Stories
the narratives it tells itself
Synanon recast itself as a religion in the 1970s.
After developing from treatment program into a self-contained society, Synanon declared itself a religion in 1974 and later used the name Synanon Church. The shift formalized its claim to offer a complete way of life, although later courts scrutinized whether the organization qualified for religious tax exemption.
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Leadership-linked violence contributed to Synanon's collapse.
A federal court recorded threats and attacks tied to Synanon leaders and members, including Charles Dederich's no-contest conviction with two members for conspiracy to murder attorney Paul Morantz. The episode and ensuing legal and tax consequences accelerated the organization's decline.
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