When you think you've seen it all, something comes along to surprise and shock.

Police in Arizona have arrested 20 members of an American organisation called the Goddess Temple for allegedly offering sexual services online disguised as a form of "religious healing."

Officers had gone undercover and are currerntly attempting to trace a further 20 suspects, said Phoenix Police Sgt. Steve Martos, with more arrests expected in the following weeks..

The probe into the Goddess Temple lasted six months, with raids Sept. 7 in Phoenix and in the central Arizona town of Sedona, a tourist and new age spirituality haven.

Detectives uncovered a variety of evidence proving male and female "practitioners" were performing sexual acts in exchange for monetary "donations" under the ruse of offering religious services, said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, whose office will lead the prosecution.

Those arrested include Goddess Temple founder Tracy Elise, who was the target of a similar investigation involving a suspected brothel in Seattle that was shut down in 2009.

Elise faces charges of prostitution, illegal control of an enterprise, pandering and operating a house of prostitution. Others named in an indictment face counts of conspiracy, prostitution and offering massage without a licence.

"We are now in a position to hold these so-called healers accountable for allegedly running brothels in residential neighbourhoods," Montgomery said.

"The First Amendment protection of the free exercise of religion does not allow individuals to trade sex for money, no matter how the transaction is portrayed."

Acting Phoenix Police Chief Joseph Yahner added: "Although it is not uncommon for criminals to hide their criminal acts from law enforcement, it is particularly disheartening that some would attempt to disguise their crimes as religious freedom."

According to an ABC News report, the temple offered sessions on sex education and sex-toy classes and even promoted a session designed to "heal sexual blockages."

Now, that's one religion to avoid.