The Way International Overview

Group Name: The Way International

Founder: Victor Paul Wierwille

Current Leader: Vern Edwards (Chairman of the Board of Directors)

Date Founded: 1942

Locations: The Way International is based in New Knoxville, Ohio, and has fellowships and branches in various countries around the world. Membership estimates range from 3000 to 20,000.

Characteristics:

• Group endorses non-orthodox theology: Yes, The Way International endorses a theology that diverges from mainstream Christianity. It rejects the traditional doctrine of the Trinity and has unique interpretations of the Bible.

• The Leader is an infallible authority: Yes, the founder, Victor Paul Wierwille, was often regarded as an infallible authority. This tradition of strong leadership continues, with the current leadership holding significant authority over members.

• Leadership seeks control over members’ activities, behaviors, and finances: Yes, leadership within The Way International exerts control over various aspects of members’ lives, including their activities, behaviors, and financial contributions.

• Requires unquestioning faith and allegiance to the leader or group: Yes, members are expected to show strong allegiance to the group’s doctrines and leadership, with questioning or dissent often discouraged.

• Suppression of Critical Thinking: Yes, critical thinking that challenges the group’s doctrines or practices is generally suppressed, with an emphasis on maintaining doctrinal purity and unity.

• Intimidation, fear, and shame are used to control members: Yes, there are reports of the use of intimidation, fear, and shame to enforce conformity and control within the group.

• Isolates or shuns former members, leading to loss of family connections and support: Yes, former members often experience shunning and isolation, leading to the loss of family connections and social support.

• Allegations of financial abuse and lack of transparency: Yes, there have been allegations of financial exploitation and a lack of transparency regarding the use of funds within The Way International.

• Allegations of sexual misconduct: Yes, there have been multiple allegations of sexual misconduct involving leaders within The Way International, including the founder Victor Paul Wierwille.

Narrative:

The Way International, founded by Victor Paul Wierwille in 1942, is known for its non-orthodox theology and strict control over its members. The group’s teachings diverge significantly from mainstream Christianity, particularly in its rejection of the Trinity and its unique biblical interpretations.

The leadership of The Way International holds significant authority, with the founder, Victor Paul Wierwille, often regarded as infallible. This tradition of strong leadership continues under the current chairman, Vern Edwards. The group exerts control over many aspects of its members’ lives, including their activities, behaviors, and financial contributions.

Members are expected to show strong allegiance to the group’s doctrines and leadership, with dissent and critical thinking often discouraged. Reports indicate that the group uses intimidation, fear, and shame to enforce conformity and control.

Former members frequently experience shunning and isolation, leading to the loss of family connections and social support. There have also been numerous allegations of financial exploitation and a lack of transparency regarding the use of funds.

The Way International has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct involving its leaders, including the founder Victor Paul Wierwille. These allegations have contributed to the group’s controversial reputation.

Despite these issues, The Way International continues to operate with fellowships and branches worldwide, maintaining a dedicated base of followers who adhere to its unique theological teachings and practices.