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Cosy-looking cafe nestled in picturesque countryside is hiding a dark history
If one day you happen to visit a bustling town just outside of Sydney, you may stumble across a cafe run by a controversial Christian fundamentalist group. Katoomba is a town in New South Wales near the picturesque Blue Mountains - and for years, it’s been harbouring a not so hidden secret.Marked by a sign with the words Yellow Deli written in yellow cursive is a cafe run by the international organisation Twelve Tribes, with there being other locations around the world.Walking into the amber-drenched cafe you will be served artisan sandwiches and vegan carob-chip cookies but the claims levelled against the group quickly wreck the fairy tale.The Twelve Tribes originated in Tennessee in 1972 and was founded by former high school teacher Elbert Eugene Spriggs - who died in January 2021 - and his fourth wife, Martha.Today, it has thousands of members in over nine countries including Australia, the US, Canada, Japan, Germany and France.The group, which has been branded a "cult" by Citizen's Freedom Foundation, adheres to some of the Bible's teachings.Its name comes from the idea that they are resurrecting Israel's 12 ancient tribes.
