Fayetteville Observer-Times
Letter to the Editor
I wrote this, Ted submitted it in his name to protect my privacy;
links to supplemental material have been added
Fayetteville Observer-Times, Fayetteville, North Carolina, US
Matt Bratschi's Letter
Saturday, August 7, 1999
Letters to the Observer-Times
There are two sides to allegations in article
In July, the Observer-Times printed an article regarding a case in a Swiss appeals court regarding the Church of Scientology.
Within that article, there was an allegation from the German government which portrayed the church less than favorably. There are two sides to this story.
Currently in Germany, a number of extreme measures are being taken to curb the freedom of religion of members of the Church of Scientology.
In Germany, the major political parties have banned members of the church from joining or belonging to the party based solely on their religious beliefs. Also, German businesses are encouraged to use forms which ask if an applicant is a member of the Church of Scientology so Scientologists are denied jobs based on their religious beliefs.
These forms are also used by certain German government agencies who also refuse to hire businesses owned by Scientologists or who employ Scientologists.
This is blatant discrimination. Unfortunately, Scientology is not the only religion experiencing discrimination.
Charismatic Christians, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses and other minority religions are also facing discrimination based on German government denigration of their religious beliefs.
The Church of Scientology is well-known for its social reform programs, disaster relief, and volunteer efforts.
The founder of the religion, L. Ron Hubbard has been acclaimed all over the world for his humanitarian efforts. If someone wants information on Scientology, I advise reading the L.A. Times' bestseller, "What is Scientology?"
Matt Bratschi, Human Rights Office, Church of Scientology, Washington, D.C.
Our Response
Wednesday, September 8, 1999
Letters to the Observer-Times
Scientology classed as commercial enterprise
In his letter Aug. 7, "There are two sides to allegations," Matt Bratschi complains of religious discrimination against Scientology in Germany.
He fails to note that Germany classifies Scientology as a commercial enterprise, one under observation for "constitutionally hostile activities" and harmful practices. It would appear, then, that the government's actions are in the interest of public welfare.
Scientology associates itself with minority religions to garner sympathy as victim, a ploy to ameliorate its "pit bull" reputation. It has been harshly condemned by some of those same minorities: the Central Council of Moslems in Germany has indicated "such connections with Scientology do not have the support of the (Central Council of Moslems) and are in outright opposition to its principles and fundamentals."
The Jewish Council expressed identical sentiments.
Bratschi goes on to claim that Scientology is well-known for its "social reform programs, disaster relief, and volunteer efforts."
Evidence of its good works appears nowhere except in the glossy pages of its own self-aggrandizing publications.
Scientology is far better known for its legal threats and harassment of critics, in keeping with the Church doctrine of "fair game." Members are instructed that enemies (anyone critical of Scientology) "may be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist[;] may be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." [Church scripture: Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter of 18 October 1967, Issue IV]
Is it any wonder Germany does not consider Scientology a religion?
Ted Mayett, Las Vegas, Nev.