PHOENIX, Oct. 10, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- A former General Secretary sheds light on the Vatican backed investigation of Miles Jesu. In June 2007, an Ecclesial Family of Consecrated Life named Miles Jesu was investigated by the Diocese of Rome. Except for the July 25, 2009 summary statement by the newly appointed Commissary of Miles Jesu, Father Berry Fischer, C.PP.S., the causes and resolutions of the authoritative intervention have remained obscure. A nine year General Government member of Miles and two-term General Secretary, Andrew Lee Sullivan, has released a formal statement to encourage transparency for the public good.

According to Sullivan's statement the Founder and General Director, Father Alphonsus M. Duran, was accused of sexual abuse, power abuse, and psychological abuse of members. Sworn testimonies submitted to the investigation described a sociopathic symptomology of the Founder and systemic cult dynamics of the group. The testimonies were from some of the highest ranking members of Miles Jesu.

One of Sullivan's sworn testimonies identified Miles Jesu, by its methods and behavior, as a cult. The document carefully referenced the International Cultic Studies Association's definition of a modern cult.

According to Sullivan, the Legionaries of Christ crisis has encouraged a discussion in Rome of the real risk of unmonitored new forms of consecrated life developing in a rogue way, stemming from a distorted sense of obedience to an authoritarian and charismatic personality. Benedict XVI's June 15, 2011 meeting with the Roman Curia broached the subject with a statement by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. Miles Jesu stands out as a case in point of a runaway group.

Sullivan's statement recently appeared on the ReGAIN website. ReGAIN's mission is to outreach, unite and support those touched or adversely affected by the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi Movement. His stated purpose for public disclosure was to sound "a warning to any young man or woman considering joining Miles Jesu."

After twenty-eight years of life in Miles Jesu, Andrew Lee Sullivan lives in Phoenix, Arizona. He is willing to provide documents and contact information of people knowledgeable of the Miles Jesu investigation.