Overview
As TFI grew and expanded around the world, so did its message of salvation, apocalypticism, and spiritual "revolution" against the outside world, which the members called "the System", which resulted in controversy. In 1974, it began a method of evangelism called Flirty Fishing, using sex to "show God's love" and win converts. The practice was discontinued in 1987. TFI's founder and prophetic leader, David Berg, who was first called "Moses David" in the Texas press, communicated with his followers via Mo Letters—letters of instruction and counsel on myriad spiritual and practical subjects—until his death in late 1994. After his death, his widow Karen Zerby became the leader of TFI.
The group's liberal sexuality led to concerns and investigations regarding child abuse. The High Court of Justice, Family Division, in the UK found there to be "widespread sexual abuse of young children and teenagers by adult members of The Family". However, information provided by former members casts doubts as to whether these investigations actually uncovered the truth. TFI leadership have repeatedly apologized for cases where children were abused before 1986, when policies were set in place prohibiting excessive discipline or any sexual contact between adults and minors. Those found to have abused children since 1986 have been excommunicated from TFI membership. Again, it is unclear to what extent these policies and excommunications have actually been implemented.
Media attention was renewed by the January 2005 suicide of David Berg's adopted and abused son/heir apparent Ricky Rodriguez (who had also left the group several years earlier) after he murdered a former member.
Read more about this topic: Family International