Mar 8 • 08:00 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

A Woman Who Escaped from Her Parents and Changed Her Name: The Scars Left by the Unification Church's 'Adoption'

A woman raised by adoptive parents from the Unification Church shares her struggles with identity and mental health stemming from her upbringing.

The article recounts the harrowing journey of a young woman who discovered at a young age that she was adopted after being raised by parents who were devout followers of the Unification Church. The revelation of her origins came as a shock when her parents showed her a photograph revealing her biological mother and explained that she was adopted because 'God guided' them to do so. This adoption was part of the church's doctrine, which encouraged families to adopt children from other believers if they were unable to have their own, deeply embedding the idea that her life was predetermined by the religious teachings from her early years.

Throughout her childhood, the woman faced numerous challenges that stemmed from the cult-like environment created by her adoptive parents. They instilled in her the belief that defying their teachings would lead to eternal damnation, instilling a sense of fear and repression. While they prioritized religious practices over basic life skills, often living in unsanitary conditions devoid of emotional support, the young woman internalized harmful messages about love and relationships, leading to significant mental health struggles. She was diagnosed with depression during middle school, but her pleas for help were met with indifference, as her adoptive mother frequently dismissed her concerns by citing divine love.

Eventually, at 19, the woman sought help from local social services after realizing the negative impact of her upbringing. Despite disclosing her background, the assistance she received was insufficient, leaving her feeling unheard and isolated. The article highlights the profound emotional scars and identity crises that arise from such indoctrination and raises critical questions about the impacts of cults on young individuals. It underscores the urgent need for awareness and support systems for those raised in sect-like environments who face similar challenges in escaping their pasts and navigating their futures.

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