And when evangelization didn't go beyond rallies and conversions, he adds, many young people became disillusioned with Christianity, making it harder for local ministers to reach them. In both countries, groups have found that when they provide accurate information to the commissions, no attention is paid to it. Germany also created a commission, which did hold hearings. Its report was more moderate, but it pushed strong measures against Scientology and has been criticized for encouraging more control of religious associations. In some societies, state-recognized churches are subsidized, and they may be worried about splitting the pie.
Some scholars also see something else at work.
Massimo Introvigne, director of the Center for Studies on New Religions, in Torino, Italy, has looked closely at the commissions and often directly connected anti-cult movements in Western Europe. Jehovah's Witnesses from Russia and Japan greet one another at a 1993 international convention in Moscow. Today witnesses are on trial for their faith. France has created a Mission to Fight Sects, and plans to develop materials for the schools. Jehovah's Witnesses and Evangelical groups have particularly been singled out.