Yesterday we found out that one of my daughter's best friend's family is deep into the Eckankar religion. I had never heard of it before, even though its headquarters are very close to my home. Her friend has seemed very down lately and has shut down, just saying that she is fine when asked. Well, because of a tagged post we discovered the Eckankar affiliation. Doing some searches I found some good and some bad- mostly just a little wacky (soul traveling, etc.). They are open to members staying in their own religion and same sex relationships, not pushing their beliefs on others - yada yada yada. I can sort of understand their reluctance to tell people about their involvement because of judgment and people not understanding (one parent works for the organization). I do think this secrecy is really hurting the daughter. I don't know if it is her choice or her parents. My daughter has spent time at their house on several occasions and they seem like wonderful people. I told my daughter I thought she should talk to her friend and tell her she knows and tell her she does not have to keep it a secret- especially if it is causing her distress. So.. anyone know anything about this religion (not just what you find online as it is easy to find a lot of bad stuff, but I don't know what to believe). Would it be a mistake for me to talk to her mom and let her know that they don't need to keep this a secret? Especially if it is causing great distress for the daughter. It's hard enough being a teenager as it is! Of course nobody in the family has a cell phone so I don't know how I would get in contact with her mom. I saw nothing about no cellphone use in the reading I did. Ugghh.. religion.