List of purported cults

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This list of reported cults indexes a number of groups that have been referred to:

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• as a "cult" directly by specific listed sources;
• as a "sect" directly by specific listed French-language or United Kingdom sources;
• as such within the last 50 years;

Disclaimer: Inclusion of a group within this list is dependent upon that group being labelled a "cult" or "sect" by one or more of the listed sources. It does not imply that it has been proved, in any manner, that that group is a "cult" or "sect". Nor does it imply any harmful or beneficial aspects of that group. These terms may be used as pejoratives and their application to specific groups is sometimes controversial. Very few groups or organizations are willing to accept the label of "cult," and some groups have vehemently resisted such a classification. The definitions and common use of the term are examined in depth at the article on cults.

Related Topics:
Disclaimer - Cult

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Groups are arranged by the "width of consensus" of the sources: sources aligned with widest consensus are first, sources aligned with decreasing consensus follow, and sources that are aligned with only a very narrow consensus in their use of the term "cult" are last. Within these "cohorts" groups are arranged alphabetically.

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Not included in this list are personality cults (heads of state), fancults of popular culture, and groups that don't have actual followings (fictional or self-nominated groups).

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List of purported cults: Sources ►