Religious groups have always been targeted by those that do not subscribe to the dogma that they preach, the methods that they follow or the way in which their congregations are run. Religion has always been and always will be a contentious topic. Many churches and sects believe that their teaching is the only correct one and they sometimes level serious criticism on other belief systems. One sect that seems to be a particularly regular target is HOPCC.
Even a rudimentary online search quickly reveals that there is no shortage of complaints about and criticism of the House of Prayer Christian Churches. There are many critics that allege that they have become members of this church, only to be coerced into donating all their worldly possessions to the church, including their homes and cars. Some were even required to stop working at regular jobs so that they can dedicate more time to the church.
Some parents accuse the church of breaking up their families. They say that the Hope of Prayer make extravagant promises to youngsters on both a spiritual and material level. A number of parents allege that their children have been forbidden contact with their families. Other parents say that their children have stopped their studies or quit their jobs after joining the church.
Disgruntled critics have, in some instances, tried to lay formal complaints but they have not had much success. The position of the authorities is that they cannot investigate allegations unless a crime has been committed. Donating personal possessions to a church, for example, is the right of every adult. They also point out that every citizen is free to follow the religion of his or her choice and to associate with anybody they please.
The House of Prayer Christian Church has not responded to the attacks against it. They maintain that the church is a spiritual home for those that choose to be members. Nobody is forced to do anything against their will, although members are encouraged to pray regularly, to attend services and to become involved in mission work. There are also no shortages of glowing recommendations from church members.
On the official website of the church, it clearly states that they are running a seminary and that the rules applicable to the faculty and students are rather strict. No student or staff member are allowed to ponder worldly matters. Presumably that means that they may not own possessions or that they may not earn incomes from regular jobs. Instead, they are to focus wholly upon spiritual matters.
It is clear that some of the critics that launch regular attacks against the House of Prayer Christian Church are very angry and either embittered or outraged. The language used in some of the attacks is downright spiteful and rude. Perhaps level headed readers will know that it is often best to discard opinions on both ends of the spectrum.
Whether or not the House of Prayer is misleading its members or not is certainly not clear from the material that is available online. However, people have the right to decide for themselves and even to make choices that seem ill informed to others. Nobody can be forced to become or remain a member at any organization where they are not happy.
Even a rudimentary online search quickly reveals that there is no shortage of complaints about and criticism of the House of Prayer Christian Churches. There are many critics that allege that they have become members of this church, only to be coerced into donating all their worldly possessions to the church, including their homes and cars. Some were even required to stop working at regular jobs so that they can dedicate more time to the church.
Some parents accuse the church of breaking up their families. They say that the Hope of Prayer make extravagant promises to youngsters on both a spiritual and material level. A number of parents allege that their children have been forbidden contact with their families. Other parents say that their children have stopped their studies or quit their jobs after joining the church.
Disgruntled critics have, in some instances, tried to lay formal complaints but they have not had much success. The position of the authorities is that they cannot investigate allegations unless a crime has been committed. Donating personal possessions to a church, for example, is the right of every adult. They also point out that every citizen is free to follow the religion of his or her choice and to associate with anybody they please.
The House of Prayer Christian Church has not responded to the attacks against it. They maintain that the church is a spiritual home for those that choose to be members. Nobody is forced to do anything against their will, although members are encouraged to pray regularly, to attend services and to become involved in mission work. There are also no shortages of glowing recommendations from church members.
On the official website of the church, it clearly states that they are running a seminary and that the rules applicable to the faculty and students are rather strict. No student or staff member are allowed to ponder worldly matters. Presumably that means that they may not own possessions or that they may not earn incomes from regular jobs. Instead, they are to focus wholly upon spiritual matters.
It is clear that some of the critics that launch regular attacks against the House of Prayer Christian Church are very angry and either embittered or outraged. The language used in some of the attacks is downright spiteful and rude. Perhaps level headed readers will know that it is often best to discard opinions on both ends of the spectrum.
Whether or not the House of Prayer is misleading its members or not is certainly not clear from the material that is available online. However, people have the right to decide for themselves and even to make choices that seem ill informed to others. Nobody can be forced to become or remain a member at any organization where they are not happy.
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