The Jesus People consider their tiny sect to be a religion. With beliefs based on hippiedom and Christian fundamentalism, they follow an ascetic way of life. Members also, allegedly, violently abuse women and practise polygamy, as a way of getting closer to God.

Another sect, or "new religious movement," the Children of God, sexually abused young children in the name of Jesus Christ. This was not ancillary to their religion; it was part of their observance.

Then there is the sub-section of Muslim believers who mutilate girls' genitalia.

Illegal behaviour of this kind is subject to criminal sanction by worldly authorities. We're happy to say these practices are wrong, abhorrent, bizarre, even though they are expressions of sincere religious belief.