Documentary Uncovers Abuse Within Swiss Methernitha Cult

A new documentary, "Le Faiseur d’anges," delves into the dark history of the Methernitha religious community, established 50 years ago in the Swiss village of Linden. The sect's founder, Paul Baumann, a man described as small and gaunt with an unusual aura, claimed to be an angel. In the 1950s, he created Methernitha, a self-contained village operating under complex rules and a strict hierarchy. The community's goal was to guide followers to a supreme spiritual stage, becoming human embodiments of a "higher being" from heaven.

However, behind this idyllic facade, followers endured immense suffering, particularly women, including those from Switzerland. They were victims of abuse that only came to light years later. The documentary, a coproduction by RTS, features former victims who share their experiences, tracing a story of deception and manipulation. The narrative aims to expose the reality of life within the sect, contrasting its spiritual claims with the alleged abuses suffered by its members. The film revisits the shadow cast by Baumann's leadership and the community's isolated existence.