Christian Sex Scandal Investigation: Like 'Game Of Thrones,' Physical Beatings, Harsh Verbal Assault Revealed At North Carolina Church

Details have emerged of the extreme, violent abuse suffered over periods of years by members of the World of Faith Fellowship church in North Carolina. The sect, founded in 1979 at a 35-acre site in the rural foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, doled out beatings, even to children, among the extensive physical and violent punishments, according to an investigation by the Associated Press.

In scenes that sound straight out of “Game of Thrones,” members of the sect were kept in deplorable conditions, beaten and subjected to sessions of “blasting,” where several minister and congregants would surround a “sinner” and shout in their face in attempt to chase out the devil. Much of the punishments handed out by the evangelical church, were down, said several former members, to its desire for absolute control over members’ sexual thoughts and actions.

The 750-member sect, set up by 77-year-old former math teacher Jane Whaley, has faced regular allegations of sexual abuse, crimes Whaley acknowledged in a secret 2012 recording.

The church has been described by one former member, Jamey Anderson, as having a “creepy obsession with sex” and asking children about masturbation.

Indeed, there were extensive rules in place surrounding sex. Even if receiving the required permission from Whaley and other ministers to get married, members can have to wait up to a year before having sex. Instead, wedding night activities are limited to a “godly peck on the cheek.”

Even when sex is finally permitted, it is limited to 30 minutes, with no foreplay, the lights out and only ever in the missionary position. The allowance of sex does not mean that children can yet be brought into the equation. Unlike many evangelicals groups, condoms are not just permitted but distributed to married couples until they have been given permission to have children.

According to former members, failure to adhere to the rules could lead to violent beatings or being forced to separate.

In December 2014, five church members were indicted on charges of kidnapping and assault.