Church of Scientology
 Scientology building in Los Angeles, California | |
| Formation | 1954[1] |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Church of Scientology International |
| Location | |
Chairman of Religious Technology Center | David Miscavige |
| Website | www.scientology.org |
The Church of Scientology is the largest organization devoted to the practice and the promotion of the Scientology belief system. The Church of Scientology International is the Church of Scientology's parent organization, and is responsible for the overall ecclesiastical management, dissemination and propagation of Scientology.[2][3][4] Every Church of Scientology is separately incorporated and has its own local board of directors and executives responsible for its own activities and well-being, both corporate and ecclesiastical.[5][6][7] The first Scientology church was incorporated in December 1953 in Camden, New Jersey by American science fiction author[8][9] L. Ron Hubbard. The church has been the subject of much controversy. The church's world headquarters are located in the Gold Base, unincorporated Riverside County, California.
History
The first Scientology church was incorporated in December 1953 in Camden, New Jersey by [8][9] L. Ron Hubbard, his wife Mary Sue Hubbard, and John Galusha, although the Hubbard Association of Scientologists International (HASI) had already been operating since 1952[10][11] and Hubbard had been selling Scientology books and other items. Soon after, he explained the religious nature of Scientology in a bulletin to all Scientologists,[12] stressing its relation to the Dharma. The first Church of Scientology opened in 1954 in Los Angeles.[13]
Hubbard stated, "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, are the aims of Scientology."[14]
www.scientology.com For the truth about scientology.
- ^ "ABC News: Scientology 101". Abcnews.go.com. 1950-05-09. Retrieved 2009-01-12.
- ^ Melton, J. Gordon (Sept. 2000). The Church of Scientology (Studies in Contemporary Religions, 1). Signature Books in cooperation with CESNUR.
Since 1981, all of the churches and organizations of the church have been brought together under the Church of Scientology International. CSI provides a visible point of unity and guides the individual churches, especially in the area of applying Hubbard's teaching and technology in a uniform fashion.
{{cite book}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ^ "At the top of the ecclesiastical structure is the Church of Scientology International (CSI), the mother church for all Scientology. Located in Los Angeles, CSI provides overall direction, planning and guidance for the network of churches, missions, field auditors and volunteer ministers which comprise the Scientology hierarchy it spans, and ensures these various organizations are all working effectively together." What is Scientology? Published 1998 Bridge Publications ISBN 1573181226 http://www.whatisscientology.org
- ^ description of the Scientology ecclesiastical structure on www.rtc.org
- ^ The Church of Scientology (Studies in Contemporary Religions, 1) By J. Gordon Melton Publisher: Signature Books in cooperation with CESNUR published September 2000 ISBN 1560851392 "The various missions, churches, and organizations, all autonomous corporations which fellowship with the larger movement, receive licenses to use the church's trademarks, service marks, and copyrights of Hubbard's published and unpublished works from RTC."
- ^ "Each church corporation is organized on a nonprofit basis with its own board of directors and executives responsible for its activities. What is Scientology? Published 1998 Bridge Publications ISBN 1573181226 http://www.whatisscientology.org
- ^ description of the individual Scientology churches on www.rtc.org
- ^ a b Atack, Jon (1990). A Piece of Blue Sky. New York, NY: Carol Publishing Group. ISBN 0-8184-0499-X.
{{cite book}}: External link in|title= - ^ a b Hubbard, L. Ron. "Pulpateer". Church of Scientology International. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
- ^ Scientology Chronicle 1952-1955
- ^ Remember Venus?, Time, 22 December 1952
- ^ Hubbard, L. Ron (1954) Why Doctor of Divinity? Professional Auditor's Bulletin no. 32, 7 August 1954
- ^ ABC News Scientology 101
- ^ "Aims of Scientology by L. Ron Hubbard" at official site