------------------------------------------------------------------- F.A.C.T.Net, Inc. (Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network, Incorporated) a non-profit computer bulletin board and electronic library 601 16th St. #C-217 Golden, Colorado 80401 USA BBS 303 530-1942 FAX 303 530-2950 Office 303 473-0111 This document is part of an electronic lending library and preservational electronic archive. F.A.C.T.Net does not sell documents, it only lends them according to the terms of your library cardholder agreement with F.A.C.T.Net, Inc. ===================================================================== Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00001 J. Atack, Avalon, Cranston Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH193HG. Introducing Counter-Scientology Europe - Discussion Document This is an invitation to join an international network of individuals and organizations determined to make the truth about the self-styled "Church" of Scientology available. Scientology is a multinational organization which also hides behind many front- groups (including Dianetics, Narconon and Applied Scholastics). CSE welcomes the participation of individuals and organizations, both religious and secular. We wish to bring about heightened public awareness through concerted action on a broad front against the continuing exploitation and repression which characterize the Scientology movement. We are not trying to create a centralized organization, rather a co-ordinated network of like-minded people. We are building upon an existing network, which needs to be better co-ordinated so as to become even more effective. We already have the co-operation of some of the world's leading experts on Hubbard and Scientology, and access to the largest archives (totalling over 100,000 pages) of Scientology related material anywhere outside the Scientology organization. We wholeheartedly endorse complete freedom of belief, whether religious or secular. We recognise this freedom as the prerequisite to all other freedoms. However, we also know that freedom of belief exists to protect the individual against Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00002 2 totalitarian systems which demand compliance and conformity. In Scientology, we see a global organization which abuses religious tolerance to exploit people economically and to deprive them of free will. Scientologists are psychological hostages. For almost 40 years, under the protection afforded to religious belief, Scientology has consistently suppressed accurate information about its own activities and the life of its creator, Ron Hubbard. Scientology has harassed those who have spoken out, while itself pretending a belief in free speech. Indeed, Scientology pretends to be "the road to truth" while lying to its followers and harassing its critics into silence. Consequently, one goal of Counter-Scientology Europe (CSE) is to create a consortium of the best legal minds in order to find ways of protecting the free distribution of accurate information about Scientology, and to support and defend those who have been abused by Scientology. We are also seeking ways in which to protect freedom of thought against the pressure and manipulation which play such a central role in Scientology. Data will be made available to social scientists to provide a better understanding of the psychological and sociological implications of Scientology and the tens of New Age movements which derive from it (e.g., est, Avatar and Co-Counselllng). Scientology claims to be the only effective route to complete Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00003 3 physical and psychological health. CSE will encourage studies by health professionals to properly determine the real effect of Scientology "processing". The Mental Health Board of Oklahoma, in the USA, has already condemned the Purification Rundown and the methods of Narconon. We also wish to see the development of effective psychotherapy to make the path back to independent thought more rapid and less painful for former Scientologists. CSE will also encourage specialists in religion to examine Scientology, because Scientology claims to be a religion and openly appeals to people's religious need. This religious stance has also provided Scientology with legal protection and/or tax- exemption in several countries. Consequently, specialists need to examine Scientology to see to what extent its teachings are genuine or counterfeit. Despite asserting a non-denominational position, Scientology teachings contain attacks, for example, upon Hinduism and Christianity, and ill-founded assertions about Buddhism. Hubbard, in secret materials, insisted that Christ was purely imaginary. Further, Scientology documents exist which ~ustify the religious position simply as an aspect of public relations. Our project already has a strong foundation in research, and this emphasis will be maintained. However, research has little use if it is not communicated to legislative bodies, medical and psychotherapeutic associations, academic institutions, religious organizations, the media and the public at large. We have the Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00004 4 knowledge, skills and experience to affect such communication. Information is particuarly important to those countries which are just emerging from the dark shadow of totalitarian communism. Eastern Europeans are welcoming everything Western with open arms. The Russian Ministry of the Interior has allegedly endorsed a Narconon project to establish a 400-bed drug rehabilitation hospital in Moscow. The Russian Academy of Medical Science has supposedly sponsored the treatment of Chernobyl victims by Scientology. Scientology Centers are already operating in St. Petersburg, Prague, Breslau and Leipzig. Scientology is also active in Bulgaria and Albania. Scientology claims that 800 people have already taken courses at St. Petersburg, where 15 lectures have been sponsored by the Institute of Culture. Scientology also claims that 634 people have graduated as Dianetic therapists in Prague, and 