In the five decades since the founding of the first Church of Scientology in 1954, Scientology has become the fastest-growing religion in the world.
Today, its scope extends across 164 countries, with 7,500 churches, missions and groups serving millions of parishioners in 53 languages.
See Photos of Churches of Scientology Around the World >>
Scientology is in the news. Stories about the Church of Scientology and its members appear in newspapers, magazines and on radio and television around the world, today more than ever.
It is important, then, for media to have the most up-to-date and accurate information available on the Scientology religion. To make this readily available, this website is provided as a source for information about the Church and the religion.
Scientology is the only major new religion to emerge in the 20th century. Since its founding in 1954, it has grown to span the globe. Today there are more than 7,500 Scientology churches, missions and groups in 164 countries around the world .
The rapid emergence of Scientology within the world's religious community has led many to ask what kind of religion it is, how it compares with other faiths and in what ways it is unique. What is its understanding of a Supreme Being and the spiritual aspects of life which transcend the temporal world? What are the fundamental practices of the religion? What social and community work do Scientologists do?
These and many other questions about the Scientology religion and its members are answered in this site.
Scientologists come from all walks of life. They are concerned about social problems and support numerous social betterment programs which provide successful drug-abuse rehabilitation, improve educational standards and help reduce crime and moral decay. There are more than 70,000 Scientologists who are Scientology Volunteer Ministers.
Scientologists have always been a relentless voice in search of social reform and justice. We have brought to light such issues as the enforced drugging of school children, the dangers of psychiatric brutalities such as electric shock treatment and lobotomy; and the chemical and biological warfare experiments secretly undertaken against unwitting American citizens. Churches of Scientology also have championed the principle of open government and pioneered the use of the Freedom of Information Act to eradicate abuses.
It is because churches of Scientology and their members are so active, and because Scientology is a large and growing international religion, that Scientology continues to be a subject of significant public and media interest.
This Media Information site is thus intended to assist you in coverage of both the Scientology religion and its churches.
In addition to this site, our Media Relations staff are always available to answer your questions.
Our goal is to inform others of our programs and activities and the role we are taking in the world today. The Aims of Scientology, as stated by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard are:
"A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights."
We sincerely believe these aims are attainable—and we are working to achieve them every day.
|