From 1977 there was increasing concern about the activities of the Unification Church (popularly known as ‘Moonies’) in recruiting young people. Allegations included those of ‘brain-washing’ and mental cruelty.

While Jones, having taken advice, was sceptical of these allegations, he was concerned that the Church was encouraging British students to abandon their university courses. In October 1979 he wrote to Moon telling him that he could no longer attend the International Conferences until this practice stopped.

Jones was contacted by a number of worried parents and used his contacts with the Church to try to persuade the Church that it was in its own best interests and those of the students, to encourage them to return home.