150 in Breslau. Further, Scientology claims state support for Narconon in Denmark and Holland. Also in Denmark, there are 26 branches of Applied Scholastics, which claim to have been awarded a contract by the military to train soldiers in Scientology study techniques. The Swedish government has allegedly given almost $750,000 to the front group Education Alive to distribute Scientology materials to black South Africans. Scientology claims to have distributed 30 million copies of Hubbard's "Way to Happiness", in 17 languages, through 40 countries. The booklet has received endorsements from important figures, who do not realize that their statements are Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00005 5 being used to promote Scientology. We wish to emphasise that unlike Scientology we are open to criticism. We also welcome dialog with Scientologists and their supporters. We accept that even Scientology contains some useful insights, but after years of research, we have to conclude that the ultimate consequence of involvement with Scientology is often alarmingly destructive. We have to prove this unequivocally, so that we can liberate Scientologists from the erosion of human concern, freedom of thought and of action which characterize membership of the "Church" of Scientology. We make a confident appeal to all people of good will to join us in the co-ordination of groups and individuals intent upon revealing the truth about Scientology. It is our desire to serve, rather than to control, existing efforts to expose Scientology. Against the might of Scientology - a global organization with 12,000 staff and perhaps 100,000 members - we may seem like a tiny David set against a massive Goliath. But even such an ill-matched contest can have an unexpected outcome. We know the decisive weakness of Scientology: it cannot stand up to the truth about its own teachings and activities. We intend to present nothing but the truth, and to act at all times in a proper and moral manner. Our campaign is not based upon hatred of Scientologists, nor upon a thirst for revenge, but solely upon the desire to present accurate and verifiable information. Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00006 6 CSE draws upon individua~s from diverse religious and secular backgrounds, united in the common defence of human rights, most fundamentally the right to freedom of belief for all mankind. We do not seek to convert Scientologists to any belief, simply to ease their passage from the snares and delusion of Scientology towards a more self-determined way of being. At present, the administrative center of the Task Force is at the Dialog Centre International, Aarhus, Denmark. However, Counter Scientology Europe is an independent organization with no affiliates. We invite anyone who accepts the relevance and the necessity of this project, and who can participate in any way, to join with us. We welcome all enquiries regarding Scientology. On behalf of Counter-Scientology Europe, Professor Dr. Johannes Aagaard. Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00007 1 Counter-Scientology Europe Projects - Discussion Document This document is issued for purposes of discussion only. It is entirely confidential and no part of it may be published, copied or distributed to third parties without the consent of Counter- Scientology Europe. Counter-Scientology Europe was founded in 1992 by Jon Atack, author of A Piece of Blue Sky and The Total Freedom Trap, and Professor Johannes Aargaard, head of the Dialog Centre. The essential work of Counter-Scientology Europe is to make the truth about Scientology known, and to help those who have been ensnared by Scientology. We support only those actions which are both within the law and morally proper. We believe that Scientologists are the victims of a sophisticated system of mind control. Consequently, we oppose any action intended to harm Scientologists, our sole intention being to help such people by giving them enough factual information to come to their own informed decision about Scientology. CSE publicly disavows kidnap- deprograming of Scientologists and will expose any violation of the legal and civil rights of Scientologists, whether by their own organizations or by individuals in the counter-cult world. We oppose any hate campaigns directed at Scientologists, who we consider to be people in desperate need of help. We do not seek to convert Scientologists to any belief, only to show them factual information about Scientology's true aims and practices. We work Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00008 2 against Scientology, but not against Scientologists. Counter-Scientology Europe (CSE) is an independent body with no religious orientation, but draws upon the resources of the Dialog Centre International at Aarhus, in Denmark, and has the support of counter-cult groups throughout the world. CSE is establishing a clearing house for information concerning the history and practices of Scientology. An archive of Scientology related material and a communication centre is being established at Aarhus. Proposals: 1. CSE is networking existing groups and individuals: In the past, Scientology has effectively used the maxim "divide and conquer". While overburdened with requests for help, the counter-cult movement has also been plagued by infiltration. Infiltrators encourage hostility between leading individuals in the movement. At times, court judgments and major news events have not been reported beyond the country where they occurred. Infiltration breeds an air of secrecy. Counter-Scientology Europe encourages openness, we have no hidden agenda, our actions are open to public scrutiny. We will not subscribe to the "intelligence" and harassment tactics used by Scientology. Counter-Scientology Europe is developing communication between Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00009 3 existing counter-Scientologists, We ask that any Scientology activity be reported to us. We will in turn report such activities to the rest of the network and to the media. We recommend a certain caution, as