The term “new religious movement” was popularised by sociologists in the 1970s to describe the religious groups then arising — commonly known as sects. The “newness” refers to the genesis of the phenomenon, the organisational structure and the doctrine. This was used to describe religious and social movements which appeared in the Third World during the last century and charismatic, neo-mystical millennium movement which have been created since the 1960s in the United States and have been arriving in Europe. In the main these have been movement of a syncretic nature. They are literally newly-formed religious communities. In the bureaucratised social structure this takes place ex officio, in accordance with the legislation prevailing in the given country. The founders are usually charismatic — sometimes unearthly — or exceptional characteristic in which their followers believe and which belief they pass on to others. The new religious movements are the result of the acquiescence to pluralism of outlook and the freedom to choose one’s religion.
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