1997
From XFamily - Children of God
- May — Former member Jean Michel Ardolade sentenced to 19 years in prison by a court in Alpes-Maritimes, France for sexually abusing three children over a period of 8 years. His wife was also sentenced to 3 years in prison for failing to report the abuse to authorities.
- July 4 – Former member Arturo Odilo Godoy arrested in Buenos Aires, Argentina on charges of kidnapping and sexually abusing two minors,
- November 4 – Karen Zerby legally changes her name to Katherine Rianna Smith.
Press coverage
- Sunday Telegraph Magazine: Family Values — 1997-01-05
- Associated Press: Mexican groups accuse U.S.-based cult of sexual abuse — 1997-03-26
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Clarin: Detienen a un ex integrante de la secta Niños de Dios — 1997-07-05
- La Nacion: Detienen en Mercedes a un miembro de la secta Niños de Dios — 1997-07-05
- Diario Popular: Detienen a un depravado que violaba menores — 1997-07-05
- Daily Telegraph: Fighting back - Children of God say life is hell since police took them — 1997-11-01
- The Australian: Seized cult children sue — 1997-11-01
See also: Previous Year - 1990s - Next Year
