I was sitting in a local pub a few years ago and noticed one of our neighbours (known to have a bit of a dodgy relationship with alcohol) who had been ill. As I was about to go over and ask him how he was, another couple (well dressed, affable) came in and gently escorted him out. We thought that they were his carers and have only recently become cogniscent of the full story.
The couple we saw have founded a new Church. Based on Christianity. They seem to haunt pugs and other places where they might find 'lost souls' eg among the homeless. Don't misunderstand me, I have nothing whatsoever against religion in any form. Since then, we have learned of others who have been approached by the couple, including 2 very good friends, one of whom was ill recently and had to go to the other end of the country for treatment. The wife took us along to this 'church', which was certainly full of rather displaced (for want of a better word), held in a school hall with kids running everywhere. Songs were sung - none that I've ever heard - and bread was baked and shared during a 20 minute prayer. It seems the original couple also hold meetings at their house (very large and expensive) where they speak in tongues, but only those who have truly joined' are invited. Both of us thought the whole thing smacked of a cult, preying on vulnerable people and gently suggested this to the wife. She was outraged. We apologised, which was accepted. The husband is still 'doing his homework;" he's been told to read the entire old testament before they really 'take him in'. In my mind, religion should have no entry clauses and I still think this set-up is rather suspect. We haven't been back.