France

Combating sects - a report denounces sect incursions into certain health-related training programmes

The MILS report describes the training programmes in the health and medico-social sector which it believes show signs of sect incursion. Under the guise of courses leading to vocational qualifications and certificates, certain programmes create confusion by giving their courses names which draw on occupational registers: e.g. practitioner in psycho-relaxology, physiology, sophrology, the 'awakening touch', etc.

In the field of initial vocational training, MILS draws attention to the risks evident in certain bibliographies recommended to student nurses which sometimes include works relating to therapy devoid of any scientific basis.

In the field of continuing vocational training, MILS quotes examples of cases offering 'trainees' very costly 'study tours', video resources or publications. Other 'disciplines' also pose problems since they offer training courses based on other qualifications, but with a complementary 'speciality' (e.g. educational sophrology).

The exorbitant cost of courses which are actually devoid of content or a learning dimension but offer the so-called 'spiritual' dimension of certain medical practices (childbirth in particular) is a further indication of sect incursion, although these examples are admittedly extreme cases. MILS also recognises that a training course may pose a problem in terms of its content without however being in any way related to a sectarian movement.

In the opinion of the interministerial mission, it is incumbent upon the buyers of continuing training programmes to practice caution when deciding whether or not to opt for a given study module or to at least modify its conditions.

The problem has already been brought to the attention of the authorised joint collection agencies (OPCA) which are to be kept abreast of the 'indications' characterising sectarian practice: courses focused on personal development or therapeutic or spiritual approaches; study modules organised at weekends during the summer, accommodation conditions tending to influence emotional factors (isolated locations, ashrams, etc.), qualifications unrecognised by the profession or the administration, courses with no specification of the target group, personal tests and evaluations, in particular).

For further details see the MILS report on the French Prime Minister's website at: http://www-org.premier-ministre.gouv.fr/ressources/fichiers/MILS2002.pdf

Source: INFFO Flash, No 585, 1-15 March 2002, p. 5