German government once again proves it has no illusions about Scientology: What’s up, US?

The German government has come out with its annual report on threats to its constitution, and right there at the end is its assessment of Scientology.

Can you imagine the US government being this clear-eyed about the threat that Scientology poses?

Here’s what the report says in its entirety…

The Scientology organisation (SO)

The Scientology organisation (SO) seeks to establish a global society based on Scientology. As in the previous year, the organisation counts about 3,600 members in Germany.

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The organisation’s ideology is strictly based on the writings of its founder and long-time leader Lafayette Ron Hubbard (1911–1986), who invented a method he called “technology”, “dianetics” and “Scientology”. This method is intended to create the perfect human, called “clear” or “non-aberrated”. In Hubbard’s teachings, people who are not “clear” are to be denied fundamental rights and human dignity. The SO sees itself as a ruling elite that should reign over the rest of humanity. This world view is incompatible with the principle of democracy enshrined in Germany’s constitution, the Basic Law.

Scientology seeks to attain its envisaged social order via a long-term strategy of expansion, by increasing the organisation’s revenues and by fighting its critics. The SO presents itself to the outside world as an apolitical religious community.

As the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic were progressively lifted in 2022, the SO increasingly resumed its demonstrations, information stands and distribution of its promotional materials (e.g. through the SO cover organisation The Way to Happiness). The online course and seminar offerings established during the pandemic remained available. The SO uses these offerings strategically in order to bring easily accessible Scientology content to a broader audience, recruit new members, generate funds and further the expansion of the SO. Scientology is pursuing these goals as part of its “Golden Age of Admin” initiative, which U.S. Scientology leader David Miscavige announced to the organisation’s members in 2022.

As in previous years, the SO continued to distribute materials specifically designed for children, with the intention of influencing the public’s perceptions of the SO from an early age.

Now, there’s one whopper in there. Did you spot it?

Scientology claims it has about 3,600 members in Germany. We’ve found in the past that when the church makes these kinds of claims, it’s best to divide by about 7, and 500 members in Germany sounds closer to the truth for an organization that has only about 20,000 active members worldwide.

Other than taking Scientology’s word for that, the German government really doesn’t seem to have any illusions about what this group is or what its aims are.

And that was also the situation nearly thirty years ago, when the German government not only perceived Scientology to be a threat to its constitution, but also took efforts to curb the organization’s growth there.

Scientology reacted by rounding up Hollywood figures to write an open letter in 1996 expressing their outrage. Addressed to Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the letter appeared as a full-page ad in the International Herald Tribune. It was signed by Dustin Hoffman, Goldie Hawn, Oliver Stone, and more. It had been placed in the paper by Bert Fields, Tom Cruise’s attorney.

“These acts are intolerable in any country that conceives of itself as a modern democracy. This organized oppression is beginning to sound familiar … like the Germany of 1936 rather than 1996. It should be stopped — now, before it spreads and increases in virulence as it did before,” the letter said.

(Here’s the whole list of signatories: Robert Bookman, John Calley, Sanford R. Climan, Constantin Costa-Gavras, Bertram Fields, Andrew M. Fogelson, Larry Gordon, Goldie Hawn, Barry Hirsch, Dustin Hoffman, Alan Horn, Kevin Huvane, Larry King, Lawrence M. Kopeikin, Arnold Kopelson, Raymond Kurtzman, Sherry Lansing, Michael Marcus, Doug Morris, Rick Nicita, Morris Ostin, Mario Puzo, Jack Rapke, Terry Semel, Sid Sheinberg, Casey Silver, Tina Sinatra, Aaron Spelling, Sheldon Sroloff, Oliver Stone, Robert Towne, Gore Vidal, Paula Wagner, Fred Westheimer.)

Kohl was not amused. “They don’t know anything about Germany, and they don’t want to, either. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have talked such rubbish,” he said.

It’s hard to imagine, more than 25 years later, Hollywood figures rallying to Scientology’s defense in a similar way today.

And while Scientology’s influence in Hollywood has waned, it’s good to see that the German government hasn’t forgotten what Scientology is all about.

