Does the name Universelles Leben ring a bell? Universelles Leben, or Universal Life, is a new religious movement. It emerged in Würzburg around 1978.
Originally, it was known as Heimholungswerk Jesu Christi. The name changed to Universelles Leben in 1984. The teachings promoted by Universelles Leben are based on new revelations. These revelations are central to their beliefs.
Gabriele Wittek is a key figure. She is the spiritual leader. Within the organization, she is called Prophetess and Ambassador of God. It all began in 1977. Wittek had a revelation. This led to a small circle of followers forming in Würzburg. In 1978, a second group emerged in Nuremberg. This is when the name Heimholungswerk Jesu Christi was adopted. The group saw itself as a teaching and enlightenment organization.
Universelles Leben first went public in 1979. They distributed brochures. In 1980, associations were founded. These associations supported the Heimholungswerk Jesu Christi. They were called The Inner Spirit=Christ Church. Rapid expansion followed. It spread through German-speaking countries, Italy, and Spain. Wittek gave numerous lectures. Information and advertising activities increased. Communities of followers sprang up. They called themselves Original Christians.
Around 2005, Universelles Leben became less visible under that name. There are exceptions. The website of the supporting association remains active. The former headquarters in Würzburg still stands. Radio Universelles Leben continues to broadcast. Many related organizations are not immediately recognizable. The movement has also reduced its online presence. It now only links to a few of its sub-organizations.
Universelles Leben has various facilities for children. There are kindergartens and after-school programs. They also have playgrounds. Additionally, there is a primary and secondary school called Lern mit mir. It even has its own boarding school.
Followers of Universelles Leben meet in rented spaces. These places are called places of original Christian encounter. In 2010, there were 26 such places in Germany. However, the number was halved that year.
Supporters of Universelles Leben run several businesses. These include a private school with boarding facilities. They also operate several kindergartens. They run farms that follow ecological guidelines. These guidelines also adhere to their spiritual principles. The farms do not raise livestock. They also avoid using manure. Two foundations, hotels, and retirement homes are also part of their network. Several construction, real estate, and craft companies exist too. Furthermore, they maintain settlements in Michelrieth, Esselbach, and Hettstadt. A political party represents them in Hettstadt’s local council. Book publishers, radio stations, and TV stations are also part of their organization.
These businesses are not officially linked to Universelles Leben. However, they are indirectly associated. It is often difficult to determine their location. They often use post office boxes. The managers change frequently. They appear in UL media but are rarely named. The Universelles Leben website only links to a few entities. These include Sophia Library, Gabriele Publishing House, Radio Santec, and Radio Universelles Leben. These sub-organizations provide clues to other associated businesses.
The Universelles Leben is primarily funded by these companies. They also solicit donations through TV broadcasts, posters, and leaflets. They claim these donations are their only source of income. Followers are encouraged to donate their possessions. This includes houses and assets. A Christ revelation stated that money not invested in UL would soon be worthless.
Radio Santec is one of Universelles Leben’s two radio stations. Since 2010, it has been an online radio station. Before that, it broadcast on short and medium wave frequencies. Radio Universelles Leben offers a similar but differently structured program. Together, they form UL’s radio broadcasting presence.
Several TV channels broadcast programs from Universelles Leben. These channels are in multiple languages. They promote the books of prophet Gabriele. They also advertise Christ businesses.