Ugandan cult The Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God was one of the deadliest in world history, with the number of people who died similar to the infamous Jonestown massacre, and some say even more.

The mastermind behind this cult? A woman named Credonia Mwerinde, who said she was receiving messages directly from the Virgin Mary.

CW: references to physical and emotional abuse, controlling behaviours, and murder. Content from 21-30mins is fairly graphic. Please consider whether you would like to listen on this basis. Content is not suitable for children.

Research sources listed on each episode page at www.ltaspod.com.

The Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God

Twenty years ago this year, Japan was to become a nuclear wasteland, according to the leader of a sect who claimed that the only survivors would be his followers and 10% of the major cities.

It was in the lead up to this year of the predicted apocalypse that Shoko Asahara ordered shocking acts that would eventually result in his group being labelled a terrorist organisation, and himself and 12 other sect members being sentenced to death.

Let's Talk About Sects

Aum Shinrikyo

Ken Dyers passed away 10 years ago this year, but the organisation that he spearheaded with his partner Jan Hamilton lives on. In spite of a few parallels, this Australian organisation, called Kenja, has been listed as a suppressive group by the Church of Scientology.

Jan claims that Kenja has faced decades of persecution by those who want to bring them down, including a member of parliament, and charges levied at the organisation include brainwashing, exacerbation of psychological illnesses with dire consequences, alienation from family and friends, and sexual abuse.

CW: references to manipulative behaviours, sexual assault including of minors, and suicide. Please consider whether you would like to listen on this basis. Content is not suitable for children.

Kenja Communication

This is a sample of a monthly podcast about cults around the world. Let's Talk About Sects focuses on a different cult each episode, looking at the history of its leaders, the recruitment of members, their experiences, and notable incidents during its existence. Check your favourite podcast player for more episodes.