FBI interviews ex-members of extreme Christian group associated with Amy Coney Barrett

When former President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020, her critics were disturbed by her association with People of Praise — a far-right Christian group that combines Catholicism with elements of evangelical fundamentalist Protestantism.

Barrett herself is Catholic, as are most members of People of Praise. But the group's practices are way outside the mainstream of the denomination.

Now, according to The Guardian's Stephanie Kirchgaessner, the FBI is interviewing ex-members of the group in response to sexual abuse allegations they've made.

Kirchgaessner, in a report published Tuesday, explains, "The individuals were contacted following a years-long effort by a group called PoP Survivors, who have called for the South Bend-based sect to be investigated for leaders' handling of sexual abuse allegations. The body, which has 54 members, has alleged that abuse claims were routinely mishandled or covered up for decades in order to protect the close-knit faith group."

The journalist adds, "It is not clear whether the FBI has launched a formal investigation into the PoP."

According to Kirchgaessner, The Guardian "has confirmed that at least five individuals were contacted by the FBI and four gave detailed accounts to agents of abusive behavior they allegedly experienced or witnessed."