Deviant sect banned in Irian Jaya

Deviant sect banned in Irian Jaya

BIAK, Irian Jaya: The religious authorities in the country's easternmost province of Irian Jaya said here on Wednesday they had banned a deviant sect that ordered its followers to strip naked while performing rituals.

The sect has been operated for several months on Undi Island in Biak Numfor district.

Head of the Biak Numfor religious affairs office Markus Msen said he had taken action against the sect because it encouraged "immoral" practices among its followers.

The sect was affiliated to the Alfa Omega organization based in Nabire district, he said. "Such a religious practice involving naked followers is not part of our traditional and religious norms." --Antara