(AP) MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Roman Catholic and evangelical leaders say Nicaragua should deny entry to the leader of a Florida-based church who has declared himself the Antichrist.
The archbishop of Managua and the president of the Evangelical Alliance of Nicaragua have urged immigration authorities to deny entrance to Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, who heads the controversial Growing in Grace church.
De Jesus has claimed to be Jesus and more recently declared himself the Antichrist, based on his belief that his life and teachings have superseded those of Jesus of Nazareth.
He held a rally in Guatemala over the weekend but was denied entry to Honduras and El Salvador.
Critics have called De Jesus a cult leader who manipulates followers, but members say he brings them happiness and spiritual fulfillment.