in the past Scientology has frequently infiltrated counter-cult groups, the infiltrators recommending immoral actions against Scientologists so as to discredit the counter-cult movement (see, for example, the affidavit of former infiltrator Ford Martin Schwarz and pages 52- 54 in the sentencing memorandum in USA vs. Mary Sue Hubbard). The notorious "Deprograming Manual", which advocates terror tactics against cult members, was in fact produced by the Guardian's Office of the Church of Scientology. There are already several counter-Scientology groups in existence. There are also specialists in Scientology history and technique, and academics, lawyers and mental health professionals with a developed knowledge of Scientology. Counter-Scientology Europe is completely autonomous and has neither members nor affiliates, but works closely with such groups and individuals. There are also individuals who wish to remain unknown to Scientology, because of Scientology's long history of harassment. CSE protects their anonymity. Our policy is to put existing groups and individuals in touch with one another. We exist to advise not to control existing groups. We are also glad to receive advice. Our extensive archives, our Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00010 4 contacts and our special knowledge are being made available to members of the network. Projects will be undertaken as funds become available. a. CSE will create a translation unit, so that significant information can quickly be made available. The unit will also translate the information packs listed at 12 below, and the booklets listed at 5, 6 and 7 below. 2. CSE will register with an international press clippings agency, to receive all clippings on Hubbard, Scientology, Dianetics, Narconon and other front groups. 3. CSE will establish a newsletter for public consumption (i.e. not written in the jargon of Scientology or in the jargon of any other discipline). This will include news and articles describing and discussing the teachings and activities of Scientology and its many front groups. Articles will also be contributed to existing newsletters and journals (_Uy~La~e a~d_ Dl_a_log has already carried an article about Scientology's movements in eastern Europe). 4. CSE will prepare a short book about Scientology: This text will be for the general reader, tending more toward description than analysis. It will include basic information about Hubbard's background, the history of his organizations, the Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00011 5 cosmology and philosophy of Scientology, the nature of auditing (and the cost), Scientology administration and "ethics" (including internal discipline), front groups, the Guardian's Office and OSA, manipulation (including recruiting, hard-selling and auditing), splinter groups, modes of social insertion, infiltration tactics, legal decisions, personal experiences of former members and brief discussion of both the sensible and the dangerous ideas found in Scientology. The full text will probably run to about 120 pages. Translations are also projected, perhaps with a special section about Scientology in the regions covered by each language group (necessitating a separate project, requesting counter-cult groups to report on the major activities of Scientology in their areas). 5. CSE will train others to help Scientologists to reconsider Scientology: a. A short booklet for those who engage in dialogue with Scientologists, explaining how best to engage attention, and the sequence best used in deconstructing Scientology. This text will be tested prior to release. b. A booklet for counsellors helping former Scientologists. This will be a continuation of the preceding text. It will explain those problems specific to former Scientologists in adjusting to the world after losing faith in Scientology. Conway and Siegelman Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00012 6 have asserted that Scientology is the most psychologically invasive of all the cults, estimating that recovery time averages at 12.5 years. This process can be shortened to a matter of months. c. A booklet to help former Scientologists in their recovery and for support group discussion. This booklet will deconstruct certain Scientology ideas, and show their relationship to other ideas. The text will be comprehensible, and offer ideas for discussion, rather than seeking to make authoritative conclusions. It will also support those notions in Scientology which seem worthwhile, and encourage analysis. Practising Scientologists are forbidden discussion of Scientology ("verbal tech"). It is often true that ideas are not understood until they have been personally articulated. Material which is obviously contradictory in Scientology often remains unnoticed by Scientologists, who have failed to properly di~~st such material. The purpose of discussion is to encourage independent thought. This booklet would also contain a list of recommended texts, from Freud's Clarke lectures (upon which the techniques of early Dianetics were based), to books on manipulation, comparative religion, psychotherapy and psychology. d. A pack of documents showing contradictions in Hubbard's thinking and between his claims. Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00013 7 6. A booklet giving advice to relatives and friends of Scientologists, explaining how to maintain a relationship and retain (or re-acquire) the member's confidence. We advocate a friendly and sympathetic attitude towards Scientologists, whose membership of Scientology sometimes continues because they feel ostracised by society. 7. CSE will prepare a booklet explaining the methods used by Branch One of the Guardian's Office (B-1) and the Investigation section of the Office of Special Affairs (Invest) to harass and intimidate opponents. The booklet will explain in great detail the methods used to prepare agents and the tactics in which they are trained. We hope through this booklet to greatly reduce the number of Scientology agents reporting on counter-cult groups, the media, government agencies and private businesses. 