Beware The Family

“The Family,” formally known as the Fellowship Foundation or International Foundation, is a private Christian network founded in 1935 by Abraham Vereide. It brings together influential people—especially politicians, business leaders, diplomats, and military figures—for Bible study, prayer, mentoring, and relationship-building. It became widely known for helping organize the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., for many decades. The group is deliberately low-profile and operates largely through small, invitation-based gatherings rather than public churches or membership rolls. Critics call it a cult-like political network because of its secrecy, elite influence, and close connections between religion and government.