Prophet's Church Universal and Triumphant selling off Montana properties

LIVINGSTON, Mont. (AP) -- The Church Universal and Triumphant says it is selling a 9,300-acre ranch in Paradise Valley. The asking price is $12.5 million.

The religion has been steadily disposing of land and businesses since the ''shelter cycle'' days of 1989-1990 when it began preparing for an apocalypse predicted by leader Elizabeth Clare Prophet. The staff has also been reduced, from about 600 to fewer than 100.

The group, formerly known as Summit Lighthouse, believes leaders receive revelations from ''ascended masters'' who have been freed from the cycle of reincarnation. Prophet, known as the Messenger and Vicar of Christ, has retired and suffers from Alzheimer's disease.