La Luz del Mundo, otherwise known as The Light of the World, is a religious organization based in Guadalajara, Mexico˳ The church has been in existence since 1926 and is the largest Pentecostal church in Mexico˳ The church has recently come under scrutiny for its practices and has been accused of being a cult˳
In June 2019, the leader of the church, Naasón Joaquín García, was arrested in Los Angeles and charged with multiple counts of human trafficking, production of child pornography, and rape of a minor˳ Following his arrest, the church has been under investigation to determine if the organization is a cult or a legitimate religious organization˳
The church has been accused of using its power and influence to manipulate and control its members˳ It has been reported that church members are not allowed to question the teachings of the church, and are encouraged to stay within the church’s strict guidelines˳ Those who do not comply are punished, and some have been expelled from the church˳
The church has also been accused of using its members’ money to fund lavish lifestyles for its leaders˳ It has been reported that church funds are used to pay for luxury cars, expensive vacations, and other luxuries˳
In addition, the church has been accused of using its influence to manipulate politics in Mexico˳ It has been reported that the church has used its influence to support certain political candidates, and has even been accused of using its members’ money to finance campaigns˳
The church denies all allegations, and claims that its practices are in line with the Bible and are intended to promote spiritual growth and development˳ However, many former members of the church have spoken out against the practices, claiming that they were manipulated, intimidated, and abused by the church’s leaders˳
At this time, it is unclear if the church is a legitimate religious organization or a cult˳ The investigation is ongoing and the results are yet to be determined˳ In the meantime, it is important to remember that no one should be subjected to any kind of manipulation or abuse, regardless of their religious beliefs˳