 
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Technology Cocktail

“In recruiting a group, keep explaining Scientology as something that helps people bring order into their lives. You’d be amazed how little order they believe they can inject. Call on new people. Run an ad for your group: ‘Tired of Being Human? Scientology Group Clears People,’ or ‘Does Life Seem Disorderly? Join the Scientology Group and begin to win for a change.’ We need action. In an all but leaderless world, somebody has to make some people. Let’s begin.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1959

 
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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 Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

 
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[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

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney

 
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Source Code

“Science plays a lively tune and they play it with very glossy photographs. They play it with very good advertisements. They play it with great big, imposing universities, huge facades built out of gorgeous marble, imported from South Dubuque. They’ve got themselves a pretty good face, see? Big stuff. People’s cars go whiz-whiz down the streets and the petrol that goes into the engine will make it run at vast expense. They’ve got it up to a point where an engine can actually utilize over a thousandth of the potential power in a gallon of gasoline. They’ve got it fixed up so they can color your health bread by certain breeds of mold, and so they can get appropriation from other breeds of mold called ‘Congress.’ You’ve got yourself quite a game going here. It’s called science, and you yourself are not totally aware of the fact how that cuts your personal throat.” — L. Ron Hubbard, June 30, 1964

 
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Avast, Ye Mateys

“The shark picked up a lot of paper that was thrown over and wants to take the DAC. He’s got a former therapy thing going though. Used to be partners with an electric eel in a psychiatric racket. I told him if we didn’t get some auditors soon I’d discuss his application further. He went off singing an odd song that went ‘Most courteous fish in the ocean, with temper forgiving and mild. Though his record is dark, he’s a Man-eating shark who would eat neither woman or child.’ Good luck to full time DAC on your exams.” — June 30, 1969

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Overheard in the FreeZone

“I have no problem, but you won’t confront that the products you deliver are full of flaws. The NOTs material is based on the work of David Mayo who himself no longer believed in it. I’m really not in Confusion with L. Ron Hubbard and his teachings. All I want is that the Independent Field goes back to deliver real LRH Tech. And by the way, I’m critical of the whole field that delivers NOTS, NED and all the fake stuff that was invented after 1978. Until you don’t deliver the results of the early 1970 OT Levels, you are not producing real results.”

 
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Past is Prologue

1999: Mark Bunker posted descriptions of his attempts to film a Scientology event on L. Ron Hubbard Way this week. “As you know, it’s a big weekend on Hubbard Way in L.A. as they have the street blocked off for a carnival. I tried to attend tonight but was blocked the moment I arrived. The rented cop lied to me saying it was a private street. The local precinct has no idea who Officer Leonard is as this ‘cop’ does not work in that jurisdiction. I was then surrounded by my old friend, Dan Murnan who had picketed my home, plus Mark Perkins and another whose name I didn’t know. They tried to be at cause over me by yelling at me and accusing me of crimes. I was greatly amused. I believe you will be too when you see the video. Scientology Rent-a-Cop: ‘The street’s closed off. You’re not welcome here.’ Scientologist: ‘Put the camera down; you don’t have permission to shoot me.’ Another Scientologist: ‘We’re for total freedom here!’ I once again tried to attend the Fourth of July carnival on L. Ron Hubbard Way. This time I brought along fellow suppressives, Zinjifar and Barb. Once more we were stopped from taking our rightful place on the Ferris wheel of fun. The OTs present attempted to thwart our plans with their super powers but they just fizzled so they had to rely on that old standby, the L.A. Police force. Two cops, both of whom were mere wogs, succeeded where Dan Murnan and his ilk failed. They removed us by improperly enforcing the law. I had stopped by their precinct earlier and was told that I was to be allowed to film anything and anyone and no one could stop me. The law was on my side. Woo-hoo, I thought! Unfortunately these beat cops weren’t aware of the laws as written and decided that I had to leave.”

 
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Random Howdy

“Scientology is in the same category as Christian Science and the Jehovah’s Witnesses as far as being a ‘spiritual’ practice that has caused the deaths of its adherents in the past through the denial of legitimate medical treatment. These crimes need to be stopped.”

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

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentencing on Aug 4.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Trial scheduled for August 15.

Civil litigation:
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— 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 sentencing of Masterson on Aug 4.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Next hearing August 1.
— 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] Today: Danny Masterson’s last chance to avoid criminal trial in October?
[TWO years ago] First, do harm: Scientology’s secret war on mental health
[THREE years ago] That time Laura Prepon helped silence a Danny Masterson victim for Scientology
[FOUR years ago] Scientology continues to use the United Nations as a prop for its propaganda
[FIVE years ago] Scientology scam: ‘It hadn’t occurred to me I was getting appalling advice from Church execs’
[SIX years ago] We have the letter Scientologists are receiving from a federal judge!
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology produces miracles — but you only get to hear about them in one place
[EIGHT years ago] Scientology leader’s father signs a book deal, for ‘IF HE DIES, HE DIES’
[NINE years ago] That time L. Ron Hubbard was hit by lightning while wearing full armor: It’s science!
[TEN years ago] Tampa Bay Times Portrays Twin Sister of Scientology Leader as Dope-Smoking Slumlord
[ELEVEN years ago] What Katie Holmes is Saving Suri From: Scientology’s Interrogation of Children
[TWELVE years ago] Scientology Goon Squads Face Fines After Texas Town Rallies To Marty Rathbun’s Cause

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on June 30, 2023 at 07:00

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, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), 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

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone