A messianic leader of a multi-million dollar spiritual organisation in western Canada has been charged with four counts of sexual assault. John de Rui

Self-styled spiritual leader John de Ruiter charged with sex crimes

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2023-01-25 19:30:09

A messianic leader of a multi-million dollar spiritual organisation in western Canada has been charged with four counts of sexual assault.

John de Ruiter, 63, has led the College of Integrated Philosophy in Edmonton for decades, skirting controversy and accusations that he is running a cult.

Police in Edmonton, Alberta said they arrested Mr de Ruiter - who they describe as a "self-appointed spiritual leader" - and charged him with sexually assaulting four women in different incidents between 2012 and 2020.

According to reports to police, Mr de Ruiter told certain female members of his group that he "was directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them, and that engaging in sexual activity with him will provide them an opportunity to achieve a state of higher being or spiritual enlightenment".

Zaba Walker, a spokeswoman for Mr de Ruiter, said in an email to the BBC that he would be represented by legal counsel "and intends to vigorously contest these charges in a court of law".