A sign promoting the Church of Scientology’s UK headquarters at East Grinstead train station in Sussex has been removed, with the rail company apologising for the “upset” it may have caused to survivors of abuse within the controversial organisation.
The sign, which has been in place since at least 2008, read “Welcome to Historic East Grinstead” and listed local attractions such as the historic high street and heritage Bluebell railway as well as Saint Hill Manor, which was described simply as as the “Home of L. Ron Hubbard”.
Since the sign’s erection, a number of whistleblowers have come forward with countless allegations of abuse, neglect and mistreatment within Scientology and concern has been growing among local residents about the Church’s close relationship with local officials.
In a complaint to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the company responsible for Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services and who also own and manage the station, a former Scientologist explained the sign is likely to cause offence to the many survivors of abuse and local residents who use the station daily. It went on to note the sign makes no mention of the many other religious groups with headquarters in and around East Grinstead such as the Mormon Church and Opus Dei.
GTR initially apologised “for any offence (the sign) may have caused” and after speaking with the Station Manager, advised it “was originally put up by the council, even though this is on our property.”
On contacting the local Town Council, a representative told Scientology Business “I understand (the sign) was purchased and installed by the Scientologists with the permission of the train station operators at the time, so is nothing to do with the Town Council.”
GTR subsequently reviewed the sign and confirmed it would prioritise getting it removed.
I have been in contact with the station manager at East Grinstead, and he’s let me know that whilst the sign is still in place at the moment, we’re prioritising getting this removed. We’re liaising with our contacts to get this sorted, so I trust you’ll notice an improvement soon.
I can only apologise for the upset this may have caused, but I hope this information has been of use.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) representative
Saint Hill, which is located just a few miles from the town centre, was purchased by L. Ron Hubbard in 1959 and briefly served as Scientology’s worldwide headquarters before he was chased out of the country by the Home Office. Since then, it has remained a major continental hub for Scientologists, who travel from across Europe to attend an annual gala at the property every October hosted by their reclusive leader Captain David Miscavige.
The Grade II-listed Saint Hill Manor is advertised as being open to the public, but tours are only available by prior appointment and the building remains closed to ex-Scientologists and critics despite the property’s historical significance. The building is maintained as a shrine to their founder, L. Ron Hubbard and stands next to a castle, built in the 1960s to house Scientology’s training facilities and events.
As of Sunday 8th June, the sign has now been removed, signalling a shift in public perception around the Church’s influence on East Grinstead.
