------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ===================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- \Father Jerry 1984\Page.00001 Late Wednesday night, November 14. Dear Bob, It seems to me that it would be appropriate to give you a report on the proceedings of Wednesday evening. You sometimes give me important things in writing, and I'd like to do the same. I'm perfectly happy to talk about any of this face to face, but I'm not very good at conveying situations and conversations in a conversation. I could only get in the necessary facts by writing them out. Some background might be useful before the actual events of this evening. I have appreciated working at SSD very much. I had no idea what it was like before I came that afternoon as a part-time typist. I discovered the company has an excellent product which it sells in dealings which are fair, honest, and ethical. I have a strong respect for the principles which undergird SSD. On a day to day basis, Suzanne and Louise represent those principles to me. Working with them week by week in close quarters has taken me far beyond superficial impressions of them and their work. The same is probably true of them in regard to me. They live out those principles in honest, ethical, straightforward dealings, in touch with reality. Louise has so much insight and common sense about our finances. Suzanne is so gracious and courteous, yet can stand her ground firmly and fairly when some rude telephone caller tries to beat her down. They show me their princi- ples not in talk but in daily action. I've found the same thing working with you and Susan. Even when we worked long, late hours under great pressure, everything was fair and principled, even cheerful in the early hours of the morning. All of my impressions have been posi- tive as to how these principles operate at SSD. Susan gave me a booklet about ethics. I liked it. I believe what it says is true. I've read it several times and still have it. Among all the many very positive impressions I have there is only one minor negative one. My experience with the two men who visited and checked over the books or whatever they did was not as positive as it might have been. Our work seemed somewhat disrupted by their presence. They were not entirely mannerly toward me and others, but I was courteous in return in the few dealings we had. This one negative impression was minor compared with all the positive things I have seen in applying principles and proceedures. You and I had a very nice supper together this evening. Communication seemed so good and worthwhile. I felt good about the various discussions we had, and your desire to have me continue along with my desire to continue and grow at SSD. So, it was off to my 7:00 appointment tonight with a positive, open attitude toward a course in communication which should help in the business and in direct sales. I walked in that door as happy as could be, looking forward to what would happen. I'11 try to explain what happened, as best I can recall, seen through my eyes. A couple of men greeted me. We were introduced, shook hands, and exchanged a few pleasantries. A man handed me a personality questionnaire and an answer sheet. He did not say, "Would you care to take this test?" or "How about filling this out for me." It was more like an order to take it, not offensive, not loud, but a firm, matter-of-fact command. \Father Jerry 1984\Page.00002 2 Twice in the past Suzanne has given me a copy of that questionnaire, politely and graciously asking if I would care to take it. Both times I quietly, indirectly declined. She did not press it at all, which I thought was sensitive and thoughtful of her. In fact, she was so nice about it that I wouldn't particularly mind doing it for her. But tonight was starkly different. It was not stated in words, but the impli- cation was clear to me, "Either you fill out this exam or you don't get the course." I inwardly objected strongly to such high-handed tactics. Here I was, coming in there in good faith, open minded, expecting good things to happen, and this man used his position of leadership and being in charge to maneuver me into taking it. I thought silently, "Shall I compromise myself and take it, or shall I tell the commander what I think of his tactics?" A hard choice. I wanted the course, wanted to get better trained for SSD, wanted to please you, wanted to show my appreciation for having this paid for for me. Yet, all of that did not make it right for that man to take advantage of his position of power to try to force himself into my interior. In one sense it is no particular secret that I don't like to see animals suffer needlessly, I don't assume people are plotting behind my back, that I don't tend to be gloomy and depressed, that I stay up late, that I tend to persevere and get things done, that I hug my friends, that I am a "self-starter", and so on. Any of my friends or family (probably my co-workers too) know these things about me. Yet, in the face of a demanding stranger, curious to pry, ready to walk rough-shod through my inner being, these facts about me are very private, very secret. Perhaps he is just a particularly insensitive man, I thought to myself, and after this one very regrettable aspect we will get on to all the good this course has to offer. So, with some misgivings, after my usual fashion I told the honest truth in the questionnaire. I answered his unfairness with honesty. Then I was told to go into a small office. The man seemed quite pleasant. I was relieved to escape the first man and go into a more pleasant situation. He asked name, address, and so on. He asked if he could please smoke. I said yes. He was very polite. He asked me a little about my being a priest and if I had a congregation. I told him about doing services at D.U. and he told me about roller-skating on the walks around the chapel where we have services. All very cordial. He said our discussion was strictly confidential. I couldn't imagine what confidences a complete stranger would share with me nor any that I wished to tell him. But I smiled. Several other people were within easy ear-shot, so his hopes for confidentiality were impossible. But I didn't mind since I had nothing con- fidential to say anyway. He asked about what hobbies I had. Curious, I thought. I'm here for a class and we're talking about bicycling, hiking, and carpentry. But, he was very pleasant and we chatted in that vein. I spoke a little about my cabin at Caribou and he spoke of having lived in that part of the county. That beginning would have been just right had we been there for the purpose of sociability. I may not remember all the following steps and may not have them in the order in which they occurred, but I think my recollection is correct in the main. Our chatting about hobbies was just the outward pleasantry before the nitty-gritty of what he wanted to exact from me. He looked me in the eye sternly and said, "Have you ever been in a mental institution? In prison?" I thought of that same look and manner from a lawyer for the federal government when I was once called as a witness and was cross-examined, but I didn't tell him so. I was really put on the spot. \Father Jerry 1984\Page.00003 3 What to do? I've never even come remotely near needing to be locked up in a mental asylum, and I've never done anything detected or undetected that would put me in prison. Yet, to say that to this callous, prying stranger would be grossly inappropriate. But lying just isn't me either. I considered wanting, needing to take the course. I considered what it would be letting you down, disappointing others at SSD. He had the upper hand, a kind of surreptitious blackmail. Rarely have I been pinned in such a bind. Up to that point he had been cordial, and I had no particular wish to insult him, insulting though he was. So, trying to use an even tone of voice that would be firm but not rude I said, "No, I never have, but I believe that is none of your business." He made some comments I don't exactly recall and mentioned something about psychiatrists. I thought to myself, "Good! Maybe this conversation can take a positive direction now. Otherwise, we're going to be the perfect example of how people fail to communicate." I volunteered that I didn't lean much toward psychiatry. He smiled once again and said he didn't either. I felt a little relief that maybe we were moving away from extracting secret information from me. He asked something about my attitude toward the course and whether I had any objection to it. I thought that was a perfectly reasonable question to ask since that was the reason I was there -- to take the course. I answered pleasantly and very honestly that I didn't know of any objection, however I did not know yet. (I certainly had no objection to it when I came through the door, although he was beginning to build one in me.) Again, I don't remember the precise order of this and may have forgotten some of the questions. He talked about having no particular or required view of God to take part in the course. That sounded fine to me. I sensed he was worried that I would object to what he said about God and he was ready to make some kind of defense. I was in perfect agreement with what he said, because I could see little connection between what one thinks about God and learning to communicate better and make sales. He took out the same booklet that Susan gave me and had me read a page in it relating to what we were talking about. I read it and thought it was fine. I hoped the nosey questions were over, but they weren't. He got dead-serious, looked me in the eye sternly and fired away with another pernicious question: Do you use drugs or medicines? Back on the hot seat. What to say? He absolutely should not have that information. Should I simply refuse to say anything? Then he'll kick me out of the course. I think this was the very first time in my life I regretted having no skill and practice as a liar. But, not having that evil ability, I told the whole truth, evenly and firmly, "No, not at all, but I believe that is none of your business." Then I said to him, "Look, I'm treating you fairly. I'm not trying to pry into your affairs or ask you very personal questions." The appeal to being fair and square was lost on him. He lamely said something about its being required by the form on his desk, as if having it in print gave him a perfect right to abuse the spiritual interior of another man. He asked something about whether I thought persons can grow spiritually. I didn't find that so objectionable and so I said Yes. Then he asked me if I had been convicted of a felony. It did not make the slightest difference to me whether he thought I'd never come close to trial and conviction or whether he thought I was a long-term jailbird. I thought his nosiness was appalling. And he, to judge by his reaction, was surprised that I didn't like it. It seemed he expected me to submit to his demands as apparently \Father Jerry 1984\Page.00004 4 most people do. I thought to myself of the days when I helped friends put sheep through the sheep dip and how little we cared whether the sheep liked it or not. However, this time I was the one being dunked in the nasty medicine. I have been a priest for 22 years, and in that time have counselled hundreds of people in all possible kinds of difficulties, drug addiction, attempted suicide, al- choholism, painful marriages, sexual difficulties, phobias, manias, mental disorders, loss of touch with reality. Never once have I demanded or pried. I have tried to respect the integrity of each man or woman. How weird it seemed after all these years of striving for sensitivity toward these people to find myself being treated just the opposite. The next question demanded of me was whether I have attempted suicide. I thought of some of the suicides where I was the first one on the scene. I thought of the children I've known left behind, the wife left, the husband