MEDIA WATCH | THE AGE

Scientologists Outraged at “The Age’s” Attack on Religious Freedom

These statements are bigoted and discriminatory in the extreme. This is blatant religious discrimination. Scientologists in Australia are totally outraged by this attack on religious freedom.

Freedom of religion words on page — Photo by MyImages Micha/Shutterstock.com

April 5, 2021

Ms. Gay Alcorn
Editor, The Age

Dear Ms. Alcorn,

I am writing to you to express how incredibly incensed I was to read The Age’s articles of April 1, 3 and 5 concerning Scientology.

Mr. Schneiders is a reporter I’m assuming, which to me suggests he states facts. His statements could not be further from the truth.

These statements are bigoted and discriminatory in the extreme. This is blatant religious discrimination. Scientologists in Australia are totally outraged by this attack on religious freedom.

Nowhere in the article is there reference to your reporter interviewing practising Scientologists to ascertain the facts or even an attempt to understand the facts, and all this while we, as a Church of good and decent people, continue our humanitarian works.

We continue daily to work tirelessly in the community, and this is just a blatant, untruthful and bigoted report.

We are extremely indignant at this blatant attack and call it nothing short of religious discrimination, as it surely is.

In truth ALL monies that are referenced erroneously in your article are donated by parishioners of the Church and are, for the record, given with love and represent sacrifice on the part of Scientology parishioners to make our Churches in Australia so that we can continue and expand our benevolent works.

There are no business interests generating these monies but the generosity of good people.

This is totally misrepresented by your Mr. Schneiders and then, in turn, by The Age.

This is a bigoted slap in the face of our humanitarian activities and very much resented by Scientologists and our vast number of friends across Australia.

There is no place for non-factual reporting and discrimination based on baseless untruthfulness.

There are ample and compelling facts regarding our good works should you care to enquire.

I would remind you of the fact that Scientology beyond doubt was deemed a bona fide religion in our 1983 case and represented by none other than David Michael John Bennett, former Solicitor-General of Australia.

We are extremely indignant at this blatant attack and call it nothing short of religious discrimination, as it surely is.

Yours faithfully,

Carole Collen
New South Wales, Australia