Fiat Lux (UFO religion)

Fiat Lux (Latin for "let there be light") is a neo-revelationist UFO religion whose members are primarily located in the Black Forest of Germany.

History

The 'religious order' of Fiat Lux was founded in 1980 by Swiss-born Erika Hedwig Bertschinger-Eicke who adopted the name Uriella as its spiritual leader and trance medium. According to members, Bertschinger receives divine messages from Jesus Christ as well as Mary, mother of Jesus.[1]

The group also believes the apocalypse is coming, and that alien ships will arrive to evacuate adherents, followed by the transformation of the earth into a new paradise, called "Amora". According to Bertschinger, the end of the world was due to arrive in 1998, but has since been postponed "due to the immense praying energies of the faithful".[2]

Characterized as a cult,[3][4][5] Fiat Lux has been estimated to contain an "inner circle" of approximately 135 members in addition to 800 "dedicated followers" and 2000 "sympathizers". Devotees reportedly follow a monastic lifestyle, including scheduled prayer times, the wearing of white ceremonial robes, and adherence to a strict vegetarian diet.[2][1][6]

The order's founder, Uriella (born 20 February 1929 in Zurich, Switzerland), died on 24 February 2019.[7]

Controversy

According to German newspapers, Bertschinger called for the release of accused pedophile Beat Meier.[3][4]

References
  1. Christopher Partridge (12 November 2012). UFO Religions. Routledge. pp. 185–. ISBN 978-1-135-25159-8.
  2. Norway James R. Lewis Associate Professor of Religion University of Tromso (17 November 2003). The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements. Oxford University Press, USA. pp. 425–. ISBN 978-0-19-970875-8.
  3. Huwiler, Sira. "Sektenchefin Uriella fordert, Pädophilen freizulassen (Cult leader Uriella calls to release pedophile)". Die Welt. Axel Springer AG. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  4. Dammann, Viktor. "Uriella now defends a Bubenschänder". Blick. Ringier. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  5. Frederick William Dame (2001). History of Switzerland: Modern Switzerland. E. Mellen Press. ISBN 978-0-7734-7250-1.
  6. Diana G. Tumminia (2007). Alien Worlds: Social and Religious Dimensions of Extraterrestrial Contact. Syracuse University Press. pp. 309–. ISBN 978-0-8156-0858-5.
  7. Uriella ist tot: Sektenführerin aus Ibach stirbt im Alter von 90 Jahren (in German)
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