Aum cult thought to be heading toward split

Kyodo News Service/May 11, 2006

Tokyo -- The religious cult formerly known as Aum Shinrikyo and now called Aleph may be on the verge of breaking up, after leader Fumihiro Joyu told its believers it would be difficult to bridge the gaps between the pro- and anti-Joyu groups within the sect, informed sources said Wednesday.

Joyu, 43, indicated he will break away by splitting the cult's financial assets and facilities between his group and his opponents, according to the sources. He also said he will review the religious principles and training systems after launching his own new group, possibly around July, the sources said.