Bomb Explodes Outside Church

A dynamite explosion outside a controversial church forced evacuation of a Long Beach neighborhood early Saturday, but there were no injuries or property damage, police said.

The bomb only partially discharged, said investigators who took six unexploded sticks of dynamite to a beach and safely detonated them, said Long Beach Police Sgt. Don Murrey. The bomb had been placed in a narrow opening between two buildings at the Morningland Church of Ascended Christ.

Police have not yet determined a motive for the bombing, but note that the church has been involved in a controversy.

Former members have accused the sect leaders of practicing mind control and of breaking up marriages. Church leader Sri Patricia and attorney Edward Masry were charged in 1980 with offering a $10,000 bribe to former Lt. Gov. Mervyn M. Dymally, now a congressman. However, the bribery charges were later dropped. Masry’s subsequent conviction of receiving the money under false pretenses from the church was also overturned.

The Morningland congregation derives guidance from what members say is direct telepathic communication with “Donato,” the late Daniel Sperato, who founded the church in 1973.