The self-proclaimed leader of a wealthy spiritual community in Western Canada has been accused of sexually assaulting several of his followers after telling them a “ghost” directed him to engage in sexual activity with them, police in Edmonton said.
John (Johannes) de Ruiter, 63, was arrested on January 21 and charged with four counts of sexual assault that allegedly took place between 2017 and 2020, a police statement said this week. His lawyer says he will “vigorously challenge these allegations in a court of law.”
For decades, De Ruiter led an organization called the College of Integrated Philosophy, also known as the Oasis Group – which some have accused of being a cult.
De Ruiter is known for his piercing stares he directs at followers during lengthy meetings, and posts bizarre videos including one where he asks the viewer if they are drinking cappuccinos with their “mortal or immortal spirit.”
John de Ruiter, 63, is a self-proclaimed spiritual leader who claims to be ‘completely absorbed in what we are after we die’
He tells his followers on his website to expect a high cost in following his teachings: “Paying the cost for what you know to be true means that no matter how you are treated, no matter what happens to you, you don’t feel will close or harden.
De Ruiter claims to have been ‘irrevocably changed’ at the age of 17 when he was ‘awakened, immersed and completely absorbed in what we are after death’.
Its website, which explicitly denies that the College is a cult, adds that it exists as “a resource for those who recognize and are given the same.”
He meets regularly in person and online and has a cutting-edge television and podcast output for which he charges a subscription fee.
The so-called spiritual leader is known for his icy gaze on followers during long minutes of contemplation, and offers meetings and live streams for Edmonton believers as well as “spiritual retreats.”
Photos shared online by his followers show “seminars” with de Ruiter with dozens of attendees — most of them women.
Many of his followers regularly share “inspiring quotes” that De Ruiter is said to have said, along with videos and podcast excerpts.
All Zoom meetings with him cost $10 Canadian dollars per person who watches the stream, while a subscription to his TV and audio outputs costs $32 Canadian dollars per month.
The College of Integrated Philosophy describes its purpose as “to make available John and his teachings and thus further the evolution of human consciousness.” The Board is the organization that organizes events and meetings between De Ruiter and his supporters.
Despite his arrest, De Ruiter’s own website still states that he plans to hold meetings with followers next week. Many take place at local venues in Edmonton, such as this one. His lawyer says he will vigorously challenge these allegations in court.
De Ruiter claims that his sexual interactions with women outside his marriage are not motivated by desire, but by “what is deeper in my being”
It does not provide formal education or qualifications.
A statement from the Edmonton Police Department said: “The accused told certain female group members that he was spirit-directed to engage in sexual activity with them.”
De Ruiter would have told the women that this would help them to achieve ‘spiritual enlightenment’.
Authorities said they believe there could be other suspected victims and encouraged them to come forward and file a complaint.
Under a section of his site called “Controversies,” de Ruiter states, “John did not and does not use sex as a means of exerting control or submission over any person.”
He also addresses claims that he has had sex with multiple women outside of his marriage.
De Ruiter states that he has had “consensual sexual relations with women outside the traditional scope of marriage,” adding that he only does so “according to a deep inner clarity.”
He claims that his encounters with followers “open us to the meaning of sexuality” and that true sexuality is “deeper than ourselves.”
He claims that attraction to another person is a “primary distraction.”
He adds: “I started living with women other than my wife. This means being together physically and sexually.
‘It is independent of desire and directed towards the realization of what is deeper. Sexuality is so deeply at the heart of awakening, but in ways unknown to convention.”
He claims he ‘invites’ women to have sexual relations with him,'[asking] nothing but that each finds an answer deeply rested and true to his own clarity.’
De Ruiter said he does not “navigate” these interactions based on the effect on himself or others, but claims that a “thread of pure knowing” guides him.
He claims that he “knew” to engage in sexual relations with women “independent of desire” thanks to “what is deeper than my being.”
He says this is “clearer than my entire existence,” and “it’s clearer and more real to me than physical reality.”
Spokeswoman Zaba Walker said: ‘Mr de Ruiter will be represented by an attorney and intends to vigorously challenge these allegations in court.
“This situation has a lot of impact on those who know Mr. de Ruiter.”
She told MailOnline, “John is learning that when you are gentle and quiet inside, you are naturally open and soft at heart.
“Living that way at any personal cost is key to fulfilling our purpose of being here.”
De Ruiter reportedly has a bail hearing on Monday. According to his website, he still has events planned this week with followers in Edmonton.
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