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A MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT OF THE
CHURCH OF
SCIENTOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL
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 more than 3,000 churches, missions, related organizations and groups minister the religion to millions of parishioners in more than 100 countries.
Scientology’s rapid emergence within the world’s changing 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?
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.
The Church always has 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. The Church also has championed the principle of open government and pioneered the use of the Freedom of Information Act to eradicate abuses.
Because the Church is so active and so prominent, and because Scientology is a large and growing international religion, Scientology continues to be a subject of public and media interest.
This reference guide is thus intended to assist you in your coverage of both the Church and the Scientology religion.
In addition to this publication, Church representatives are readily available to answer your questions. Additionally, a complete reference authority—the 1,000-page encyclopedic What Is Scientology?—is readily available to media representatives free of charge on request.
Our goal in publications such as this and What is Scientology? is to inform others of our programs and activities and the active role we are taking in the world today. Our aims, 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 this goal is attainable—and we are working to achieve it every day.
Sincerely,
Rev. Heber C. Jentzsch
President,
Church of Scientology International
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