Concerned Christians
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Monte Kim Miller formed a group known as the Concerned Christians in Colorado, during the 1980s. Created as an element of the Christian countercult movement to combat New Age religious movements and anti-Christian sentiment, it has since become known as an apocalyptic Christian cult as the group adopted the less mainstream views of the millennium held by Miller. [1]
There is a separate and unrelated ministry known as Concerned Christians outreach to Mormons in transition out of Mormonism, based in Mesa, Arizona, that was established in the 1970s. [1] There are also other unrelated organizations that use "Concerned Christians" as part of their name.
[edit] Arrest and Deportation by Israeli Authorities
Between 60 and 80 members of the group disappeared from their homes and jobs in Colorado in October 1998 and were the subject of a search. On January 3rd, 1999, they gained notoriety when they were arrested and deported from Israel as part of an Israeli effort to protect the Al-Aqsa mosque from extremist Christian groups, codenamed "Operation Walk on Water". According to Israeli police, the Concerned Christians were one of several independent groups who believed it must be destroyed to facilitate the return of Jesus Christ. The group members said that they were law abiding religious pilgrims there to await the return of Jesus but had no plans to participate in any illegal activity.[2][3]
The group is said to currently reside in Greece or the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and its potential threat level has since been disputed.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c B.A. Robinson (2002-02-20). The "Concerned Christians" Cult - Originally of Denver CO. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
- ^ Cult members deported from Israel. BBC (1999-01-09). Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
- ^ Apocalyptic Christians detained in Israel for alleged violence plot. CNN (1999-01-03). Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
