Canada
The Edmonton Sun published an article May 2nd on a cult awareness
conference held in Edmonton.
"'I believe there are between 300 and 500 cults operating in Alberta, some
as small as two people,' said Dr. Norman Costigan, who helped organize a
cult awareness conference taking place in Edmonton this weekend. The term
cult, he said, can be applied to any manipulative group which exploits its
members, causing psychological, financial and physical harm. 'They are all
about power and control. In this case, sexual power,' said Costigan, chief
of psychiatry for the Red Deer-based David Thompson Health Region. His
startling claim is based on more than 20 years experience working with
cult survivors.
"'Sometimes they will appear to be innocuous religious groups who start to
worship a particular minister or leader,' said Edmonton social worker
Marianne Wright, a speaker at the conference. 'They may also portray
themselves as self-help groups, therapy groups or even commercial
ventures.' Ritualistic sexual abuse, pornography and satanism may be
involved, said Wright. She has dealt with cases where entire families are
lured into a cult.
"Seductive charm and flattery are often used by cults to recruit new
members. 'If someone offers you something that sounds too good to be true,
it's probably some kind of a recruitment for a cult,' said U.S.
researcher Dr. Margaret Thaler Singer. 'Watch out if someone says they are
going to teach you to communicate better, to improve your personality or
that they are going to give you enlightenment. 'If they say they are a
direct pipeline to God or that they are in contact with flying saucers,
the answer should be, let me out of here,' said Singer, also speaking at
the conference. She said an estimated 20 million Americans are involved to
some extent in 5,000 or more cults.
"Church of Scientology spokesman Al Buttnor traveled to Edmonton from
Toronto to attend the conference. 'Conferences like this breed intolerance
of religious freedom,' said Buttnor, adding his church has been unfairly
dubbed a cult. 'When you have unscientific ideas being bandied around and
if you don't have people exposed to the other side, that's as much
brain-washing or information management as so-called cults are accused
of.'"
Message-ID: 372d16ae.115708283@ARSCC.Media.Dissemination.DivC.SFBay
Austria
Oberoesterreich Online reported on May 3rd that Scientology is defending
against attempts to remove Scientologist from government service.
"Scientology Austria is defending itself against the endeavors of states
dominated by the OeVP to remove Scientology members from state service.
The Austrian presence of the business sect wants to introduce a lawsuit on
maintaining 'freedom of belief and conscience' against several Austrian
states. After Upper Austrian state official Franz Hiesl (OeVP) announced
proposals of this sort, 'Format' reported in its most recent edition of
similar considerations underway in the states of Lower Austria and
Salzburg. Scientology spokesman Andreas Boeck confirmed the upcoming suit:
'A regulatory hysteria is upon us. It simply takes my breath away. We will
fight that in the Constitutional Court. In any case we will sue.'"
Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.990503193826.129B-100000@darkstar.zippy
Clearwater
The St. Petersburg Times reported on May 6th and 7th that the city of
Clearwater, Florida is modifying a plan to raise donations for the public
library due to concerns over Scientology.
"Imagine entering the new Clearwater Public Library sometime in the
future, taking a book off the shelf and settling into a chair in the L.
Ron Hubbard reading room. While I made up that scenario, it is just such
a fear that has perplexed the Clearwater City Commission. On the one hand,
the commission would like to encourage generous contributions to its
proposed public library; on the other hand, the commission fears that some
of those contributions will come from the Church of Scientology, which
will then demand some public recognition of its gift.
"Commissioner J.B. Johnson suggested ruling out a whole class of potential
contributors: churches. 'We should not be accepting money from religious
organizations, whether it's the Scientologists or the First Baptist
Church,' he said. Commissioner Bob Clark expressed concern about
Scientology participation as well. 'It's unfortunate, but it's a fact of
life, just as in other parts of the world something else would be
inflammatory.'
"Hallam's proposed policy is reasonable: Acknowledge gifts with a
'discrete engraved plaque mounted on or near the gift.' That way, donors
would be recognized but all of the plaques would be similar and no one
gift would dominate the others. She would rule out naming buildings after
any donor, and she would shy away from grandiose forms of recognition.
But even a plaque referring to the Church of Scientology is sure to
embarrass some and anger others. Given the church's past behavior, such
reactions are understandable."
