A CIA team. Part of the Clandestine Services branch. It conducts preventative investigations into right-wing cells around the world. In this case those that operate under the cover of religion.
The more Stephen uncovers about the nature of the New Church the keener he becomes to help the CIA team. In Sweden he finds himself a key player when the cards come down.
Swedenborg teaches that we are surrounded by a spirit world, consisting of good spirits (angels) and evil spirits (demons). This is not a choice, but an integrated fact of human life. Our very thoughts and emotions flow in from this unseen world.
Now, in Part III, it becomes a sinister reality in the struggle with demonic resistance in the Stockholm New Church.