Canada gained 3.5 million people between 2011 and 2021 — and lost 365 Scientologists

In July, we reported that in Australia’s latest census, the country had gained 2 million people in five years, but over that same period had lost 26 Scientologists.

And now, Canada has released new data from its latest census (thanks for the head’s up, Pan!), and it turns out that Scientology is also declining there.

Canada has reported that it went from a population of 33,476,688 in 2011 to 36,991,981 in 2021 — a gain of 3.5 million people overall.

But in that same period, those Canadians reporting themselves to be Scientologists declined from 1,745 in 2011 to only 1,380 in 2021, a loss of 365 Scientologists.

Both of these results, in Australia and Canada, are particularly interesting because both have been longtime strongholds of Scientology, and the organization has spent or planned to spend huge sums of money in those countries.

During the time that Scientology lost numbers in Australia, a new “Advanced Org” was built in a Sydney suburb for some $57 million. A similar “Advanced Org” has been planned for Canada for years, but it never seems to get off the ground.

The same goes for its Toronto “Ideal Org” project, which is still stuck in the fundraising mode while its longtime home on Yonge Street continues to fall into disrepair.

Now, will these actual hard numbers from official government agencies that show Scientology steadily shrinking — and in line with our global estimate of about 20,000 active Scientologists — stop the church from claiming that it’s the “fastest growing religion in the world”?

No, of course not. The first thing to know about Scientology is that it never tells a single truth about itself, and so why should it stop now?

 
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Sunny Pereira on Jane Doe 3’s ‘ethics’ trouble

Monday and Tuesday featured some pretty distressing testimony from alleged victim Jane Doe 3 in the Danny Masterson trial. In particular, she discussed what she was told by Scientology “ethics” officers when she went to them to report being sexually assaulted by Masterson in December 2001. She was told that rape wasn’t possible in a relationship like the one she was in with Masterson, and that he would face no consequences because as a productive celebrity, Masterson was an “upstat.”

We asked Sunny, who dealt with celebrities and their ethics troubles at the Celebrity Centre in the 1990s to give us some thoughts on what we all learned from Jane Doe 3 this week.

 
Jane Doe 3 was the first of Masterson’s alleged victims to report a crime to Scientology, in 2001. It was not something that Masterson felt guilty about and volunteered the information to Scientology. This is important, as it completely affects how the handlings are done.

So what happens? The person who came in to report it gets all the attention on “handling” it. And so, the target was always on Jane Doe 3 from the moment she reported it.

And besides all of the other huge gaps in Scientology, here we have another one. Even if Danny was asked directly about it, if it’s not something he sees as rape, it doesn’t come up. It’s “above his responsibility level” at the time. There may be a hope that somewhere up the line he will see it for what it is and can get it addressed in Scientology auditing sessions.

These types of situations are all over in the Scientology staff and public field. Persons who should, for various reasons, be turned over to law enforcement are not. And they drift around the fringes of Scientology. Not able to practice much of the religion, not able to leave it either. And their vices go unnoticed until the next complaint comes in about it, and so the circle goes.

The celebrity status has a lot to do with it as well. A celebrity Scientologist is expected to promote Scientology as the reason for their success. Scientology does not want to lose any of its members, but especially not the celebrity ones. So they get the lighter touch.

And it happens like this with them all. But every once in a while you do get a celebrity who does turn themselves in to do the right thing, and what happens? They get nailed to the wall with interrogations, ethics programs, and the like. Leah Remini tells about this in her wonderful book. That’s because her responsibility level is high enough to endure the proper punishment.

— Sunny Pereira

 
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Technology Cocktail

“Theta has a tendency not only to extend itself but also to be extended over; that is, it is able to manifest itself as theta over the organisms around it or not able to manifest itself as theta over the organisms and MEST around it. An individual then is either self-determined, which is to say, theta controlled in his own right (in which case he is healthy and sane), or is controlled by organisms and MEST in his environment to the point where he himself is MEST. The individual, in other words, could be said to own or be owned.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1951

 
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON

We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as trial begins and Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.

 
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

— The Underground Bunker Podcast

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— SPECIAL: Your Proprietor’s updates on the Danny Masterson trial

[1] Sep 21 [2] Sep 28 [3] Oct 4 [4] Oct 10 [5] Oct 11: Day One [6] Oct 12: Day Two [7] Oct 13: Day Three [8] Oct 17: Day Four [9] Oct 18: Day Five [10] Oct 19: Day Six [11] Special interview with Chris Shelton, Oct 19 [12] Oct 20: Day Seven [13] Oct 21: Day Eight [13] First week in review, with Jeffrey Augustine [14] Oct 24: Day Nine [15] Oct 25: Day Ten