"City commissioners decided Thursday that they would rather collect less
money for the new main library than allow controversial groups that make
large donations to be recognized prominently. The Church of Scientology
was not mentioned at the televised meeting, but commissioners have said
they are uncomfortable with the church being named in a visible way on the
library's walls. They voted unanimously to accept money from anyone but to
recognize donors only discreetly on a small plaque instead of naming rooms
or areas after large contributors.
"A handful of Scientologists attended the meeting but did not speak and
declined to comment after the vote. Pat Jones, a church spokeswoman, said
in a statement Thursday night that the church did not want to comment
specifically on the policy. But the statement said, 'If the Church of
Scientology itself makes a contribution to aid in its construction it will
do so ... without any desire for or expectancy for credit.'"
Message-ID: 7gs2gs$nr9$1@nnrp1.deja.com
Message-ID: 3732d01d.404092@news.newsguy.com
Germany
Passauer Neue Presse reported on May 6th that the Youth Union in
Altoetting, Germany is warning against cults.
"One of the leaflets is concerned with Scientology. It describes its
teachings and its 'ethics,' gives information about the structure of the
sect and reveals the companies, magazine, associations and social groups
behind which Scientology conceals itself. 'Scientology is a constant
theme,' gave JU district chairman Stephan Mayer as a reason for the
re-printing of the leaflet from the Bavarian JU.
"Nevertheless, Mayer and the Toeginger JU local chairman Martin Huber both
agree that Scientology is not the most pressing problem in the district.
It's a different story with the so-called Engelwerk, though. According to
what Martin Huber knows, this group is on the advance in the district. He
knows several people personally who have been affected. They are from the
Burghausen areas, as well as from the western part of the district.
"In contrast to Scientology, whose members admit they are Scientologists,
Engelwerk is a secret society; little of its structure has surfaced. Huber
stated, 'The motto of the Engelwerk members is to be silent or lie.'
People who end up in the clutches of Engelwerk, according to Huber, 'cut
themselves off from the outside and live in a dream world' which puts
criticism beyond their grasp."
Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.990506191250.127A-100000@darkstar.zippy
Norway
Stavanger Aftenblad published an article this week on Scientology's
parishioners.org web site, which attempts to discredit critics of
Scientology.
"Matthias Fosse says: 'I have not yet checked if we are responsible.
There are a lot of organizations in USA who monitor hate pages on the
Internet, like the one Heldal-Lund has.' But mostly the focus on racists
and history forgers, says Fosse. He denies that this is some sort of
offensive against critics of CoS. Fosse is very relaxed about the whole
issue.
"'The guy has been doing this for three years. At regular intervals
Heldal-Lund claims we are out to get him. I think he is boring and repeat
himself. He has an anti-religious basis for his activity. He is clearly
against religion. He must count on people answers his allegations', says
Fosse."
Message-ID: 37385e07.12743080@news1.c2i.net
Protest / Revenge Summary
"Ethercat" reported revenge flyers at her home and "Wynot" described a
protest at the Atlanta org this week.
"Illegal activity by the Church of Scientology in Atlanta continues, as
the ARSCC-ATL finds more 'Religious Bigot' flyers tacked to telephone
poles. Some were put up either Sunday or Monday, more were put up
yesterday. Again, we are leaving them up as evidence of lawbreaking by the
'Church'."
"Ethercat and I arrived at the cult's storefront at 4:00, signs ready. EC
had the 'suppresses free speech and free thought', and I carried several
signs, including the 'is a scam', and 'convicted in canada' backed with
'banned in greece', and the '$360,000 for Salvation?' sign. After about
half an hour, a Saab pulled in, and two young women got out and headed for
the door. They turned the handle, but could not get in! They had to pound
on the door until someone came and unlocked it to let them in. Are they
so afraid of one man and one woman with paper picket signs?
"After about an hour Linda came out and began following me as I picketed,
attempting to engage me in conversation. I mainly ignored her, responding
just a little for politeness's sake. The culties finally have a sign! Two,
in fact - banners tied to posts, one for church of scientology, the other
for hubbard dianetics foundation.
"As usual, they called the police, and as usual, the police officer told
them that we had every right to picket. The nice officer did tell us that
we could not go on their property, but we said we had no intention of
doing that. The four of us picketed until just after 6:00."