8. Archives a. We will acquire existing microfilm of testimony, judgments and exhibits. This material includes thousands of pages of Guardian's Office documents seized by the FBI and released as evidence, and that part of the Hubbard archive so far released as evidence in the Armstrong case. We will promote the distribution of this material. b. We will complete the cataloging of the Atack collection. Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00014 8 c. CSE will copy and transport the Atack collection to Aarhus, where it will be available to researchers. We will also encourage other institutions to hold copies of the collection. d. CSE will catalogue the US collection. e. CSE will copy and transport the US collection. 9. A scientific survey of former Scientologists: CSE already has contact with over 500 ex-members. We will construct a project with the help of academics expert in religious studies, sociology, psychology and related disciplines. This will be the largest study of a specific "new religious movement" or cult to date, and can be used to test the typologies and models already in existence, and possibly correct or extend them. fO. CSE will produce and encourage the production of research papers on Hubbard's model of manipulation and the relationship between Dianetics and hypnosis. 11. CSE will produce filmed interviews with former members, mental health experts, religious experts, sociologists and legal experts. Such films will be of television quality and will be made available to television companies, which can use CSE footage in their own programs. Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00015 9 12. CSE will produce a film showing the stages of Scientology indoctrination, from recruitment to the OT levels, and explaining them within the manipulation model. Steven Hassan will be approached to co-direct this project. 13. Information packs: These should be brief, at most a few pages, giving information relevant to a specific audience. Packs of supporting documentation will be available on request, including a list of front groups. CSE will be ready to answer questions arising from distr~bution of these information sheets. a. A list of all known front groups, both past and present. b. A general handout (such as that currently used by Bonnie Woods in England). c. For politicians: Focusing on the infiltration of government agencies; abuse of civil law; violations of human rights; Scientology in eastern Europe; disconnection; staff conditions; children in the Cadet Org; manipulation (from hard-sell to the Rehabilitation Project Force); violations of civil law; front groups and infiltration (mentioning the CDU in Germany and the president of Finland's former bodyguard); the Oklahoma report on Narconon; Hubbard's Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00016 10 anti-democratic teachings and his notion of "benevolent dictatorship"; and the Sea Org's internal doctrine that they exist to take political control of the world. d. For the media: Including a list of major articles (e.g., Time 1991 and L.A. Times 1990), and major documentaries (e.g., Panorama 1987, Granada 1968). Focusing on disconnection; infiltration; harassment; front groups; staff conditions; treatment of children; income; Narconon and the Purification Rundown; book promotion (hyping); and destruction of the personality. e. For attorneys: Focusing on refunds; defamation (e.g., all Suppressive Person declares are libellous); intentional infliction of emotional distress; abuse of the person; false imprisonment; intimidation; invasion of privacy; abuse of confidentiality; fraud; money- trafficking; information relating to child custody; claims for back pay; and copyright violations. A list of major cases will be included, and a warning that ill-prepared cases have failed. f. For tax authorities- Giving a summary of the 1984 IRS decision, showing that Scientology has created and maintained a number of front groups to Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00017 11 hide and move its money. Also a summary of the 1992 decision in the Church of Spiritual Technology case, where it is shown that the many corporations of Scientology are controlled from a single SOUrCe. g. For health authorities: Referring especially to the Oklahoma report and expert statements about the Purification Rundown and Narconon. h. For education authorities and educationalists: Focusing on front groups; children in the Cadet Org; Justice Latey's comments about Greenfields school; the Way to Happiness Campaign; and the Set A Good Example campaign. i. For academic institutions: Offering Scientology related documents and specialist knowledge, and suggesting projects to departments of religious studies, history of religion, social psychology, psychology, sociology and law. This would include a list of existing papers and key source materials, and ask for information about any unlisted papers. j. For drug rehabilitation agencies and groups: Focusing on Narconon and the Say No to Drugs Campaign and Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00018 12 summarizing the Oklahoma report and other expert statements. k. For schools: Adding to the general handout (12a.) possible projects for older pu~ils, and a warning about recruitment techniques and front groups (especially education front groups, the Way to Happiness Campaign, Narconon and Say No to Drugs). 