Skip to content

The Fellowship controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

Back to profile2 entries

  1. 2019

    Public controversy surrounding The Family

    The Netflix documentary series The Family renewed scrutiny of the organization's political relationships, theology, leadership model, and connections to influential officials. Reporting also examined controversial remarks attributed to Douglas Coe concerning historical authoritarian leaders, which supporters described as metaphors for commitment.

  2. 2008

    Investigations into secrecy and political influence

    Jeff Sharlet's book and related reporting portrayed The Fellowship as a highly private network whose access to political leaders and emphasis on confidentiality limited public accountability. The organization and its supporters have defended discretion as necessary for candid spiritual and diplomatic work.