"The coercive control and suppression of human rights in cults is a blight on society. We need to understand what to do for those affected."
DECULT 2026 Cult Awareness Conference
Limes Room Christchurch Town Hall
Christchurch, New Zealand · Accessibility info
Description
Decult 2026 is New Zealand's cult awareness conference - two days in Ōtautahi Christchurch and online, live-streamed around the world. You can now watch all 30+ sessions as recordings by buying the conference video package.
This was our program: https://decult.net/conference-2026/decult-2026-program/
Groundbreaking, award-winning and sold out last time, Decult 2026 is a unique opportunity for connection, cult education and creating change.
It's for you if you are:
A survivor or former member of a high-control group
A worried family member or friend
A mental health or medical professional, nurse, counsellor, educator, first responder, lawyer, police or social worker — network with peers and get tools to help your clients or patients
Simply curious - come and cult-proof your life!
Held in a safe space where everyone is welcome regardless of background, faith or belief.
Agenda
What we've explored at Decult 2026
How it runs: - 50+ speakers across 30+ sessions, all recorded for every ticket holder (online and in-person) with keynotes from US cult experts Rachel Bernstein (https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com) and Dr Christine Marie (https://christinemarie.com). Here's a link to our extended speaker list - https://decult.net/conference-2026/speakers/ - An additional programme on Zoom each day for America and Europe - "around the clock & around the world" - Panels, plenary sessions and the much-loved Survivor Story Jam are live-streamed - Lunchtime meet-ups, information booths & book signings What you'll explore: - Cult dynamics, recruitment and recovery - Religious trauma, coercive control and CPTSD - Legal initiatives and human rights campaigns - Lived experiences from Gloriavale, Jehovah's Witnesses, Falun Gong, Destiny Church, Mormons (LDS), Exclusive Brethren (PBCC), The Truth (2x2s) and many other groups Here's a link to the Decult 2026 program - https://decult.net/conference-2026/decult-2026-program/
FAQs
- What is Decult?
Decult is a New Zealand charity raising cult awareness. More than 50,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand are current or former members of cults, many living with lasting trauma. We reduce stigma, amplify survivors' voices, and build networks, events and support to reduce cultic harm — award-winning work recognised by the International Cultic Studies Association.
- Can I still watch Decult 2026 online?
Yes. All 50+ sessions have been recorded and are available if you buy the video package for $100.
- Who were the keynote speakers for Decult 2026?
Rachel Bernstein is a leading US therapist and educator who hosts the IndoctriNation podcast, with over 30 years helping cult leavers and their families. She headlines the programme in person — and is also holding an event in Wellington and professional trainings in Auckland after the conference.
Dr Christine Marie is an author, survivor advocate, speaker and founder of Voices for Dignity. She holds a PhD in media psychology, featured in the Netflix docuseries "Trust Me: The False Prophet", and has helped survivors turn their trauma into triumph.
Here's a link to our extended speaker list - https://decult.net/conference-2026/speakers/.
Tap for the Decult 2026 program - https://decult.net/conference-2026/decult-2026-program/
- Who were the speakers for Decult 2026?
Decult 2026 brings together 50+ local and international speakers - survivors, researchers, therapists, advocates, authors, academics and legal experts led by US cult experts Rachel Bernstein and Dr Christine Marie. This ticket page only lists a handful, so you're seeing just the tip of the iceberg!
For the full, extended speaker lineup, with bios and the groups and topics each speaker covers, head to our website: decult.net/conference-2026/speakers.
Tap for the Decult 2026 program - https://decult.net/conference-2026/decult-2026-program/
Testimonials
"The conference was the most amazing and rewarding event I've ever attended in my career. Decult is an inspiration and a model for the future."
“Decult has positively impacted so many people. For the first time, I felt that the intricacies of my experience were recognized on a larger scale.”
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