About Us

We are a group of ex-members from religious cults and high-demand religions who are working to raise awareness and promote positive changes to reduce coercive control in faith-based organisations.

In July 2025, our co-founders Ryan and Catherine Carey were the first witnesses called before the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into cults and organised fringe groups. It was the first time an Australian state parliament had formally examined how these groups recruit and control their members. In July 2026, the inquiry handed down its final report with recommendations to better protect people from coercive control. You can read more about the outcome on our Inquiry page.

Our Leadership

Stop Religious Coercion Australia is led by survivors who have taken their experience directly to government, media and the public. We're not a faceless organisation. We're people willing to put our names to this work.

Ryan Carey

Co-founder. Grew up in the Geelong Revival Centre, where his father served as a senior figure under founder Noel Hollins. Ryan left the church in 2020 and, alongside Catherine, was among the first witnesses called before the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into cults and organised fringe groups in July 2025.

Catherine Carey

Co-founder. Joined the Geelong Revival Centre at 19 and remained with her children for a further 18 months after Ryan's departure before leaving during the pandemic. Catherine gave evidence alongside Ryan at the inquiry's first public hearing.