Broken Faith: Inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, One of America's Most Dangerous Cults

Mitch Weiss

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"Broken Faith" by Mitch Weiss delves into the disturbing and fascinating world of the Word of Faith Fellowship, exposing the dark secrets of one of America's most dangerous cults. Through gripping storytelling, the author unveils the cult's descent into a place of ruin, showcasing the lives of survivors who bravely escaped and attempted to rebuild their shattered lives. The narrative sheds light on the cult's leader, Jane Whaley, portraying her as a sociopathic figure who wields unbelievable power and control, leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.

Weiss and Mohr's meticulous research and direct account provide an indispensable read for both former cult members and those unfamiliar with its horrors. offers a reliable depiction of the cult's reality, unmasking the facade of religious piety to reveal a sinister quest for mental control and power under the guise of faith. Readers are taken on a journey through the cult's manipulation, abuse, and systemic corruption, leaving a lasting impact on those who dare to uncover the truth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is emotional and descriptive, vividly portraying the experiences of the church members and their struggles.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into the oppressive and violent practices of a dangerous cult, showcasing personal accounts of abuse and the struggle for freedom among its members.

Setting:

The setting is rural North Carolina, showcasing the contrast between a picturesque region and the hidden darkness of the cult.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally quick and engaging, though occasionally slowed by repetitive elements.

Suzanne Cooper checked off the last item on her list. The boxes were labeled and loaded in the vehicles just outside the door. She’d make one last sweep of the house to be sure nothing was left. Someo...

Genres:

Topics:

abuse within religious organizations

psychological control

cult dynamics

the impact of poverty on governance

Notes:

The book explores the deep poverty of Rutherford County, North Carolina, and how it limits local government resources.

Word of Faith Fellowship is described as an abusive Christian cult led by preacher Jane Whaley.

Church members who disobey face extreme physical punishments, including ritual assault.

The narrative follows the stories of several members attempting to escape the cult's clutches.

Despite horror stories, the book emphasizes a lack of resolution for the injustices faced by members.

The author aims to reveal the true nature of the church, contrasting it with the kindness of local residents.

Former members express deep sadness over the ongoing suffering within the church.

The book sheds light on systemic abuse, particularly affecting children.

Cult experts are consulted, but there's a significant error regarding one expert's qualifications.

Jane Whaley is portrayed as a sociopathic cult leader lacking empathy and engaging in criminal behavior.

Readers feel compelled to share this story and raise awareness of the cult's existence and dangers.

The authors are praised for their thorough research and courage in exposing the cult's practices.

Survivors of the cult are depicted positively as they work to rebuild their lives after escape.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include high levels of emotional distress, physical and psychological abuse, cult manipulation, and child abuse.

From The Publisher:

*An NPR Best Book of the Year*

A PopSugar Best True Crime Book of 2020

"I can't imagine a more important book."-Jeff Guinn, New York Time s bestselling author

An explosive investigation into Word of Faith Fellowship, a secretive evangelical cult whose charismatic female leader is a master of manipulation

In 1979, a fiery preacher named Jane Whaley attracted a small group of followers with a promise that she could turn their lives around.

In the years since, Whaley's following has expanded to include thousands of congregants across three continents. In their eyes she's a prophet. And to disobey her means eternal damnation.

The control Whaley exerts is absolute: she decides what her followers study, where they work, whom they can marry-even when they can have sex.

Based on hundreds of interviews, secretly recorded conversations, and thousands of pages of documents, Pulitzer Prize winner Mitch Weiss and Holbrook Mohr's Broken Faith is a terrifying portrait of life inside the Word of Faith Fellowship, and the harrowing account of one family who escaped after two decades.

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