Catholic `cult' is censured

A Roman Catholic movement accused of cult-like behaviour has been severely criticised and limited in its activities by the diocese of Clifton, which covers most of the West Country. Although the movement claims the support of the Pope, the diocesan inquiry says its methods have "caused individuals harm".

The Neocatechumenate, a movement founded by two Spaniards in 1965, had brought disunity and decline to the three parishes in Gloucester and Bristol where it had been introduced, according to a report by the diocese published yesterday. Andrew Brown