The Best Friends Animal Society operates one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the country in Kanab, Utah. At first glance, it appears to be a well-run nonprofit dedicated to helping animals. However, a deeper look into their origins reveals some concerning details.
The organization was founded in the 1960s by a couple named Robert Grimston and Marianne McLean. It was called the “Process Church of the Final Judgment” and was classified as a cult at the time. Grimston had previously been involved with Scientology before breaking off to form his own quasi-religious group.
The Process Church used controversial practices like personality assessments and “E-meters” similar to Scientology. Their teachings focused on the idea that God and Satan were two sides of the same coin destined to become unified. Members were designated as having personalities aligned with figures like Jesus, Satan, and Lucifer.
The group’s imagery and symbols caused immediate backlash. Their logo was criticized for its resemblance to a swastika. They evangelized by wearing robes and growing their hair long, upsetting local communities. After relocating several times, they eventually settled in Utah to establish a headquarters.
In the 1970s, the Process Church was linked to notorious murderers like Charles Manson and David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam killer. While never conclusively proven, evidence suggests the possibility that members were connected to the crimes in some capacity. The ensuing scandals and accusations caused the church great turmoil.
After Grimston’s split with McLean, she tried rebranding the church to focus on Jesus and Christianity rather than Satanic themes. This led to a splintering of the remaining followers. Grimston went on to study topics like aliens and dolphins. McLean eventually shifted to using animal rescue as a way to raise funds for the church.
The animal sanctuary’s efforts surprisingly successfully drew donations from the public. As the church dissolved, the animal organization took on a life of its own. Though murky, this marked the origins of what would become the Best Friends Animal Society.
Critics have accused the nonprofit of being a front to take advantage of lax regulations and taxes around religious organizations. However, the FBI investigated and found no conclusive wrongdoing.
Today, the Best Friends Animal Society operates legitimately as a nonprofit helping rescued animals. But its connection to the troubled Process Church continues to raise some questions. The organization has worked to distance itself from the cult branding, even developing a new logo.
Most members and staff today likely have no direct ties to the organization’s past. Ultimately, the origins reveal an unexpected history before the group evolved into what it is today. While the background should not discount their present efforts, it provides an interesting look into the provocative roots of a group dedicated to animal welfare.
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Sources
Best Friends Animal Society – Wikipedia
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