Scientology complex in Clearwater, Florida

In a recent press release by the Church Scientology, it was announced that they held an interfaith conference attended by,“100 law enforcement and government officials, clergy and educators.” The subject of the conference was what the Church considers a growing concern over Internet safety and what they classify as terrorist activities. The conference was held at the Celebrity Center in Hollywood, which is known for attracting celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, and John Travolta.

The Church’s concern over the Internet has a long history, but has been recently rekindled by an online collective that goes by the name “Anonymous.” The Toronto Sun referred to the group as a “Cyber Vigilante Group,” but the Church of Scientology claims that they are nothing more than “Cyber Terrorists.” When Anonymous is asked to describe itself the answers vary from “a collective” to “a herd of cats.” Like the group itself, the descriptions are extremely diverse.

Though not specifically mentioned in the press release, Scientology alludes to Anonymous and claims that the Internet is, “used as the base for attack and as shelter to maintain anonymity.” The accusations range from terrorism, hate crimes, and fraud along with a multitude of other criminal behaviors.

This is not the first time that Scientology has attempted to discredit the group. After Anonymous’ first protest on February 10th, in remembrance of Lisa McPherson, the Church of Scientology released several statements accusing the group of bomb threats, death threats, and an anthrax hoax. Anonymous has denied most of these claims and cite the infamous Paulette Cooper incident where the Church of Scientology sent itself bomb threats in an attempt to frame and discredit her. As of this writing, the FBI has found no links between these accusations and Anonymous.

The Church also attempted to file an injunction against Anonymous preventing them from having their second protest on March 15th in Clearwater, Florida. The injunction listed the names of several people the Church claimed were members or leaders of Anonymous, as well as a “John Doe 1-500.” Circuit Judge Linda Allan denied the injunction and the protests continued not only in Clearwater, but also in dozens of cities worldwide.

On June 14th Anonymous plans to hold its fifth worldwide protest titled “The Sea Org vs. The Sea Arrrgh!” The theme for the upcoming protest is the controversial Sea Organization, an elite sector of the Church of Scientology. Issues that the group hopes to highlight include the infamous billion-year contract, coerced abortions, poor wages, and the recent asbestos controversy aboard the Scientology run cruise ship called the Freewinds.

The Church of Scientology has not yet issued a statement in direct response to their upcoming protest.

Annie Mudkip
AnnieMudkip@gmail.com