Freely in Hope is an international, Christian nonprofit dedicated to equipping survivors and advocates to lead in ending the cycle of sexual violence. Nikole Lim founded the nonprofit and serves as international director.

Speak Your Truth is a Christian nonprofit dedicated to the education and prevention of domestic violence. The nonprofit was founded by Hannah Hollander and provides abuse education, resources and emotional support to victims and survivors.

This edition of ReligionLink explores reporting, analysis and commentary around the term “cult,” helping you better understand the word, its uses, and how to report thoughtfully, carefully and sensitively on the subject.

Amanda Montell is a a writer, linguist, and podcast host living in Los Angeles. She is the author of the book Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism and co-host of the Spotify Top 20 podcast, “Sounds like a cult.”

Angela Denker, a veteran journalist and Lutheran pastor, is author of Red State Christians: A Journey Into White Christian Nationalism and the Wreckage It Leaves Behind.

Nancy T. Ammerman is professor emerita of sociology of religion at Boston University, having served as chair of the department (2007-2013) and associate dean for the social sciences (2015-2018). Her research touches on aspects of “lived religion” in American religious life and conservative religious movements and on American religious organizations and their networks of social provision.

Samuel L. Perry is professor of sociology at the University of Oklahoma. He is an expert on conservative Christianity and American politics, race, sexuality and families. He is the author or co-author of numerous books, including  Growing God’s Family, Addicted to Lust, Taking America Back for God and The Flag and The Cross.

Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg is scholar-in-residence at the National Council of Jewish Women. She is also an award-winning author and writer and was named by Newsweek and The Daily Beast as one of 10 “rabbis to watch.”

Latishia James-Portis is a ministry and spirituality coach, program director for Move to End Violence and a member of the Planned Parenthood Clergy Advocacy Board. Contact through Move to End Violence.