The Dominion Christian Centre (DCC) was an evangelical organization based in Hamilton, Ontario, that drew public attention in the early 2000s. It was founded by Peter and Peggy Rigo. The group described itself as a Bible-based ministry focused on revitalizing downtown Hamilton and training young adults in life skills and entrepreneurship. Over time, it became the subject of allegations involving psychological control, financial misconduct, and the isolation of members.
Peter Rigo, a former painter and decorator, stated that in 2000 he was called by a divine power to establish a “plumb line” of believers in Hamilton. He had attended Zion Bible College in Rhode Island during the 1980s but did not graduate, while Peggy Rigo did complete her studies. In its early period, the DCC sought affiliation with the Open Bible Faith Fellowship, a North American evangelical network. This relationship later ended, with reports indicating the fellowship removed the DCC from its membership.
The organization developed practices that differed from many evangelical churches. Services often began with extended music performances, with Rigo playing drums. His preaching style included informal language and references that departed from conventional sermon formats. He promoted a framework in which followers were expected to apply biblical teachings continuously, which led many members to spend most of their time within the church environment.
Concerns about the group emerged primarily through accounts from former members and their families. These reports described patterns of emotional influence and the use of shunning. Critics alleged that members were discouraged from leaving through warnings of spiritual or physical consequences. In one reported case, a former member stated that Rigo attempted to create distrust between her and her father. These accounts contributed to concerns among families and intervention specialists that members were becoming increasingly separated from external support networks.
In 2005, tensions between the group and families became the focus of a criminal case involving Renato Brun Del Re and his family. They were charged with kidnapping and forcible confinement after attempting to remove their 23-year-old daughter, Mirella, from the group. According to reports, she was taken near the church and held for ten days. The case drew national attention in Canada and raised questions about the balance between religious freedom and family intervention.
Additional scrutiny followed a federal audit by the Canada Revenue Agency. Investigators found that funds donated for charitable purposes were used for personal expenses by the Rigos and other leaders. Reported expenditures included designer clothing, gym memberships, haircuts, and vacations to Hawaii. The audit also noted that the organization did not address prior warnings to correct its financial practices.
In the late 2000s, the Canadian government revoked the DCC’s charitable status. While the organization continued to operate, the loss of tax-exempt status reduced its ability to raise funds.
Key Sources:
CBC News. (2015, October 15). Burlington church defends pastor Peter Rigo charged with sex assault.
Derrick, C. (2006, October 28). The pied piper of Hamilton. W-Five.
Donovan, K. (2009, February 18). Church found Gucci divine, watchdog finds. The Toronto Star.
Morse, P. (2006, September 7). Evangelical group denies it is a cult. The Toronto Star.
Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements 