If you’ve ever been approached on campus or in a shopping center by someone asking, “Have you heard of God the Mother?”, you may have unknowingly encountered recruiters from the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) a group that’s been raising serious concerns around San Diego and other college campuses across California.

They don't start by saying who they are. Instead, they often approach students in pairs, asking vague religious questions and avoiding direct answers until they’ve already pulled you into a longer conversation. These kinds of covert, high-pressure recruitment tactics are exactly what the Protecting Minors and Vulnerable Adults from Coercive Religious Recruitment Practices Act (PRCRA) aims to address.

Why This Matters at UCSD

The WMSCOG has been seen around campuses, public transit stops, and malls in SoCal. UCSD students are especially targeted because college-aged adults are more open to conversation and exploring ideas and that makes you a prime target for manipulation by high-control groups.

The PRCRA would protect students and vulnerable individuals by:

• Requiring transparency: Religious groups must disclose their name, leadership, and beliefs upfront before recruiting anyone.
• Protecting minors: Parental consent would be required before approaching anyone under 18.
• Respecting property rights: Malls and other private locations would have stronger legal backing to prevent unwanted solicitation.
• Preserving religious freedom: Genuine, honest evangelism and expression of faith remains protected, this law only addresses deceptive and coercive tactics.

What Is the WMSCOG?

The World Mission Society Church of God presents itself as Christian, but former members and researchers say the group uses cult-like practices:

• They teach that a South Korean woman is “God the Mother” and that their late founder was the second coming of Christ.
• Members are pressured to isolate from non-members, follow strict schedules, and give large financial donations.
• Recruitment is often deceptive, beginning with friendly conversation and ending in attempts to pull people into a highly controlled environment.

This group actively recruits in San Diego, including at college campuses and in places like UTC and Mission Valley.

Learn more here:

• Examine the WMSCOG – Investigations and former member testimonies
• Great Light Studios – Video exposés and cult recovery content

Want to Help Protect Students Like You?

This is about giving people the right to make informed choices about religion without manipulation. If you care about your peers' safety and well-being:

Sign the petition to support the PRCRA

UCSD should be a place for open-minded learning and genuine dialogue, not manipulation disguised as faith.Let’s make sure students aren’t being misled or coerced into something they didn’t choose freely.