Cult of Rao

"Welcome, children of Rao. We are here, all of us, by Her grace. We are here together, standing in the light, for just one reason. We are here because Supergirl saved us. Let us begin by reaffirming our faith. Though we go forth alone, our soul unites under Rao's gladsome rays. For Rao sees all, feels all. His love is eternal. May Rao protect us so that we might protect others."

- Thomas Coville

Cult of Rao was a religious sect organized by Thomas Coville, a lawyer turned pastor who was saved during the first appearance of Supergirl in National City, using knowledge from a Kryptonian BetaHedron.

History
Thomas Coville, previously disenfranchised with his life, has found hope again after he looked into the eyes of Supergirl. Believing the Kryptonian's help to be an act of a, he intended to create a cult in Supergirl's honor. At some point he's found the BetaHedron, a Kryptonian pod containing information on the worship of Rao, the sun god of Krypton. He started gathering followers at a Community Center in National City to spread the word of Rao on Earth. Along with traditional Kryptonian worship, he also included the worship of superheroes in his religion, particularly Supergirl, gathering all the people that she saved. According to Coville's preaching, one's faith in Supergirl was a guarantee in them being saved from danger, physical or spiritual. He noticed Kara Danvers when she visited one of the cult meetings, when Olivia told the story of how Supergirl saved her. Later on, Kara visited the Community Center again, confronting Thomas with the fact that Olivia's boyfriend attempted arson and suicide to test his faith in Supergirl, which Thomas did not object to, and even managed to discern Supergirl's true identity.

Although promising Supergirl not to put any other people in danger, Thomas actually intended to try and explode the BetaHedron together with other cult members under a stadium with 15000 people in audience, all as a test for Supergirl. The BetaHedron also contained Kryptonite, which weakened Kara as soon as she arrived, allowing her to show that even Kryptonians are mortal as she bled. As the other cult members escaped, Thomas was exasperated, almost losing hope. Nevertheless, Supergirl persisted and together with Thomas and Alex Danvers was able to stop the BetaHedron from destroying the stadium, burying it many kilometers under the ground. Thomas then surrendered to the police and was incarcerated, but he took it in stride as his penance for mistakes and salvation for him and Supergirl. Confronting Kara at prison with the fact that she's losing hope herself, he gave her spiritual advice and promised to pray not just to her, but for her.

Known members

 * Thomas Coville (leader; incarcerated)
 * Olivia (Earth Thirty-Eight)
 * Olivia's boyfriend
 * Pamphlet distributor
 * Unnamed members

Worshiped entities

 * Rao (prime deity)
 * Supergirl
 * Superman (presumed)