On top of this, both the local Bishop of Toowoomba and the Vatican have attacked the sect as dangerous and not of the Catholic faith. The MMM has been accused of being a cult, and does exhibit some of the classic signs, including reliance on a charismatic leader who claims to receive regular visions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. On the other hand, its followers claim the Movement is filling a genuine spiritual void. No longer can they justify hours at the pub while the wife struggles with the kids at home. No longer is it acceptable for men to expect social and professional advantage.
Many men feel they are becoming social victims.
And now boys are showing signs of underachievement at school. In 1974, nine people met on a council estate in South London, determined to make a difference to the community around them. Twenty-four years later, the Icthus Fellowship has nearly 3000 members. Steve Chalk meets those whose vision inspired the Church's growth and learns about a revolutionary house building programme in the area. In preparation for this special meeting, the Pope has issued a list of questions to the Cardinals to prompt soul-searching reflection.