A new documentary explores the experiences of gay American teenagers who were sent to church reform schools run by Americans in the Dominican Republic.

"Kidnapped for Christ" takes a compelling look at the stories of some of these teens sent to camps by their parents in an attempt to transform them into "healthy Christian adults," according to a report about the film in the Huffington Post.

Director Kate Logan said she was given access to film inside one of the reform schools, called Escuela Caribe, over the course of a summer. The film is currently seeking funding through a Kickstarter campaign.

Teen testimonials are included in the documentary.

“I was abused under the illusion of ‘God’s love,’ and refused the human dignity to disagree,” said Joshua Sierk, a former student at Escuela Caribe. “… These tales we tell are terrible & horrifying, but they are true.”

The Huffington Post offers a Q & A with Logan about why she feels the film is important.

About the Author

Keep Reading

An aerial view captures a large area under construction for a new data center campus on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Developed by QTS, the data center campus near Fayetteville is one of the largest under construction in Georgia. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Apartment complex community members look at the stuffed animals, snacks and drinks that rest at the base of a basketball goal with balloons in memoriam of Ja’Nylen Greggs in Atlanta on Friday, June 20, 2025. The apartment complex community is mourning 12-year-old Greggs after he was killed in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting. (Abbey Cutrer / AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com