New Jersey, often celebrated for its vibrant communities and picturesque landscapes, also holds untold stories beneath its surface – tales that a new podcast is bravely bringing to light. “Shadow of Hope,” a compelling series by writer Karen Ann Coburn, delves into the complex and often disturbing history of a group known as People of Hope, an organization that once thrived in North Jersey and became the subject of intense scrutiny and national headlines.
The podcast pulls back the curtain on an era when the usual sounds of suburban life were, at times, overshadowed by protests. Little Flower Church in Berkeley Heights, for instance, became a focal point for residents who believed their community was being infiltrated by what they perceived as a cult. People of Hope, which began as a charismatic prayer group led by a Newark priest in the late 1970s, expanded rapidly, drawing members from across New Jersey and even as far as Long Island. At its peak, unofficial estimates suggested the group boasted 3,000 members, who were encouraged to relocate to Berkeley Heights, and later Warren Township, to be closer to their leaders.
However, as “People of Hope” grew, so too did disturbing allegations of control and abuse. Coburn’s podcast, drawing from accounts of former members and archival church documents, paints a troubling picture. It alleges that the group instructed parents to use physical discipline on infants and even suggested withholding food as a form of punishment. Strict gender roles were reportedly enforced, with girls required to wear skirts and fathers discouraged from attending the births of their own children. Most gravely, serious allegations of sexual abuse were levied against some leaders. Notably, the group’s practice of referring to community coordinators’ wives as “handmaids” resonated so profoundly that author Margaret Atwood cited the organization as part of her inspiration for her seminal 1985 novel The Handmaid’s Tale, which later became a popular Hulu series.
By the close of the 1980s, the group’s membership began to dwindle as public awareness and concerns mounted. While People of Hope continues to exist today and was formally recognized by the Archdiocese of Newark in 2006, its present form is vastly different from its controversial 20th-century iteration. Yet, for many of its original members, the lingering effects of its history are still profoundly felt.
For Karen Ann Coburn, the journey to produce “Shadow of Hope” was deeply personal. Although her own mother was only briefly involved with the organization during Coburn’s teenage years, the experience left an indelible mark. “I had been a journalist, and in the back of my head all those years, I thought, There’s a story there,” Coburn shares. Inspired by the meticulous investigative storytelling of podcasts like S-Town and This American Life, she aimed to apply a similar in-depth format to a piece of complex New Jersey history.
Through her interviews on “Shadow of Hope,” Coburn endeavors to humanize the New Jerseyans whose lives were profoundly affected by the group. Her mission extends beyond mere exposé; it’s a testament to the resilience of individuals and a broader effort to shine a light on the insidious nature of high-control groups. “I’m on a lifelong quest to redeem New Jersey and take it back from all the jokes,” Coburn states, emphasizing her desire for listeners to hear a “Jersey accent” and then realize that “these are intelligent, compassionate and interesting people.”
Ultimately, “Shadow of Hope” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our freedom of thought. As Coburn wisely notes, “We all have to remain vigilant to protect our freedom of thought, because there are real consequences to that.” This podcast offers a crucial window into a lesser-known chapter of New Jersey’s past, fostering empathy and understanding for those who navigate the often-hidden world of coercive groups.
For those interested in exploring diverse forms of storytelling and engaging with thought-provoking content, including podcasts and other entertainment, visit Explore New Jersey Entertainment.
