Former Restored Church of God members claim it's a cult in Wadsworth

High-control groups, or cults, are defined in part by members being prevented from making their own choices without even realizing it. While the exact number isn't known, experts estimate there are thousands of cults operating in the United States today. Typical red flags include leaders exerting influence and control over the actions of their followers through both explicit and unstated but understood rules and social norms that come with consequences if they're not followed. In Medina County, former members of the Restored Church of God in Wadsworth say they've escaped a cult led by founder David Pack. Cleveland Scene staff writer Mark Oprea talked with several people who have left this church about their experiences both inside and outside its walls revealing rules about marriage, dating and relationships, incredible financial commitments from members, and more. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," we dig into Oprea's reporting with him and two of the people he interviewed for his story about this religious group. We also talk with an expert who will share insight on what rises to the level of an organization being considered a cult, and how to seek help if you or someone you love might be involved with one. We reached out to the Restored Church of God to invite the founder or another representative to be part of this conversation. They declined our invitation and did not directly address assertions that the church is a cult. You can read the statement we received below. Restored Church of God statement to Sound of Ideas: “The perspective reflected in Mr. Oprea's reporting does not represent the experience of the overwhelming majority of people who have interacted with The Restored Church of God over many years. Members, former members, visitors, neighbors, vendors, public officials, and others have interacted with the Church over decades. If the objective is to understand our organization fairly, those perspectives are at least as relevant as those of a small number of former employees. “While individual experiences naturally vary, the perspectives attributed to a small number of former employees do not represent the overwhelming majority of those who have known or interacted with The Restored Church of God over decades.” Former members dispute the above statement's accuracy. Restore Church of God ministers Carl Houk and Edward Winkfield also responded via email to several written questions we sent them. Those responses are included in Thursday's show. Guests: - Mark Oprea, Staff Writer, Cleveland Scene- Kevin Denee, Son-in-law of founder, Former Restored Church of God Minister & Member- Marc Cebrian, Exrcg.org operator, Former Restored Church of God Member- Adam Kunz, Ph.D., Board Member of Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire