What is Kenja? The sect at the centre of Netflix's Stateless series
Netflix's hard-hitting new six-part drama series Stateless takes an unsparing look at Australia's immigration system.
At the centre of the new show, which was co-created by Cate Blanchett, is the story of Sofie Werner, a flight attendant escaping a "cult".
Werner is played by The Handmaid's Tale actress Yvonne Strahovski, with the character based on Cornelia Rau, a German woman who moved to Australia in 1967 aged just eighteen months and went on to make national headlines after being unlawfully detained at an immigration detention centre.
Rau's personal story is closely intertwined with the controversial sect Kenja - a company co-founded in 1982 by Ken Dyers and his partner, Jan Hamilton.
So, here's what you need to know about the sect:
What is Kenja?
Kenja - the sect which attracted Rau in 1998 - was established some years earlier in 1982 by World War Two veteran Ken Dyers and Jan Hamilton.
The sect's name is derived from the first letters of the couple's names.
Mr Dyers died in 2007, but Ms Hamilton continues to be involved in Kenja in a consultancy role which includes giving classes and lecturing, according to the company's website.
At its core, Kenja is based on "Scientology-derived pseudo-psychological hocus-pocus," according to an article published by Australian political magazine The Monthly.
The company, for its part, describes itself as "a training facility for people who want to develop their ability to be more effective or ‘cause’ over their lives".
It advertises Energy Conversion meditation and Kenja Klowning training sessions led by "experienced professional meditation consultants" which it claims are "very effective tools for personal growth".
The company also explicitly denies that it is a cult, religious group, form of therapy or self help group.
A statement on its website says: "The concept of spirituality discussed at Kenja is not aligned to any religion.
"Nor does it conflict with religions - apparent when you realise that people of diverse religious beliefs do Kenja training.
"Neither is Kenja a cult. People doing the training come and go as they like and have widely varied lives - some are extremely high achievers, others are just happy to create more balance. It is entirely up to each individual how much of the Kenja training they apply to their life."
How does Kenja work?
There are no joining fees or members of Kenja as such, you simply pay for classes and workshops as you arrive.
Kenja classes, public lectures, workshops and Energy Conversion Meditation appointments are available as one-off trainings.
On its website, Kenja states: "A remarkably diverse range of Australians and international visitors have used and continue to use Kenja training to increase their spiritual perception and awareness and as a result, increase effectiveness.
"The Kenja training cannot 'solve your problems'. It helps individuals help themselves by increasing a person's ability to perceive and make positive ‘life decisions' for themselves"
Why is Kenja controversial?
According to The Sydney Morning Herald Kenja's core Energy Conversion practice would allegedly involve nude one-on-one sessions, occasionally with women and children.
Mr Dyers had a history of sexual assault charges made against him; in 2005, he was charged with 22 counts relating to sexual assault of two underage girls who were ex-members of Kenja, which allegedly happened during such Energy Conversion sessions.
He was not trialled as he was deemed mentally unfit, but another girl came forward with similar allegations in 2007.
The following day Mr Dyers, aged 84, was found in his home, having died by suicide.
Last month, co-founder Ms Hamilton lost her lawsuit against the state of New South Wales, after alleging police had called her partner the "paedophile leader of a cult" before he took his own life.
