Scientology's statement concerning the McPherson case

[Clearwater 5 December 1998]

(okay, you all asked for this...don't complain if it's not formatted right)

"Dec. 5, 1998

This represents the Church's only statement concerning the McPherson case:

Earlier allegations had been made about the Church insinuating that they
intended harm to Lisa McPherson. Indeed, allegations were even made that the
Church intended her harm because of her alleged desire to "leave the church."

The recent action by the State of Florida, once and for all, puts an end to
those allegations. No claim is made that the Church, or any of its members,
ever intended Lisa any harm.

The evidence also showed that there was never an attempt by Lisa McPherson to
"leave the Church."

In essence, finding that no individual intended to harm Lisa McPherson, the
State brought a corporate charge.

As regards the thirty protesters, everybody knows that these are "critics" of
the Church and as with any religion they are prone to have a very biased and
slanted view. Their numbers are few, they come from out of town, they aren't
part of this community and they don't represent the views of this community.
Their press statements are manfestly hateful such as they have "occupied"
Clearwater and pickets to honk if one "hates" Scientology. Such statements have
no place in America or Clearwater. As we issue this statement, 10,000
Scientologists live in Clearwater and thousands more are visiting from across
the country and around the world. Scientologists desire the freedom to practice
their religion, and the action of these out of town protesters make clear they
do not ascribe to that part of the Bill of Rights.

While claiming objectivity, these self-appointed critics are actually people
who have been found guilty of violating the Church's rights. These rights have
been vindicated and in just the last year these people have lost cases brought
by the Church, with permanent injunctions and a judgment of $75,000 in one case
and $3 million in another.

Yet another individual has an outstanding warrant for his arrest for thirteen
findings of contempt in violating the Church's rights. Despite this he was paid
by the media to attend their hate demonstrations.

The Church and its members have made an active effort during this week to avoid
any sort of confrontation with protesters despite having been taunted and
baited continuously.

As all people agree, circumstances concerning Lisa McPherson were unfortunate.
However, having now shown the Church's lack of intent to do any harm to Lisa
McPherson, the Church looks foward to resolving this matter, putting the
unfortunate circumstance behind them and moving forward into the future.That is
something we intend to do with the community we serve;not with the protesters
paid to travel in from out of town."

End of quote
Okay you guys....have at it....this one's a cinch to disect! LOL