ATTENDANTS OF THE CHURCH HOLD THEIR ASSAULT RIFLES WHILE CHURCH MEMBERS LISTEN TO A SERMON DURING A BLESSING CEREMONY AT THE THE SANCTUARY CHURCH AND THE ROD OF IRON MINISTRIES ON MAIN ST., IN NEWFOUNDLAND, PENN., ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018. CREDIT: BRYAN ANSELM/REDUX FOR THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY

A religious sect known for worshipping with AR-15s and its MAGA politics has purchased a sprawling, 40-acre compound in central Texas, which it hopes will offer a safe-haven for “patriots” from what they believe is an imminent war brought by the “deep state,” VICE News has learned.

The property, located in the small community of Thornton, 40 miles from Waco, was listed at just under $1 million. It’s been dubbed “Liberty Rock” by its new owners, the Sanctuary Church aka Rod of Iron Ministries, led by Pastor Hyung Jin “Sean” Moon. Members of the congregation often refer to him as “King.” 

While Moon’s congregation, estimated to number in the hundreds, is relatively fringe, it’s a direct descendant of the much larger Unification Church, founded by his father, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, […]

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