This is like a bad episode of 24.
Actually, I was thinking SG-1....
ORI
A race of ascended entities who demand the worship of mortal beings. The Ori were once the same civilization as the Alterans, but (for want of a better term) believed in religion, where the Alterans relied more heavily on science. A gap was eventually bridged between the cultures. In consequence the Alterans left for the Milky way Galaxy (to later be known as the Ancients).
Due to the origins of their ancestry the Ori believe they are the creators of human life. They use their ascension and knowledge of the universe as justification for praise and worship. They are still aware of the Ancients and shun them, for they abandoned the "path," and believe in the opposite philosophy. Not sharing the secrets of the universe to those on the lower planes of existence is an evil act and those who practice it must be eliminated.
The Ori conceived the Origin faith, one that puts them in the center of creation, and wrote down their word in the Book of Origin to be administered to followers through Priors, missionaries, CZARS and teachers of Origin.
'nuff said.