Latest news with #LightoftheWorld
Telegraph
18-07-2025
- Telegraph
Cult massacre survivor can stay in UK because he can't be expected to keep it secret
The survivor of a cult massacre has won an immigration case to stay in Britain because he cannot be expected to keep the incident secret. The Angolan, 23, was part of a sect in his home country, which was subjected to a 'full-scale military assault' to wipe them out, the asylum court heard. Only 13 at the time, the boy managed to survive the attack as Angolan soldiers burned tents and gunned down the religious followers at their camp in the mountains. The group, known as the Light of the World, was led by the controversial Prophet Kalupeteca, who told his followers 'the end of the world was upon them'. The sect was designated a 'dangerous cult' by the Angolan government, which perceived it to be a 'threat to the state'. In April 2015, an estimated 1,000 members of the church were slaughtered in what was said to be a response to the group killing eight police officers. Now, after the Angolan migrant entered Britain, he has won his case to be protected in Britain as a refugee. An upper immigration tribunal ruled that he cannot be deported because he could not be expected to keep it a secret that he was at the massacre if he was sent back. Survivors prosecuted Although he was only a child at the time, his name was on the register at the camp. Other survivors were arrested and prosecuted because it was 'singled out for complete destruction' by the government. Deporting the Angolan would lead to him eventually being apprehended by authorities, the upper tribunal ruled. The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example uncovered by The Telegraph in which illegal migrants or convicted foreign criminals have been able to remain in the UK or halt their removal. The Angolan, who was given anonymity, entered Britain in June 2019 with his sister. Previously, their home in Luanda was burned down by soldiers, so they fled with their mother and half-sisters. Their pastor suggested they travel to Huambo and they ended up at a camp run by the Light of the World cult. In April 2015, armed police and soldiers stormed the compound to arrest Prophet Kalupeteca. 'Armed church members fought back and in the resulting fighting, hundreds of tents were burned, and a large number of civilians killed,' the tribunal was told. 'At the date of the assault on the compound, the [Angolan] was 13; his little sister was only seven. They survived as best they could, on charity and scavenging on the streets. Eventually, the pair came to Britain in 2019.' The tribunal was told that the Angolan government sought to suppress such religious groups as a threat to the state, with any survivors from the cult at risk of being detained.
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Woman who sold drugs and spent 12 years in jail turns life around
More than 100 people flocked to Bridgegate on a cold Good Friday to take part in a special service organised by Churches Together in Irvine. The Good Friday Open Air Service attracted people of all faiths from across North Ayrshire. Thor Norman from the Emmanuel Christian Centre gave an opening prayer, followed by the Lord's Prayer. We also heard a moving testimony from Candice Gorman of the Recovery Community. In an emotional address she told how she had previously been involved in taking and selling drugs and served 12 years in prison. However she reformed and faith in God helped turn her life around after she had ditched her 'bad choices'. Father Mark Kelly of St Mary's and St John Ogilvie RC Churches then presented a focus on the Easter message. The congregation joined in a host of songs: Light of the World, Blessed Be Your Name, In Christ Alone and I'm not Ashamed To Own My Own Lord (at the Cross, at the cross). Rev Neil Urquhart of United Church of Irvine helped organise the service. He said: 'We were grateful that the rain stayed away and for a large and enthusiastic crowd from Irvine churches, and passers by. All who heaped lead and share from the front showed a humble conviction and overflowing gratitude for all that Jesus went through and gave us new and renewed life. 'I always find it a very moving service and great preparation for Silent Saturday and the deep overflowing joy of Easter Sunday as we celebrate Jesus' victory over death and all that separates us from God.' Churches across the Irvine community held Easter Sunday services. Pictures by Rev Neil Urquhart. Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
