Update on Investigations and the Samson Rising Approach

Samson Rising was founded on a simple principle: when harm is documented carefully, corroborated properly, and presented collectively, it carries real weight. This is what we call the Samson Rising Approach.

That approach is now operating as designed: enabling independent authorities to assess and, where appropriate, investigate allegations of misconduct that continue to be reported to us.

Current Investigations (Summary)

As a result of information received by Samson Rising over the past 12 months, multiple investigative and regulatory processes are currently active.

These include:

  • Police investigations (including criminal matters): 3
  • Reportable Conduct Scheme investigations: 14
  • Sexual Offenders & Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT): 1

Total active processes: 18

Each number represents an individual who is the subject of an active investigation or regulatory process.

We have received written or verbal confirmation of each of these.

Due to legal constraints, we cannot provide further details at this time.

Civil Proceedings:

In addition to the above, four potential civil proceedings are currently under consideration. These are anticipated to commence in 2026.

The Samson Rising Approach (Brief Explanation)

Over the past year, Samson Rising has built a national library of signed witness statements describing alleged harm associated with the CFO.

These are:

  • Formal statements
  • Signed by real people
  • Often describing similar conduct across different locations, families, and time periods

This is precisely what’s needed to implement the Samson Rising Approach. When multiple witnesses independently describe the same risks or behaviours, those statements can be categorised and collated, and may be relied upon as corroborative evidence in regulatory, civil, and criminal contexts.

2026: Statement Provider Contact Process

In 2026, Samson Rising will contact all 58 individuals who have provided signed statements to ask whether they are willing to allow their statements to be used in support of:

  • Police and criminal investigations
  • SOCIT matters
  • Reportable Conduct Scheme investigations
  • Selected civil and family law proceedings

Participation will remain entirely voluntary.

Those who choose to assist may add to the material available for assessment in these matters.

Participants will only be asked to act as witnesses to their own experiences. They will not be a party to any proceedings, and will not be exposed to any costs related to the matters.

I will make my own statement available, if requested, for consideration in connection with any complaint, civil proceeding, or other lawful process relating to allegations of wrongdoing by the CFO. I will also make myself available to appear as a witness if required. 

I am also aware that several other statement providers have independently indicated their willingness to make their own statements available and to appear as witnesses, if requested. 

Why This Is Important

For decades, alleged harm was able to continue in part because people were isolated, disbelieved, or forced to stand alone.

The Samson Rising approach breaks that isolation.

Change does not happen through one voice; it happens when many consistent, credible voices are heard together.

That is what is happening now.

Looking Ahead

With further regulatory pathways opening, including the rollout of the Reportable Conduct Scheme in Queensland in 2026, we anticipate additional investigations in the year ahead.

This presents another avenue through which the Samson Rising approach may be applied.

If you have provided a statement, thank you. If you are considering doing so, your help is needed.

Together, we are being heard.

On behalf of the Team

Samson

Legal Disclaimer

This announcement is published for information and public interest purposes only.

Samson Rising is not a law enforcement body, regulator, or court. References to “investigations,” “matters,” or “proceedings” refer to actions undertaken by independent authorities or courts, not by Samson Rising itself. Samson Rising does not determine guilt, liability, or wrongdoing.

All references to alleged conduct, harm, or risk are based on signed witness statements, documents, and information provided to Samson Rising, and are expressed as allegations only, unless and until determined otherwise by a competent authority or court.

Nothing in this announcement constitutes legal advice, a finding of fact, or an assertion that any person or organisation has engaged in unlawful conduct. Readers should not draw conclusions beyond what is expressly stated.

Participation by witnesses is voluntary. Any use of witness statements in complaints, investigations, or legal proceedings occurs only with the consent of the witness and subject to applicable legal and procedural requirements.

Where family law or child-related matters are referenced, details are deliberately limited to protect the privacy and best interests of the children involved. No identifying information has been published.

Samson Rising makes no guarantee as to the outcome of any investigation, complaint, or legal proceeding. Statements about anticipated outcomes reflect reasonable expectations only, not assurances.

This publication does not seek to interfere with, prejudice, or influence any investigation or court process. Samson Rising supports transparency, lawful process, and procedural fairness.

If you are affected by any issue raised in this announcement, you are encouraged to seek independent legal advice or contact the relevant authorities directly.

Legal Disclaimer

The opinions expressed above are our own and are based on legal advice and the evidence gathered in the 58 complaints and 315 anonymous surveys received by Samson Rising. At this time, no person has been found to have breached any relevant laws, and the presumption of innocence remains of paramount importance. Our objective is to raise awareness and compel investigations to confirm or dispel the information we are receiving regarding the CFO.

On behalf of the team

Samson

We love hearing from you!

Join the conversation below — your voice matters.
To leave a reply, please register by adding your Username, Email address, and Password.
Registration is instant and helps keep our space safe from spam.
Once registered, click the green “Sign in” link below and share your thoughts.

Leave a Reply

Sharing is caring!

SamsonAnonymous – Samson

 Samson is a survivor of the Christian Fellowship Organisation (CFO) and writes under a pseudonym to protect his privacy. Like so many others he lives with the threat of ostracisation from family still inside the CFO. His words carry the weight of lived experience – shaped by decades of coercive control, family estrangement, and spiritual abuse. Today, he lends his voice to expose harm, amplify truth, and stand alongside others in their recovery. By sharing his story, Samson speaks not only for himself, but for those who cannot yet speak out. His commitment is to justice, restitution and reform aimed at preventing future harm and healing for those that have already suffered.

Lisa HuntLisa Hunt  is a writer, survivor advocate, and former pastor with over three decades of leadership and community work. After leaving a high-control religious system, she dedicated her life to amplifying survivor voices and pursuing accountability for organisations that cause harm.

Trained in theology, a qualified professional supervisor, and a Commonwealth Registered Celebrant, Lisa is also a sought-after communicator known for her clarity, humour, and courage. Her background spans pastoral leadership, creative direction, nonprofit management, and therapeutic support, giving her unique insight into both the beauty and dangers of community life.

Through Samson Rising, she works to gather evidence, support survivors, and engage government and media in exposing coercive control and systemic abuse.

Topics

More Posts

Multiple Investigations Underway. Many More to Come

Samson Rising has been informed by complainants that several agencies are now investigating matters involving multiple individuals within the Christian Fellowship Organisation (CFO), including allegations of child abuse, physical harm, and psychological abuse. While legal constraints limit what can be disclosed, these developments mark a significant step toward accountability, safety, and long-awaited reform for survivors and families.