A four-part SundanceTV documentary will dive into the deep secrets of the once-booming Christian cult, The Alamo Christian Foundation. Ministry of Evil outlines the strategies and abuses committed within the cult by speaking with former members and the children of the group's leaders.
The generic definition of a cult is described as having a powerful leader, a "brainwashing" type message, a goal of control and a tendency to push the boundaries of what's legally accepted. The Alamo Christian Foundation didn't fall far from other famous American cults, like Charles Manson's family or the Rajneesh's leadership depicted in Netflix's Wild Wild Country. But the Alamo Christian Foundation arguably was darker.
Tony and Susan Alamo started their work on a TV network. They hosted a Christian worship show, where they recruited new members, as well as advertised their life-saving beliefs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to attract new members. The cult was seen as a saving force, which encouraged its members to fear God.
But that was just on the surface. The cult had abuse issues when it came to child care. They allegedly encouraged their members to beat their children, and Alamo himself was imprisoned in his later years for child sexual abuse in 2009, the New York Times reported in 2017. After his wife died in the '80s, Alamo married a series of child brides, the youngest being 9 years old.
The Alamo Christian Foundation preached the word of their God but functioned as "non-profit" whose members worked labor jobs. The Tony Alamo jackets became a main source of income for Alamo and his wife, who were the sole members profiting from their said non-profit. Their members, or employees, did not get paid, according to Refinery29, who looked into the former jacket warehouse in June 2018. The jackets were highly publicized in the '80s by celebrities, including the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, who wore a leather version on his Bad album cover.
The cult was anti-gay and pro-polygamy. Alamo also stated many times the age of consent should be lowered from 18. He said that "consent is puberty" in a conversation with The Associated Press in 2008 before his conviction.
Ministry of Evil will dive into the cult's message, recruiting tactics, family separation, cult businesses and the messages from those who escaped in a four-part series slated to premiere February 27 on the SundanceTV network. It will air weekly on Sundays.
This article has been updated to include the series will premiere on SundanceTV.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
