This story almost sounds unbelievable in today’s age. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that a so called charity called "Mercy Ministries" which has strong connections to the Hillsong Church tries to "cure" women suffering from depression and other mental health problems with prayer and exorcism.

How does this relate to Gloria Jeans? Well Gloria Jeans is the major supporter of Mercy Ministries, and while a number of companies have withdrawn support in response to these accusations, Gloria Jeans is sticking with Mercy Ministries. This is what they say about the organisation on their website;

Gloria Jean’s Coffees is a proud supporter of Mercy Ministries Australia, providers of a structured live-in program for young women 16 to 28 years dealing with eating disorders, unplanned pregnancy and other life controlling issues. Mercy Ministries Australia provides training in independent living skills, self-esteem, nutrition and relationship counselling to assist young women in their transition back into the community.

The reality appears to be very different. There’s no mercy here, and nothing charitable or generous about taking some of the most vulnerable people in the community and trying to convert them to your religious beliefs. Religious belief is not a qualification, and certainly not one for looking after mentally ill people.

We need to see government scrutiny of such organisations, and far more regulation and transparency. It’s also time that we looked at what qualifies as a charity, because the fact that companies like Gloria Jeans are getting massive tax breaks by supporting the "charitable" work of "exorcising" suicidal young women is abhorrent. This organisation clearly is not a charity, and should not be treated as if it is.