Elizabeth Clare Prophet

Elizabeth Clare Prophet (''née'' Wulf, a.k.a. Guru Ma; April 8, 1939 – October 15, 2009) was an American spiritual leader, author, and founder of the Church Universal and Triumphant, a New Age religious organization. At its peak, the church had an estimated 30 to 50 thousand followers. Her teachings blended elements of mysticism, Christianity, and Eastern religions, and she authored numerous books on spirituality, gaining prominence in New Age circles.

In the late 1980s, Prophet predicted an imminent apocalypse brought on by nuclear war. As they prepared for the predicted world's end, she and her followers were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for stockpiling firearms and supplies in a fallout shelter being constructed at the church's compound near Gardiner, Montana.

When her prediction turned out to be wrong, the church lost members. Prophet stepped down from operational leadership in 1996, retaining her role as spiritual leader until retiring in 1999 due to health issues. Her recorded sermons remain influential in the church’s activities.

Prophet made several media appearances, including ''Larry King Live'', ''Donahue'', ''Nightline'', and a 1977 episode of ''In Search of...'' titled "The Man Who Would Not Die." She also appeared in NBC’s ''Ancient Prophecies'' in 1994. Provided by Wikipedia