"Realpch" in the San Francisco area reported revenge pickets every day
this week.
"It was one of the people who had been here picketing on Friday. I took a
look and no one was outside, but once again there were bigot flyers
applied to my car. I would like to point out that my car is on my
property, and no one has my permission to come on my property in order to
leave flyers, least of all ones describing myself in a rude and scurrilous
manner!"
"Home with the groceries at about 7pm, a solo picketer down at the end of
the block hurries up so she can be right in front of my house as I get out
of my car. This one is a sixtyish woman with a big sign, a fistful of what
were undoubtedly 'Religious Bigot' flyers, and of all things, a pair of
sunglasses. I called the police, and put away my groceries. I checked
awhile later and indeed an officer was out front discussing matters with
the Sunglasses Woman, and he said that he'd talk with me later. I fed the
cats and checked in about 15 minutes, and they were still talking. When I
checked in another 15 minutes, no one was there. I have no idea what
happened."
"This afternoon while cleaning my living room I noticed that there were
people picketing my house again. There was the shrill young blonde girl,
the tall black man who had been here on a previous Friday, and the short
blonde boy with the video camera. He was taping my front door, where
nothing was happening! I called the police. Two officers came, asked for
their names, which they would not give. The officers apparently asked
them to leave, and on the way, take with them the flyers they had once
again stuck into the chain link fence next to my house.
"It was quite the neighborhood drama. One policeman talking to the three
Scientologists on the sidewalk, one talking to me on my porch, where I am
afraid I lost my temper and loudly mentioned things like 'cult' and
'stalking', and in response to the suggestion that I come to an agreement
with Scientology, 'I don't make deals with the devil!'"
Kristi Wachter also received revenge pickets.
"At least two revenge picketers, Craig and Nick, graced the sidewalk in
front of my apartment building today. I noticed them at 1:50 and they were
gone when I went down at 2:15 to say hello and engage in the obligatory
photo shoot. They had affixed two bigot fliers to the gate of my
building. In addition, yesterday, someone tossed two bigot fliers through
the gate, where they sat, face down, unnoticed."
"Craig, Mick, and Joanna stopped by today for another quick revenge
picket. I noticed them at around 2 pm and they left at about 2:15.
Joanna had a new hand-lettered sign without a stick. Joanna asked me
again, 'Don't you have a job?' even though we went over that last Thursday
(I had explained that, as an independent contractor, I have a lot of
control over when I work). Mick harped repeatedly on the psych history
he's certain I must have, asking whether I'd taken my medication today and
inviting me to tell him how psychiatry had helped me. I repeated for the
umpteenth time that I'm not interested in discussing my personal life."
"My revenge picketers just left. It was the usual trio: Craig, Mick, and
Joanna. Mick was wielding his trusty video camera, and Joanna had her
hand-made sign again. They were here from about 3:45 - 4:15. I picked up
the two bigot fliers they tossed through the gate - they've backed up an
issue or two, and they're back to the ones with the decent picture of me,
grinning, and calling me 'This woman' instead of 'Your neighbor.'"
"Representatives from Scientology picketed my apartment building again
today. Bob was back this time, bringing the total to four - Bob, Craig,
Mick, and Joanna. They arrived at around 2:10; I think they were only here
for about 15 minutes, but I'm not sure."
Kristi also reported a protest in San Francisco this week.
"Start and End Times: 12:05 - 2:10 pm. Picketers: Kristi Wachter, Roop,
Brent Stone, Administrati Number of Handouts given away: 115 - PLUS 30
Brent gave out.
"Almost immediately after I arrived, a bright young gentleman came over
and started talking with me. He seemed pretty well informed about
Scientology. Alas, I didn't realize he was actually a new picketer, come
to join in the protest. We chatted all through the picket, and he gave his
name/nickname as 'Roop'. About a half-hour into the picket, I unhooked my
spare sandwich sign, so he had a sign to wear during the picket, and he
did an excellent job of handing out fliers.
