TORONTO -- The Raelians, who
welcomed worldwide attention earlier this year for their human cloning claims,
are protesting their latest turn in the media spotlight.
And cult experts say Sun Media's series, in which two journalists infiltrated
the Raelians, will shake up the organization.
"Those higher in the (Raelian) structure will be
demoted for not catching spies. Heads will roll," said Dr. Sam Klarreich, a cult specialist with the Ontario Psychological
Association.
"Their goals will be stalled. You can't just step in and take over a high
position. You have to earn the right."
The Quebec-based atheistic religion, headed by former journalist and race car
driver Claude Vorilhon - who is known as Rael - believes humans were cloned by aliens.
The Sun articles revealed some disciples say they are ready to die for Vorilhon, who believes there are governments planning his
assassination, and women in the cult are prepared to offer their eggs to help
the cult's cloning program launch new experiments in the area of human cell
culture.
The reporters also uncovered bizarre "sensual meditation" sessions.
"Our members aren't forced to do anything," Raelian
Bishop Ricky Lee, said yesterday.
The Raelian movement became front-page news last
December with claims its scientists would soon deliver the first human clone
within weeks.
No proof was ever furnished that they had cloned a baby and the Raelians have made fun of the media that gave the cult so
much free publicity.
But not all publicity is good publicity, admits Lee, adding his organization is
considering a lawsuit because of the series.
"(The reporters) were deceitful (about joining) and printed lies to sell a
story," said Lee, who wouldn't comment on whether the Raelians
used similar tactics to get publicity with the cloned baby story.
The articles will hurt the cult in recruiting new members, said Steve Hassan, a former Moonie who now helps deprogram cult
members with the Boston-based organization Freedom of Thought.
"Raelian members won't be allowed to see the
articles, but (the articles) may alert family and friends of people in the
group and that may help to get some out. Vorilhon
will try to spin the articles to his advantage."
Mike Kropveld, executive director of Info-Cult, said
there is the possibility the Raelians knew there were
reporters in their midst and allowed the scenario for the publicity.
"It would satisfy (Vorilhon's) need for the
spotlight."