— The Underground Bunker Podcast on YouTube

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker

 
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Source Code

“Now, the MEST universe is all very well but it’s all illusion. Well, one doesn’t want an illusion, so he can’t have an illusion. And when he was very young, why, Christ was all right, he was very friendly, as a matter of fact, and so on. But that’s mostly — people, you know, they have to believe in that sort of thing. And they did once, but it requires nothing but faith and, of course, they can’t have any faith anymore and they did have hopes on that once in a while, but actually religion doesn’t lead anybody anyplace in the final analysis because you never get your wish anyway so, of course, one can’t survive on the basis of spirits and religion, and so forth.” — L. Ron Hubbard, October 27, 1951

Avast, Ye Mateys

“Deutchland Uber Alles was Germany’s WWI slogan and song — Germany over the Allies. An East German (Commie) ship not only dropped their anchor over ours and fouled it but also had its lines over ours when we went to move the ship. The anchor was unfouled by Karl Rosenkranz our master diver and the operation was competently supervised by Captain Robertson. Condition I is congratulated on a smooth move. As it is shallow here, we can only leave at high tide to avoid ticking a propeller on the bottom.” — The Commodore, October 27, 1970

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

“One of our greatest tools has always been the truth so very soon we are going to be researching and collecting data on individuals in the Freezone. We are then going to do a video series on each and release them to the public so they can see all of the lies and out-tech for themselves. Let us see them lie and tell half-truths with their faces, addresses, and businesses blasted all over the internet for all to see exactly what they are up to. We can just let the truth be the truth and then get on with the job of actually doing the tech as we are now. Much like those who hold public office these individuals have violated the trust of those they swore to serve and made the mistake of thinking Esperianism could not thrive without them. I wonder how that is working for them lately?”

 
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Past is Prologue

1997: Martin Ottmann posted an article from Scientology’s Celebrity magazine, in which the Los Angeles Police Department praised Scientology. “In time of rising violence where police officers literally risk their lives on a daily basis, they deserve the support of groups who have the purpose and dedication to get youth on the right track – free from drugs and crime. The Church of Scientology is one group which, in respect and appreciation of Hollywood’s police officers, have constantly given their support. In recognition of this support, Celebrity Centre International was recognized by the California Police Activities League (PAL) as the ‘Organization of the Year for 1996’ for ‘their outstanding contribution to their community through the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Hollywood PAL.’ Officer William Sera, PAL Officer for the LAPD’s Hollywood Division, presented the award at the annual California Police Activities League dinner. Sera, addressing the more than 200 attendees at the event, read a letter from Captain Constance Dial, Area Commanding Officer of the Hollywood Community Police Station: ‘The donation of your personal time as well as the countless hundreds of hours volunteered by members of your staff has been invaluable assistance to our youth programs…This display of enthusiasm and dedication to the young people of the community reflects the positive influence the Celebrity Centre has had for the Hollywood area.'”

 
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Random Howdy

“Maybe you mocked up another version of yourself in a blackout and forgot about it. Ask Marty, it probably has something to do with Quantum Buddhism(c).”

 
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Trial began October 11 in Los Angeles.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Arraigned on August 29.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff scheduled to be sentenced on Oct 28.
— Rizza Islam, Medi-Cal fraud: Trial scheduled for March 1 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for September 19.
— Yanti Mike Greene, Scientology private eye accused of contempt of court: Found guilty of criminal and civil contempt.

Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Complaint filed April 28 in Tampa federal court, Scientology moving to compel arbitration. Plaintiffs filed amended complaint on August 2. Hearing scheduled November 17 to argue the arbitration motions.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Selection of arbitrators underway. Next court hearing: February 2, 2023.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Appellate court removes requirement of arbitration on January 19, case remanded back to Superior Court. Stay in place at least through December 13.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for December 6.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: New trial ordered after appeals court overturned prior ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.

 
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SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

 
Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

 
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THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Scientology holds its ‘Writers of the Future’ awards out of season, but same lavish display
[TWO years ago] Masterson accusers cite Marsy’s Law to head off ‘arbitration,’ and Scientology pounces
[THREE years ago] A Scientology front group that duped celebrities for Narconon: It’s baaaack!
[FOUR years ago] Russell Miller’s 1987 biography of Scientology’s founder is still astonishingly good
[FIVE years ago] THE LEAH REMINI FILES: AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE ‘KRs’ THAT INFORM HER MEMOIR
[SIX years ago] Surprised Tom Cruise called Scientology a ‘beautiful religion’? You shouldn’t be.
[SEVEN years ago] THE LEAH REMINI FILES: AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE ‘KRs’ THAT INFORM HER MEMOIR
[EIGHT years ago] Gay Ribisi, our friend Mark Ebner has your Scientology plaques — want ’em back?
[NINE years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Is In Your Capital, Working Your Jenna Elfman
[TEN years ago] The Scientology-Nation of Islam Alliance: Sideshow or Armageddon?
[ELEVEN years ago] Mark Ebner on Scientology and South Park: Rathbun is Definitely Leaking Authentic ‘Intel’

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on October 27, 2022 at 09:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2021 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2021), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

 

Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast