Former Church Universal and Triumphant Members Publish Book

by Cathleen A. Mann, MA, LPC

Kenneth and Talita Paolini, former staff members of the controversial sect, Church Universal and triumphant (CUT), have published their book, "400 Years of Imaginary Friends: A Journey Into the World of Adepts, Masters, Ascended Masters, and Their Messengers," (2000), published by Paolini Enterprises, LLC, of Livingston, Montana.

Divided into four parts, the book combines the personal story of the Paolinis, as well as an integration of years of copious research on groups contributing to the genesis of CUT. Kenneth, a former bodyguard to Elizabeth Clare Prophet and a member of her elite "Cosmic Honor Guard," details events leading to his involvement and eventual defection from the sect. Talita, a staff member and teacher at the sect's community school, describes life in CUT's formalized indoctrination program (Summit University) in fascinating and rich detail. Also intriguing are reprinted letters from the Paolinis to "Mother" (Prophet) on issues ranging from traveling to meet family members to permission to date and marry.

This book is a in-depth examination of a sect which came into national prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s during the infamous "shelter cycle," where CUT garnered news as they constructed fallout shelters in Paradise Valley, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park. Much of the hype Prophet generated during the media frenzy is solidly debunked by the Paolinis in relating their experiences close to the onus of power.

Elizabeth Clare Prophet has recently retired as the sect's leader, due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Run by a council of three board members, the sect has suffered financial and other setbacks, due to the gradual deterioration of Prophet. Many of the sect's members have been ousted or have left the group in recent years. In December 1999, it was announced that long-term vice president and board member for the sect, Murray Steinman, had been released from employment after more than two decades of "service." Many ex-CUT members viewed Mr. Steinman as their nemesis, as he had been predominant in legal matters and "official comments" involving the sect. The status of Mr. Steinman as legal co- guardian of Prophet has not been disclosed.

The Paolini book is an excellent and engrossing read. Not reserved for those just interested in CUT, it includes the legacy of other esoteric and occult groups, such as Theosophy, Freemasonry, Spiritualism, The Mighty I AM, and the Bridge to Freedom, to name a few.

The book can be ordered through major booksellers, including Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Copies can also be ordered directly from the authors at their website: http://www.factsource.com.

Cathleen A. Mann, MA, LPC, NCAC II,
CAC III