The Interview (1970)
Context
In 1970, members of the Process Church interviewed Charles Manson.
He was in prison and waiting for trial for the Tate-LaBianca murders.
The interview ran in the Process magazine. It was part of an ongoing series on darkness, evil and extreme human behavior.
The Publication
The interview appeared as one piece in a wider issue about violence and evil.
In line with Process beliefs, the writers reportedly tried to explore the mind and spirit behind such extreme acts.
Initial Reception
The interview caused controversy.
At the time, most readers saw it as bold or shocking journalism, not as proof of a link.
Underground magazines often spoke with notorious people.
The Process approach was unusual, but not unheard of for that era.
The Rumors Begin
Manson’s Claims
During police interviews and court hearings, the notorious criminal gave many different stories about who influenced him.
At times Manson suggested that the Process Church shaped his thinking or that he met people from the group.
Media Amplification
Sensational media picked up these claims and pushed them hard.
They:
- Wrote headlines that hinted at Process ties
- Aired TV segments that suggested involvement
- Used the alleged link in true crime books
Over time, the rumor spread and took on a life of its own.
The Book: “The Ultimate Evil”
In 1987, journalist Maury Terry published “The Ultimate Evil.”
The book claimed there was a large, hidden network behind several crimes.
Terry alleged the Process Church was tied to:
- The Son of Sam shootings
- The Tate-LaBianca murders
- Other unsolved or violent crimes
Most of these claims were based on weak or secondhand evidence.
Scholars and investigators have not confirmed his theories, but the book reached many readers.
The Process Church Response
Vehement Denial
The Process Church always strongly denied any link to or involvement in crimes. They stated that:
- No records show people in The Family were members
- No records prove contact before the murders
- The interview took place after the crimes
- Their beliefs did not support violence
Legal Action
The group went to court to defend its name against false claims about a connection to Manson.
Public Statements
Process leaders and spokespeople also released public notes and interviews.
They explained that:
- The Manson interview was journalism, not proof of a tie
- Process teachings did not call for violent acts
- Manson’s claims were not reliable
- The rumor hurt their reputation and was unfair
Examining the Evidence
What We Know
Facts that can be documented:
- Process members interviewed Manson in prison after the murders
- The interview later appeared in a Process magazine
- Manson made many claims to police about who influenced him
- No membership lists link Manson to the Process
- No reliable witnesses place Manson at Process events
What’s Missing:
- Proof that Manson attended Process meetings
- Records that show he joined or worked with the group
- Credible witnesses who saw a real connection
- Evidence that Process members were at Spahn Ranch
- Any documents that show contact before 1969
Expert Analysis
Researchers who have studied both Manson and the Process Church generally agree on several points.
Different Ideas
Manson preached a coming race war and used parts of the Bible and pop culture in a chaotic way.
The Process focused on bringing opposites together and on inner change.
Different Daily Practices
Manson’s group used heavy drugs, carried out crimes and encouraged violence.
Process life was strict, rule-based and did not center on crime or force.
Different Leadership Styles
The Process had a clear chain of command and formal roles.
Manson’s “family” was looser, more chaotic and often abusive.
Timeline Problems
The Process arrived in California after Manson had already formed most of his beliefs.
Why the Myth Persists
The story of a Process-Manson link remains popular even though the evidence is weak. Reasons include:
- Sensational stories sell books, films and podcasts
- The word “Satan” in Process language made them easy to target during moral panics
- Manson often lied or exaggerated, yet his quotes still get repeated
- Many people are drawn to stories that mix crime and the occult
- A simple conspiracy feels more exciting than a complex, less dramatic truth
Impact on the Process Church
Immediate Damage
The rumored tie to Manson created serious problems for the Process Church. It led to:
- Hostile press coverage
- Trouble attracting new members
- Extra attention from law enforcement
- High legal costs
- Low morale among members
Long-term Consequences
Over the years, the false link played a part in:
- The Church’s decision to change and reinvent itself
- Ongoing errors in books, shows and documentaries
- Extra work for historians trying to sort fact from fiction
Unfair Stigma
The stigma around the Process Church, rooted in false links to Manson, offers a warning about:
- How media cover fringe or unpopular groups
- The long reach of conspiracy stories
- How hard it is to correct a myth once it spreads
- The lasting harm that sensational coverage can cause
Setting the Record Straight
Historical Consensus
Experts on new religious movements and on Manson now broadly agree:
- There is no credible proof that the Process Church took part in Manson’s crimes
- The interview was a (questionable) journalistic act, not cooperation
- Manson’s statements are not a solid source
- The link damaged the Church’s name without cause
Continuing Challenges
Even with this consensus, problems remain:
- Popular culture still repeats the rumor
- True crime shows often mention a supposed connection without context
- Conspiracy theories find new life on the internet
Importance of Accuracy
Getting the story right matters because:
- The Process Church should be judged on what it actually did
- False stories blur our understanding of both Manson and the Process
- Conspiracy thinking weakens good research and public trust
- Former members deserve to have their history told fairly and clearly