Eastern Lightning, sometimes called the Church of Almighty God, is a fast-growing cult that is believed to have attracted up to a million followers in rural areas across the mainland.
Its teachings, which include asking followers to worship a middle-aged woman surnamed Deng as the female Christ, was banned on the mainland along with the Falun Gong in 1999. The group has been accused of locking up and beating members who want to leave. It is also alleged to be the mastermind of the kidnapping in 2002 of 34 Christian leaders from mainland cities.
Its beliefs mix elements of Chinese nationalism with religion, claiming God has been reincarnated among Chinese people and will conquer the west.
Eastern Lightning believes the apocalypse is at hand and the 'final Christ' is here to judge the world.