Alberta Spiritual Leader Faces Trial on Remaining Sexual Assault Charges

The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service has stayed two sexual assault charges against John de Ruiter, a well-known spiritual leader in Alberta. A spokesperson confirmed that one charge was stayed in February and another on Monday. The prosecution service is not providing further comment on the stayed charges due to the ongoing legal proceedings against Mr. de Ruiter.

Mr. de Ruiter, aged 65, will now face trial on six remaining counts of sexual assault. His wife, Leigh Ann de Ruiter, 66, is also charged with six counts of sexual assault related to the same allegations. Their trial is scheduled for January and is anticipated to last over four months.

The sexual assault allegations involve adult women who were followers of Mr. de Ruiter and date back to 2012. Both Mr. and Ms. de Ruiter have entered pleas of not guilty. Mr. de Ruiter's lawyer confirmed the charges had been stayed but did not offer further comment.

Mr. de Ruiter, whose given name is Johannes, is the central figure of a devoted international community. He is considered by his followers to be "the living embodiment of truth." The group is sometimes referred to as the College of Integrated Philosophy or Oasis.

In 2024, Mr. de Ruiter was arrested by the Edmonton Police Service and charged with four counts of sexual assault. Police stated that he had allegedly told women in his group that he was directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them to help them achieve spiritual enlightenment.

While on bail, Mr. and Ms. de Ruiter are subject to various conditions. These include restrictions on possessing intimate images of the women involved in the case and a prohibition on sharing evidence. Mr. de Ruiter is also barred from contact with women other than his wife, ex-wife, and immediate family.

The community associated with Mr. de Ruiter was previously based in Edmonton but has recently begun relocating to a rural area near Fort Assiniboine, northwest of the city.