The Scotsman: An American woo-cult in Scotland
(Apologies for the pun in the title, I couldn’t resist!)
An American christian cult that claims illness and disease are choices is coming to Edinburgh, Scotland, to peddle their miracle cures to the sick and vulnerable. Medical experts and charities have condemned their particular brand of woo.
The United States-based Course in Miracles International has hired the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s Quincentenary Hall and the Hub, at the top of the Royal Mile, for what they call a “Miracle Festival” next week. They are targeting ill Scots and inviting them to join their meetings.
The British Medical Association said yesterday: “No organisation should be preying on the vulnerability of people who are unwell.”
Last night, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) said it had been unaware of the group’s intentions when the event was booked, but added that it could not get out of the agreement because contracts had already been signed.
A spokesman said: “We would like to make clear that the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh does not endorse the views of this organisation. We will be raising our concerns with the event organisers.”
It is understood the RCSEd believed the hall was to be used for teacher-training. But, instead, the organisation is offering “mind-training”, which promises to change how people view this life and free themselves of their ills.
The group says it can help people with a range of illnesses, including cancer, and also those with eating disorders, alcohol and drug addiction.
Wolter van Verschuer, a Course in Miracles member, said: “We want to change the way that people think about life. It will make you look in a different way at yourself. It has a complete basis on the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
Read the full article Cult that claims cancer is a choice brings ‘miracles’ event to Scotland at the Scotsman.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:49 am
Bit of a shame the RCSEd aren’t able to check into what people want to use their facilities for… You wouldn’t have pictured a group of surgeons being desperate for the money…
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:52 am
It’s an educational establishment, and they’re always on the lookout for more money. But, yes, one would have thought that they’d have the foresight to at least cursorily investigate who would be using their facilities. I suspect that these wingnuts are using that particular facility to lend an air of credibility to their particular brand of woo.
April 22nd, 2007 at 3:37 pm
I agree. Sadly, giving the crackpots the use of a facility such as “Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s Quincentenary Hall” makes it sound a million times more legitimate.
I am sure, given a second thought, most people would realise that the venue was simply hired out, but how many will give that second thought?