A secretive Finnish sect, accused of promoting anorexia and discriminatory attitudes towards women
Maanantaipiiri, also known as the Monday Circle, is a secretive religious group based in Finland, primarily composed of highly educated professionals and university students. The group was founded by Finnish engineer Tapani Koivuniemi in the student community at the Helsinki University of Technology. Initially formed as a Bible reading study group, it met every Monday evening, which is reflected in the name “Maanantaipiiri.”
Over time, Maanantaipiiri evolved into a more structured organization with various hierarchical sections such as Maanantaipiiri itself, Maitobaari (Milk Bar), Puutarha (Garden), and Torni (Tower), supporting a growing membership that included many university students and later, a broader demographic. Members often lived close to one another in areas like Espoo and Kirkkonummi, emphasizing the group’s unique educational philosophies by practicing home-schooling for their children.
Maanantaipiiri is known for its strict adherence to a specific interpretation of the Bible and a rigorous weight-control program that emphasizes Body Mass Index (BMI) monitoring, which reportedly led to instances of anorexia among some members, including pregnant women. The societal roles within the group were distinctly traditional; women were expected to be submissive, remaining silent during meetings and adhering to specific dress codes that evolved from initially encouraging to later discouraging makeup. Men, conversely, were typically expected to dress soberly and grow beards.
The group’s control was heavily centralized under Tapani Koivuniemi, who also established Koivuniemi Publishing House in 1999. This business, operated by group members, dealt with publishing and IT technology, serving high-profile clients like British Airways, the Finnish taxation authority, and the Finnish social security authority. Despite its professional facade, the working conditions involved long hours and relatively low pay.
Maanantaipiiri’s practices and internal policies have led to public scrutiny, particularly after exposés by Finnish media outlets like YLE and Helsingin Sanomat. These reports, based on interviews with former members and recordings of Koivuniemi’s teachings, painted a picture of a group that exerted considerable control over its members’ lives. The Lutheran Church in Finland has criticized the group, particularly disapproving of its spiritual counseling methods which often required young members to divulge intimate details of their private lives.
The complex nature of Maanantaipiiri’s practices raises significant questions about the boundaries between religious freedom and the potentially harmful effects of authoritarian cult-like behaviors, highlighting the challenges in distinguishing between spiritual guidance and overbearing control.
image via Alchetron