[Posted to alt.religion.scientology by ronsmuerto@hotmail.com on Aug 01 03:04:46 1998. Message-ID: 6ptpje$5o2$1@nnrp1.dejanews.com] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: A MESSAGE FROM DR. STEPHEN A. KENT, PhD A MESSAGE FROM DR. STEPHEN A. KENT, PhD July 8, 1998 In early June, The Church of Scientology International distributed a Freedom journal insert in this paper that contained defamatory and libelous statements about me and my research on new and alternative religions. The insert was especially critical of, but vague about, my presentations in Germany last summer about Scientology itself. From reading the libelous article, no one could know that I was speaking about human rights issues to German government officials and others who were investigating Scientology. I am thankful to the Edmonton Examiner for all opportunity to set the record straight. My statements about Scientology are well documented, and are based upon interviews and extensive citations of the organization's own material. The fact that the Freedom article [was] written against me suggests the accuracy of my scholarship. Were 1 to make mistakes, however, then Scientology could hold me accountable. In contrast, no individual took responsibility for being author of the piece against me, nor did the publication identify any individual publisher or editor. I only can surmise that no one associated with the publication has the integrity to stand behind its contents. For readers who are bewildered about the debate between Scientology and me, I suggest that they do their own research. Logging on to "Operation Clambake" on the World Wide Web at is the fastest way to access what usually is thoughtful and insightful information. Brace yourself, because you will not believe what you read. I urge you to pay particular attention to analyses of Scientology's Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF) program, about which I have written and spoken extensively in Germany and elsewhere. Also read carefully about the tragic death of Scientologist Lisa McPherson which has even been the subject of a television news program on CBS's Public Eye with Bryant Gumbel earlier this year. Later in the Summer or early in the Fall, both ABC's Turning Point and Arts and Entertainment will present shows on the Scientology organization. As this media coverage indicates, increasing numbers of people are realizing that Scientology deserves close and careful examination. This debate saddens me, since I know that many ordinary members believe that Scientology has helped them and does good community work. These people, however, do not have access to the important information about the actions of the group's upper level management, which trace back to the founder himself. I only wish that these members would realize that I, as an outside scholar, can see and discuss issues that would have enormous implications for their own lives. Some of them should read or listen to what I am trying to say. Sincerely, Stephen A. Kent (PhD) Professor Department of Sociology University of Alberta