09-10-2010, 08:22 AM
you just KNOW he's a snake-oil salesman. a low-rent elmer gantry...
reports emerged yesterday of Jones's mission in Germany, where he established the Christian Community of Cologne in 1982 after having "received a sign from God". However, when Jones left Cologne 26 years later, it was as a disgraced preacher who had allegedly forced members to give him a percentage of their earnings, made them work for little or no money and caused the breakup of families and friendships. He reportedly also faked a title as doctor of theology, for which he was fined, and was eventually dismissed by the church board in 2008.
Andrew Schäfer, an official sect monitor for the Protestant church in the Rhine region, who has closely observed the activities of the community, said Jones had "enormous manipulative potential" and believed his failure in Germany had led to his increased desire to achieve notoriety in Florida. "He has clearly not been able to cope with the immense loss of his power and significance," said Schäfer.
Among the numerous reports of the ways in which Jones used to manipulate members were demands for money, as well as complete commitment to the community. Members were reportedly made to work in the community's "Lisa Jones" shops, named after his first wife, which sold secondhand clothes and furniture. They apparently worked long hours, lived on next to no wages, and had no health insurance – a requirement all German employers have to fulfil. They were forced to review relationships with family and friends and in some cases to break up with partners.
reports emerged yesterday of Jones's mission in Germany, where he established the Christian Community of Cologne in 1982 after having "received a sign from God". However, when Jones left Cologne 26 years later, it was as a disgraced preacher who had allegedly forced members to give him a percentage of their earnings, made them work for little or no money and caused the breakup of families and friendships. He reportedly also faked a title as doctor of theology, for which he was fined, and was eventually dismissed by the church board in 2008.
Andrew Schäfer, an official sect monitor for the Protestant church in the Rhine region, who has closely observed the activities of the community, said Jones had "enormous manipulative potential" and believed his failure in Germany had led to his increased desire to achieve notoriety in Florida. "He has clearly not been able to cope with the immense loss of his power and significance," said Schäfer.
Among the numerous reports of the ways in which Jones used to manipulate members were demands for money, as well as complete commitment to the community. Members were reportedly made to work in the community's "Lisa Jones" shops, named after his first wife, which sold secondhand clothes and furniture. They apparently worked long hours, lived on next to no wages, and had no health insurance – a requirement all German employers have to fulfil. They were forced to review relationships with family and friends and in some cases to break up with partners.