The Mayor of East Grinstead Steve Ody has confirmed he has not taken any money from the Church of Scientology after receiving criticism online for deleting a post about funding.
On Friday, The Mayor posted on X (formerly Twitter) “I can 100% confirm I’ve not received any funding from USAID”, to which Scientology Business Editor and ex-Scientologist whistleblower Alex Barnes-Ross asked “Can you say the same about Scientology, Mr. Mayor?”
Ody subsequently deleted his Tweet, prompting speculation he had something to hide.
The concerns were raised after it was revealed Mayor Ody had attended Scientology’s UK headquarters in December to turn on their Christmas lights at a lavish ceremony, however had excluded the event from the list of official Mayoral engagements. On contacting the Mayor’s office, his secretary said in a statement “it was a last minute invitation by phone and it did not come through the office so was not on the list.”
It is understood the Scientology event has now been added to the list of engagements and today, Ody responded to concerns about Scientology funding with a new post on X. He said “Nothing to hide. I haven’t received any funds.”
This is a positive step in the right direction for activists and locals who are concerned about East Grinstead Town Council’s close relationship with the controversial cult. In response to the Mayor’s statement, one local resident told us “it would be amazing to feel listened to and supported by our local council. At the moment, the council will only listen to one side, which not only dismisses the truth of their residents but it makes me for one feel I can’t trust our local mayor and council.”
“At least if they spoke to us and listened with an open mind, we’d feel heard and know they did actually know all that was happening. You can’t justify being neutral when you only know one side. As a local, I despair at the head in the sand approach. Just sit with us and hear us out, that’s all we ask.”
Mayor Ody’s decision not to accept Scientology money breaks with a years-long tradition, with previous Mayor Frazer Visser accepting a £50,000 cheque for his charity during his tenure last year.
Since then, former Scientologists have been campaigning for greater awareness among Councillors of Scientology’s more harmful practices such as forced abortions and familial disconnection, with several individuals using a Council meeting last year as an opportunity to voice their concerns and share their experiences of abuse.
Although they are not calling for the Council to act, they have been keen to create an open dialogue with local politicians and for the opportunity to share their concerns with the Mayor. Ody’s response signals a step in the right direction towards creating a culture where debate and discussion can take place about residents’ concerns and paves the way for former Scientologists to be heard.
