The Church of the Master Angels (CMA) was established in 2017 by “Master John Douglas,” who was born Srjan Marjanovic in Australia in 1971. It describes itself as “a unitary, non-denominational, faith-based community Church” that welcomes “all seekers of truth, cosmic awareness and soul-realization.” The organization states that it promotes “the selfless worship of God through the teaching of God’s Masters, Angels, and Holy Saints.”
CMA maintains a headquarters near Boone, North Carolina, and a hub in Los Angeles. Its online communications often use esoteric terminology, which can make the group’s specific beliefs difficult to interpret. Douglas is described by followers as a “prophetic minister, spiritual healer and extraordinary teacher.” According to the church, Douglas experienced a “clairvoyant awakening” at age nine that allowed him to perceive frequencies of “thoughts, emotions, desires, weaknesses, beliefs, [and] karmic governance.” He claims to identify the causes of disease at a molecular level from afar and eliminate viruses using vibration with the assistance of Master Angelic Beings.
Douglas has said that after the death of his father in his late teens or early twenties, he supported his family by working as a nighttime janitor and performing healing sessions during the day. Over time, he began offering workshops in private homes before eventually renting conference halls as interest increased.
A non-profit called the Global SELF Foundation (Self Education Learning Fund) was formed by a board of wealthy individuals to support Douglas’s travel and health-related research. Reports have cited different founding dates between 2008 and 2015. The Foundation directs funds to unspecified beneficiaries in the East Asia and Pacific region, including Australia.
As Douglas’s following expanded, formal organizational structures emerged. CMA gained 501(c)(3) status in 2017, which leaders describe as protection for Douglas in his role as “minister healer.” Tax write-offs for attending workshops are promoted as a member benefit.
Although followers once described him as living modestly in Sydney, reporting has indicated he owns a million-dollar home in the city, funded through donations and loans from affluent supporters. Douglas also collects large crystals that he “programs,” including the “Maha crystal” from Brazil, now housed in the Boone chapel.
Christopher Hartnett serves as chairman and founder of the CMA International Foundation and is a key figure in the organization’s growth. A former commodities broker and internet telephony executive, Hartnett was previously affiliated with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. He states he was chronically ill for 30 years before meeting Douglas in 2008, after which his health reportedly improved. Hartnett has defended the church publicly, characterizing it as free and describing high-priced course fees as voluntary donations to support expansion.
CMA offers public programs such as free blessings, remote healings, and video workshops. It also sells products including phytoplankton droplets and audio “repair” prayers, priced in the hundreds of dollars. Members may purchase geometric pendants said to reduce “negative effects of electromagnetic radiation, negative thoughts, and negative emotions,” with costs reaching up to $2,000.
The organization also offers tiered courses culminating in an “elite” developmental training program. Participation costs about $10,000 for a four-day event. The curriculum includes “remote scanning ability of matter and energies” and “angelic assistance.” Attendees are instructed to follow dietary restrictions for two months beforehand, such as reducing meat and avoiding pork, shellfish, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
Several notable public figures have been connected to CMA. Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney has been photographed at an event and publicly praised Douglas for “giving her life back.” Hartnett confirmed her involvement, though the church has not formally acknowledged it. Steve Shubin, inventor of the Fleshlight, and his wife are also members. Individuals enrolling in the elite program must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, which CMA says protects advanced spiritual information from being shared prematurely.
CMA’s website and social media typically feature informational posts and quotations from Douglas rather than photographs of participants. Its YouTube channel, however, includes numerous testimonials from individuals claiming healing experiences. One person stated that Douglas used “Godly vision” to eliminate HIV. Douglas’s work has been featured in books about what is called “Angelic Reformation” healing. Supporters say he has cured conditions including Morgellons, Lyme disease, anxiety, and cancer.
Despite such claims and the sale of products promoted as spiritually beneficial, CMA includes medical disclaimers noting that its products “are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.”
Key Sources:
Andersen, S. (2018). Avatar Master John Douglas and the Truth of Matter.
Descent From Heavenly Mountain (2020).
Roundtree, C. (2024, September 21). Olympian McKayla Maroney Ensnared in Mystery ‘Cult’ the Church of the Master Angels. The Daily Beast.
Sarnat, R. L. (2021). Medical Miracles Attributed to Master John Douglas–Book Two: Medical Insights Gained from Observations of Angelic Reformation.
Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements 