Dialog Center International

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The Dialog Center International (DCI) is a Christian counter-cult organization founded in 1973 by a Danish professor of missiology and ecumenical theology, Dr. Johannes Aagaard (1928–2007^[1]). Considered Christian apologetic and missionary minded, the Dialog Center, led by Prof. Aagaard, was for many years the main source of information in Denmark on cults, sects, and new religious movements. The Dialog Center is firmly against religious beliefs of cults but promotes dialog between cult members and their families. It rejects deprograming, believing that it is counterproductive and ineffective, and can harm the relationship between a cult member and concerned family members. It is active in 20 countries. In Asia it also tries to share Christianity with Buddhists.^[2]

According to Mikael Rothstein, an associate professor of religious history at the University of Copenhagen, the Dialog Center International has been greatly influential in promoting a negative public opinion of cults in Denmark and other countries in Europe.^[3] Aagaard regarded Scientology as being especially dangerous, but later in his life stated that Islam was an even greater threat. Other concerns included Satanism and New Age groups. He retired from leading the Center in 2002.^[3]

In 2012, the new president of DCI, Lutheran priest Thomas Gandow, was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.^[4]

References[]

External links[]

• Dialog Center International

See also[]

• Christian countercult movement