Never heard of them before this, but they’ve got people in Omaha riled up.

The Christian community of hermits, priests and lay people, called Intercessors of the Lamb, will draw more than a thousand people from across the world Sunday to Qwest Center Omaha for a five-day retreat.

Yet local controversy and mystery surrounding the group have left questions – and even spurred ugly accusations from nearby residents – about their mission.

“It’s been kind of a mystery to us, this reaction,” said Mother Nadine Brown, who founded the Intercessors. “I don’t think (the neighbors) understand us.”

Worried about traffic, lighting and environmental concerns, Ponca Hills residents recently opposed the Intercessors’ plans to build four group homes, a chapel and 18 hermitages.

The fight ended up at City Hall, with some neighbors calling the Intercessors a cult. Some questioned the source of the Intercessors’ funding and wondered why all members dress in white robes with teal scapulars, or outer garments.