left. I thought of how little chance I would ever do that to my family and friends. Also I thought of the potential suicides I've taken into my home and looked after them for months. I wondered what this man really knew about suicide. I've wiped up the blood and gore more than once to spare the family. I answered truthfully. I decided silently that this was the last manipulation he was going to do to me. I decided he will not find out that I don't keep a mistress, that I never have struck my parents, that I don't cheat and steal and torture. If he cared to know me as another human being, if he had any wish to be friends with me, any and all of this would come out in due time. If he had any desire to COMMUNICATE with me, such things would be known between us in the regular course of friendship. But, regarding me as another thing coming down the assembly line, he outraged me with his imperious prying. My moral theology professor in seminary gave us a lecture on "flight", that is fleeing the scene if one is insulted beyond measure or badly mistreated. It is not an absolutely ideal remedy, but it has the virtue of preventing any hateful outburst of temper or harsh, cruel words, or bodily injury to another. It was past time for my flight. I think I remember my exact words: "I'm leaving you now. It's been nice meeting you. Goodbye." I turned around, looked neither right nor left, and walked out the door. Reflecting back on the scene, I have no regret whatever that I left, although I should have done it earlier in the game. I do regret the disappointment you must have and the disappointment of others at SSD. You wanted it to be a good and helpful experience. You were so generous to arrange it and pay for it. I do regret that I could not possibly go along with that scheme of things. I had every expecta- tion it would be a positive and worthwhile experience, but nothing would be gained by my saying it was profitable when in fact it was a spiritual ordeal. It pains me to think of your disappointment, but I see no way to alter the facts as they stand. You certainly have the right not to wish me to continue at SSD. I see that in your life the scientological teachings are important to you and they cause much happiness and good, ethical, abundant living. I have nothing but admiration for the good they bring about at SSD. But for me to undertake the prerequisites to that course is like trying to mix oil and water. I could never make the sacrifices of conscience needed for me to submit to that man's condescension, manipulation, and spiritual abuse. I would like very much to continue at SSD. The positive things I said to you over our happy enjoyable dinner were perfectly sincere. But, I will understand \Father Jerry 1984\Page.00005 5 if you think I do not fit into the general scheme of things. I have no bad thoughts toward SSD nor anything bad to say, just good. Nor is it my wish to say anything against the courses you and others have found so profitable. If Jeff took to the preliminaries positively, he must be perplexed as to what happened to me. If it's a good experience for him, I'd say Go For It. But I cannot say that for myself. If you wish my resignation, I will give it and will withdraw in as helpful, smooth, and positive manner as possible. I wish you and SSD only the very best; these friends and this company have become a real part of my life. Yours sincerely, (signed) Jerry B. McKenzie ================================================================= 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. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. FACTNet reserves the right to refuse to accept an order for copying or other duplication, or delivery of copied or duplicated material if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law. ------------------------------------------------------------------- CARD CATALOG ENTRY DOS FILENAME OF TEXT FILE: E:\PCB\GEN\FILES\GENPROF\FRJ.TXT DOS FILENAME OF IMAGE FILES: ADMINISTRATIVE CODE: SECURITY CODE: DISTRIBUTION CODE: NAME FOR BBS: SORT TO: CONTRIBUTOR: LOC. OF ORIG: NOTES: For additional verification see image files contained in the file with same name and .ZIP extension. UPDATED ON: UPDATED BY: DOS FILENAME OF TEXT FILE: FRJ.TXT DOS FILENAME OF IMAGE FILES: FRJ.ZIP ADMINISTRATIVE CODE: A2 SECURITY CODE: GP DISTRIBUTION CODE: PD NAME FOR BBS: Episcopal Priest's initial response to Scientology registrars. SORT TO: general \ professional CONTRIBUTOR: Bob Penny LOC. OF ORIG: Bob Penny NOTES: SSD is a computer software company run, at that time, by Scientologists. In late 1984, its employees were pressured to take an introductory Scientology course ("Comm Course") which the company paid for. This document is a protest by one employee, an Episcopal priest, after his first personal encounter with Scientology staff personnel and methods. SUMMARY (this text is from page 4): "I decided silently that this was the last manipulation he was going to do to me. I decided he will not find out that I don't keep a mistress, that I never have struck my parents, that I don't cheat and steal and torture. If he cared to know me as another human being, if he had any wish to be friends with me, any and all of this would come out in due time. If he had any desire to COMMUNICATE with me, such things would be known between us in the regular course of friendship. But, regarding me as another thing coming down the assembly line, he outraged me with his imperious prying. "My moral theology professor in seminary gave us a lecture on "flight", that is fleeing the scene if one is insulted beyond measure or badly mistreated. It is not an absolutely ideal remedy, but it has the virtue of preventing any hateful outburst of temper or harsh, cruel words, or bodily injury to another. It was past time for my flight..." For additional verification see image files contained in the file with same name and .ZIP extension. UPDATED ON: UPDATED BY: =================================================================