1. For health professionals, especially where there are Scientology organizations: Explaining the treatment of pregnant women and of children in the Sea Org (including the use of "barley formula" for babies; silent birth; the deleterious effects of CalMag upon childbirth); the poor diet of Sea Org members; the rule that women who wish to work in Advanced Orgs may not have children (so are expected to have abortions); the lack of sufficient sleep; Scientologists' fear of medical drugs and surgery; the fear of psychiatry and psychotherapy; the suicide rate in Scientology; Hubbard's advice about antibiotics; the use of megavitamins (leading to false deficiency syndromes, when stopped); the Purification Rundown (mentioning the Oklahoma report); touch assists; body thetans; the Rehabilitation Project Force; lack of health insurance; examples of requests for medical treatment being turned down (e.g., Scott Munro and Brown McKee at the Clearwater Hearings); failures to report epidemics (e.g., the hepatitis outbreak at the Flag Land Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00019 13 Base in Clearwater). m. For therapists and other mental health professionals: Explaining that Scientologists are not suffering from "religious mania", and that their jargon does not indicate dissociation. Explaining basic aspects of auditing which can lead to dissociation (past life auditing, body thetans etc.), but are usually readily treated through reasoning, by someone conversant with the system, who has a knowledge of counselling. CSE is confident that most, if not all, former members need counselling of a suitable type to assist in their return to society. n. For child welfare agencies: Focusing on children in the Cadet Org; the abortion rule in the CMO and Advanced Orgs; the treatment of pregnant women; educational front groups; and the destruction of the family. o. For religious groups: Hubbard on yoga, Buddhism and Christ and the claims to be non- denominational (compared, for example, to the use of the eight dynamics, which undermines any faith in God or gods; and to the upper level teachings). The threat of Scientology to free will and to freedom of action. Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00020 14 p. For civil rights groups (several of which have supported Scientology against its critics): Focusing on the political attitude of Scientology ("benevolent dictatorship"); the abuse of members rights (e.g., hard-sell and the RPF); Sea Org diet, conditions and pay; and the harassment of critics. q. For environmental groups: Focusing on the Earth Communications Office and Cry Out!, giving information on infiltration and currying influence; Hubbard statements about the environment; and the hidden political agenda of Scientology. r. For book chains~ Explaining the immoral methods used to hype Hubbard book sales; the use of Sea Org members in these projects; and the conditions in which Sea Org members live (see the L.A. Times and San Diego Union articles of 1990). s. For business groups: Focusing on the Way to Happiness Campaign; the Concerned Businessmans Association; the infiltration of the Better Business Bureau in the USA and of Chambers of Commerce in the UK; Sterling; Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00021 15 and management training. t. For minority groups: Hubbard's racist statements for anti-racist groups. Hubbard's anti-gay statements (e.g., all gays are "covertly hostile") for gay pressure groups. Hubbard's anti-feminist statements (e.g., Science of S~u_r~ival and Ma~rr_7~j~ Hats) for feminist groups. 14. We will collect and distribute former Scientologists' biographies. 15. We will make specialists available to give public lectures, and train speakers. 16. CSE will make specialists available for discussion with groups and individuals concerned with Scientology. Those who support Scientology programs must be quickly advised of the nature of Scientology. This is particularly urgent in eastern Europe, where Scientology is being sponsored by government departments. 17. CSE will develop projects to inform potential Scientologists prior to their involvement. Bonnie Woods is already running a project where people approached on the street by Scientology Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00022 16 "body-routers" are given a handout explaining certain basic aspects of Scientology practice and belief (see 12b). 18. We will establish a register of suicides and early deaths among Scientologists (especially OTs). 19. We will make recommendations to the European Council on the possibility of a psychological practices act. 20. CSE will arrange seminars on manipulation. 21. CSE will list past media reports by subject (so, for example, a file on children in Scientology). 22. CSE will create an index of material in the archives. 23. CSE will put material onto computer bulletin boards. 24. CSE will provide a wire service to international media, circulating all major stories. Counter Scientology Europe will promote a friendly, communicative approach to Scientologists, using every opportunity to show them the lies, contradictions and manipulative methods which characterise the Church of Scientology. (end) Scn Legal\Counter-Scn Europe\CounterScn.00022 16 "body-routers" are given a handout explaining certain basic aspects of Scientology practice and belief (see 12b). 18. We will establish a register of suicides and early deaths among Scientologists (especially OTs). 19. We will make recommendations to the European Council on the possibility of a psychological practices act. 20. CSE will arrange seminars on manipulation. 21. CSE will list past media reports by subject (so, for example, a file on children in Scientology). 22. CSE will create an index of material in the archives. 23. CSE will put material onto computer bulletin boards. 24. CSE will provide a wire service to international media, circulating all major stories. Counter Scientology Europe will promote a friendly, communicative approach to Scientologists, using every opportunity to show them the lies, contradictions and manipulative methods which characterise the Church of Scientology. (end) ================================================================= If this is a copyrighted work, you are acknowledging by receipt of this document from FACTNet that on the basis of reasonable investigation, you have not been to obtain a copy elsewhere at a fair price, and that you are and will abide by the following copyright warning. WARNING CONCERNING COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS: The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photo copies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified by law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. 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