"Brent took occasional turns around the block, and when a parking space
opened up near the org, he parked his van nearby, with his 'UFO CULT WITH
PRISON CAMPS' sign on the back. I saw Mr. Lady I Work Here come out to the
corner, stare intently at the sign, and zip back inside. As usual, many
passing pedestrians and drivers shared our opinion of Scientology's
unethical behavior, and lots of people honked and waved in support. One
gentleman who took a flier said Scientology had killed a friend of his. We
also had a lovely couple come strolling by who had both been involved in
Scientology - the lady said she had been in really deep: they hadn't
gotten much money from her, but she had been in the Sea Org. They got out
of Scn, she said, when they met and fell in love - she said love has a way
of getting people out of Scn.
"When I got home, there were a handful of bigot fliers awaiting me,
evidence that my revenge picketers had paid me a call."
Bruce Pettycrew reported a protest at the CCHR office in Phoenix this
week.
"Jeff Jacobsen and Kathy and I picketed the CCHR office in Phoenix today
from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. The office was closed, but traffic was heavy and
we handed out a number of pamphlets to people taking classes at the
martial arts dojo next door to the CCHR office and to pedestrians. The
Xenu handout was so popular that several young karate students came out
for second copies.
"Jeff had a sign that said 'CCHR is Scientology' and 'Scientology is
Dangerous'. Kathy and I had signs proclaiming 'CCHR Wants Bedlam Back' and
'CCHR Hurts Mental Patients'. I left copies of our Lisa McPherson and
Xenu leaflets for the CCHR staff whenever they open the office; It was a
single room with one desk. computer, and a table with several copies of a
book that had Hitler on the cover.
Ted Mayett protested in Las Vegas this week.
"Little org, 6:07pm, 15 minutes. I was not paying attention and they got
a picture of the sign. My plan was to hide the sign behind my back when
they finally got around to taking the picture."
Message-ID: ethercatFBBErr.Gp6@netcom.com
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Switzerland
Tages-Anzeiger reported on May 5th that Scientology is launching a new
campaign against psychiatry in Switzerland.
"A glossy-paged booklet entitled 'Psychiatry deceives children and puts
them on drugs' lists the alleged sins of psychiatrists. The pamphlets were
sent to Kindergartens, schools, social institutions, agencies,
politicians, and others. Numerous recipients were shaken up and puzzled as
to who was behind the booklets. One had to look at the booklet closely and
be well-informed in order to make the connection [to Scientology]. The
publisher was listed as the 'Citizens Commission on Human Rights' (CCHR)
on 141 Badener Street in Zurich. That is the address of the huge
Scientology center.
"The concurrently appearing Scientology 'Freedom' magazine echoes the
message, 'The waste of billions in public money pales in comparison with
the spread of social harm caused by the infiltration of psychiatric ideas
into the schools' presence, into the justice establishment, and even into
the churches,' it states in poorly worded language.
"The Scientologists put up posters and distribute leaflets which summon
victims of psychiatry to the Scientology center. These depict a screaming
person receiving an electroshock. 'What is happening behind the walls of
our psychiatric clinics must be brought to light. Your testimony is
important to that,' state the posters and leaflets. No reference is made
to Scientology."
Tages-Anzeiger also reported that Scientology is not yet ready to move out
of its large Zurich headquarters.
"Scientology has not left the big center on 141 Badener Street as
predicted this spring. 'We'll stay a few more months,' said press
spokesman Juerg Stettler. The organization is obviously having trouble
finding new office space. At one time it had wanted to rent offices in
Albisrieden, but the other renters there mounted a protest."
Message-ID: Pine.LNX.3.96.990505193327.125A-100000@darkstar.zippy
John Travolta
The Irish Times published an article on Scientology celebrity John
Travolta on May 4th.
"Some might say that, in his co-starring real-life role (with Tom Cruise)
as the movie business's best-known Scientologist, he still may not be
surrounded by the best-intentioned people. 'Well, there's eight million
people who take it seriously around the world, so that's serious stuff.
I've been involved with Scientology for 24 years, and it's saved my ass
lots of times. I think that decent people respect other people's religion.
The opinions of less decent people, who won't respect my beliefs, is not
interesting to me anyway. But it's naive to think that any new religion
will not have trouble surviving in the midst of more established
religions.'"
Message-ID: 7gmskm$5g6$1@nnrp1.dejanews.com
A.r.s. Week in Review is put together by Rod Keller ©
This collection is organised for WWW by Andreas Heldal-Lund.
Only edits done by me is replacing word encapsuled in * or _ with bold and underscore, and made links into HTML.
