Victim Speaks Out, While Cult Leader Awaits Trial

Cult Child is based on the recollections of a real-life child abuse survivor, whose physical and sexual maltreatment were allegedly abetted by a still-functioning Christian organization, known variously as The Move of God, The Movement, or more commonly just The Move.

The book is especially timely as former Move leader Doug McClain Sr. awaits trial in Bexar County, Texas, charged with conning a paraplegic man out of his entire life’s savings. McClain Sr., who already has millions in civil judgments against him, has also been linked to a shell corporation that allegedly smuggled tons of cocaine into the US on private planes. McClain’s son, Doug McClain Jr. was previously convicted for orchestrating a different multi-million-dollar fraud.

Though a character named “Brother Doug” does play a role in Cult Child’s tale, the novel’s events predate the McClains’ legal woes and focus not on the Move’s questionable leaders, but rather on one of the families victimized by the church.

The story is written from the perspective of Sila Caprin, who progresses from preschooler to adolescent over the course of the tale. Her history begins with a prologue that states: “The events you are about to read are all true. Only names have been changed”.

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The Move’s history and doctrines are revealed in overheard snatches of adult conversations, which Sila often does not fully comprehend. As details trickle in, readers develop a picture of the background and functioning of the group.

The Move’s now deceased founder is Sam Fife, a former Baptist minister. Considered an apostle by his followers, Fife’s sermons were laden with apocalyptic prophecy. Sila’s family were among thousands converted during a recruitment effort that bracketed the revelation of Fife’s defining theology—known as the ‘Wilderness Message’.

Central was Fife’s prediction of a Russian occupation of the United States. Followers were told that their sole hope of freedom lie in retreating to subsistence farms that Fife had established in remote areas. Fife’s evangelists crisscrossed the globe in privately owned aircraft, spreading his message to cities across the US, Canada, and Columbia. Ironically, people who’d hoped to escape communism were required to surrender their wealth before being admitted to the prison-like conformity of Fife’s communal farms.

Victim Speaks Out, While Cult Leader Awaits Trial