On this day 26 years ago, the UK Charity Commission rejected Scientology’s application for charity status, concluding it “does not benefit the public.” The ruling dealt a major blow for Scientology in their efforts to claim legitimacy through government recognition and juxtaposed their success with gaining IRS tax exemption in the United States 8 years prior.
The Church of Scientology have issued protestors a “final warning” in a desperate attempt to shut down a demonstration planned to coincide with their annual UK gathering.
Local residents and frequent visitors to East Grinstead have hit back against Scientology’s plans for a major redevelopment of their Saint Hill compound amid a battle for permission submitted by the controversial Church.
Sussex residents unhappy about plans for a major redevelopment of Scientology’s UK headquarters will have their names and addresses redacted from the public record after concerns were raised about potential harassment by the controversial organisation.
Just days before Mid-Sussex District Council were set to vote on a proposed ban on protesting outside Scientology’s UK headquarters, the Church have withdrawn their application in a dramatic U-turn after an almost year-long process which cost the taxpayer £84,000.
Renovation works at the Church of Scientology’s forthcoming Manchester Ideal Org have run into problems after the building was found to be riddled with asbestos, planning documents reveal.
A recently resurfaced witness statement submitted by a Scientology official to the Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) admits the controversial Church were aware of a case of child sexual abuse within it’s UK chapters and that the victim was forced to “deal with her own guilt about what had happened”.
The United Kingdom’s third largest newspaper has criticised the Church of Scientology for the “barrage of abuse” it has directed at protestors in a double-page exposé.
The Church of Scientology are up in arms after being told to remove 130ft (40m) of hedge and concealed fencing erected on public land opposite their East Grinstead headquarters in an attempt to disrupt protestors.
In 1971 Sir John Foster, K.B.E., Q.C., M.P., published the findings of his official inquiry into the Church of Scientology’s activities in the United Kingdom. Commissioned by the government, the enquiry was tasked with reviewing whether the practice of Scientology should [continue reading…]
