get away with after a couple of scrutinies, so I would suggest not actually joining them at all.
*Do not follow catechists' advice on marriage or enter into an arranged marriage (a marriage you aren't enthusiastic about but catechists push and believe is "right" for you). They have a very unhealthy view of love and marriage.
Do not get married before you're ready or to someone you don't love just because they say it's "the right time" or it's your calling. If they push a partner on you and you aren't happy with him/her, don't fall for the bull about how "it's impossible to love your partner 100%," or "everyone must carry her/his cross!" If you aren't happy, it's not healthy, and it's not a real marriage. Marriage means love, not a piece of paper or a ceremony or a bunch of guitar songs and prayers.
If you know a couple who are in an arranged, forced, or otherwise false "marriage," alert people on the outside and get them legitimate (non-Neocat) help before the couple's lives are ruined and before any children are born to this unhealthy "union". Since Neocats are allegedly taught loving their partner is a sin, these "marriages" may take place between two people who are not in love, and therefore may be relatively easy to dismantle.
*Do not do or believe anything that makes you psychologically or physically uncomfortable. There is a difference between healthy or earned guilt and the type of guilt the catechists instill. Healthy spirituality is about personal discipline, not force, pain, and shame. If you cannot handle the 2 day long Easter fast, for example, do not do it. If you are nervous and break down at the confessions, do not do them. Refusing to do this does not mean you aren't a good Christian.
If a catechist makes you feel at fault for something out of your control, do not fall for it. I do agree we have our cross to bear and that our society lacks personal and moral discipline, but this doesn't mean it is healthy for them to make you carry the crosses of others, or feel guilty for things you have done that are not harmful to you or others, spiritually or physically.
Although the site is opposed to the Way's practices, it shows both bad and good testimonials about the NC Way, because honesty and balance come first. However, bear in mind that NC Way members are allegedly told to be dishonest about what goes on inside the group, and longstanding members are not allowed to reveal group secrets or questionable practices that lie ahead to newer members. Even after exiting some members still feel bound to secrecy.
On top of that, many of the practices or teachings of the Way can be viewed with much subjectivity, as either good or bad, forced or non-forced, depending on someone's viewpoint or the context the practices and teachings are in (though the harm they cause is objective). Many members cannot tell if they have been externally conditioned to act or believe a certain way or not.
Remember also that many NC Way members are taught the Internet and media are tools of the Devil, who uses them to spread negative opinions about the Way and Christianity. Therefore, we are missing the stories of many members who might have deleted their Internet or other social networking accounts and refuse to communicate much with the outside world.
About this site:
*Although I list both negative and positive account of the Way, I strongly believe it is largely a negative organization, and am inclined to take positive testimonies with a grain of salt, because it is alleged member are told to lie about the goings-on, because many members are unable to properly interpret their own feelings because of the Way, and because of my own personal experiences with someone inside it.
*This site will never be used to make a profit. Getting and keeping people out of a dangerous situation is enough profit for any person worth his salt.
*Although I think documenting the liturgical errors of the Way is important, nothing bothers me more than anti-NC Way complainers who insist on chugging on and on the music they use or their preferred Communion position or other such things, to the ignoring of the psychological and practical abuses they inflict on members. Christianity, above all things, is a pragmatic religion. Jesus of all people would be much more bothered by the psychological harm done by the Way than by the wrong use of a ritual or symbol.
*I tried to organize this site in as orderly a manner as possible, complete with a great site map ("Map"), because I hate going to sites which I can't navigate or which are confusing to my eyes. If you don't like the way something was organized, please let me know and I will consider changing it if your suggestion makes sense.
*I will translate this entire site, including the documents, into various foreign languages, in order of how relevant to the Way I think the languages are (for example, the country with the most Way communities is Italy, and it's based in Italy, so I will first translate into Italian rather than Hindi; the second largest number of communities is in Spain, so Spanish will be next in line). Be patient because I will get around to your language sooner or later. Google Translate can handle over 50 languages.
If something is not easily readable when translated, I will try to reword it into simpler language before I translate it with Google, while still trying to keep the original meaning of the sentences as close as possible. I will provide a link to the document in English, a link to the document translated into another language, and a third link to the document translated into the language after I have reworded it.
Most of the documents are understandable when translated, even with non-human translators like Google, so you will be able to get the gist.
*If you want to send me pro-Neocatechumenal Way propaganda, go right ahead and waste your time. I don't care. I know what I dislike about the Way, and I'm not going to be converted. I understand the good the Way has to offer and can enjoy the songs and the paintings and the idea of a close knit emotional community without accepting the bad.
This site contains:
-a number of opinions from former members, priests, bishops, family, religious scholars and concerned psychologists
-detailed personal testimonies from former members and their loved ones
-documents and letters from Popes, bishops, Kiko and Carmen, and other official papers, including Neocatechumenal ones
-information from Kiko's secret catechesis
-liturgical and other "technical" objections to the Neocatechumenal Way
-opinions from those who support the Neocatechumenal Way as well as those who don't
-links to every single NC Way-related document, article, comment, or discussion I could find online, organized by content
-a useful site map
-my own personal theories and strategies to help members become free
While I am not a psychologist or other sort of "exit strategy" therapist, I am an intelligent human being with common sense, a great instinct about human nature, and an intense interest in this issue. I think I can at least help members see the light, if not get them out of the Way's grasp. I do recommend members contact a trusted and honest doctor, theologian, psychologist, therapist, (non-NC Way) priest, exit strategist, religious sect expert, social scientist/philosopher, or other such "established" individual for more detailed or sophisticated help in exiting or getting the harmful aspects of the Way out of their system.
I also warn loved ones that members sometimes become very depressed when trying to sort their lives out after exiting, and they will not always share their psychological situation with you. So don't assume everything's A-OK just because you succeeded in getting them freed. Don't take the fact they are depressed as proof it's better for them to remain stuck inside the Way. Quitting cigarettes is also painful, but it is more damaging to keep using them.
Refrain from giving ensnared members an "us VS them" ultimatum with regards to the Way. Not only is such a view childish, but it plays right into the strategies of the manipulators. This site tries to prove the falsity of the NC Way's "us VS them" view. Also refrain from criticizing the Way for reasons other than its objectively bad practices. The good parts are not our target.
If your loved one needs hospitalization or suicide watch, choose a facility with extreme caution, as they can often be as damaging as the cults; mental health is still a new field and is plagued by faulty knowledge and even corruption. We don't live in a perfect world so don't expect anything in life to be perfect. Always take caution.
I hope you find this site interesting as well as informative, and I hope many former members of the Neocatechumenal Way will stop by to share their stories, which may serve as warnings to others who are thinking about joining. I also hope Kiko and Carmen decide to clean up their act and relinquish the severe level of control they have over the lives of their members.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I created this site because I lost a beloved friend of mine who is ensnared in the Way. He dropped contact with me for no apparent reason. I lost his beautiful friendship- which was short-lived but very deep- with no explanation. Only later did I find out the Neocatechumenal Way, which he had told me he was a part of, has elements of a psychologically destructive cult or sect and encourages behavior like this from its members.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
