Scientology launch controversial London Underground ad campaign

The Church of Scientology’s new marketing campaign is causing a stir in London after a user posted a photo of their latest ad on the London Underground system.

The story was picked up by London’s Metro newspaper, which reported one Londoner pointing out “TFL doesn’t allow junk food to be advertised, but this is apparently fine.” The Express also covered the story and quoted a user on X who said “Seriously – what the hell is wrong with TfL? Ads for Scientology are infinitely more damaging to the public than ads featuring burgers.”

We visited a number of Tube stations today to gauge the extent of Scientology’s ad campaign and spotted one poster on the westbound Central Line platform and two on the eastbound side at Tottenham Court Road. They feature “Robert” a cinematographer, “Joe”, a musician and “Elizabeth” who is described simply as a mother.

No adverts could be seen on the Northern Line platforms or at Goodge Street, the closest station to their Tottenham Court Road ‘Test Centre’.

We also visited St. Paul’s, where their London ‘Ideal Org’ is located but there were no Scientology ads in sight.

Tottenham Court Road is one of the busiest stations on the London Underground system, with figures showing 58.72 million people used the station in 2023. According to Rail Stats, 13% of passengers use the eastbound Central Line platform which suggests Scientology’s campaign is targeted at maximum exposure.

The ads simply read “Curious?” with a link to their website, and make no mention of where their nearest Church of Scientology is located or what their beliefs are. In a statement to the Metro, Transport for London (TfL) said “The advertisement was reviewed against our advertising policy and was found to be compliant.”

This is despite High Court Judge Mr. Justice Latey ruling Scientology was “dangerous” and “harmful” in 1984 and the government’s Foster Report raising serious concerns about the impact their practices have on the mental health of vulnerable parishioners.

Regardless of Scientology’s ads being placed in high-traffic areas, they appear to be having little effect on their Tottenham Court Road branch, which was empty when we visited during rush hour earlier today. Two body routers were spotted handing out leaflets outside, while London Org’s Executive Director Craig Milton and former Public Executive Secretary Charlie Wakley sat at the reception desk.

The Test Centre was previously Scientology’s primary London HQ until a new ‘Ideal Org’ was opened near Blackfriars in 2006. It now serves as a bookshop and although there are fully fitted-out course rooms the lights were off on 2 out of the 3 upper floors when we visited.

Have you seen any Scientology adverts recently? Send us your pictures! info@scientologybusiness.com