Just wanted to point out, that because of efforts from groups like Anonymous, and sites/projects like Operation Clambake and Ex-Scientology Kids (which is maintained by 3 ex-Sea Org members, one of whom is David Miscavige's neice), worldwide membership in the CoS is estimated at below 50,000. "Global Centers" like Flag in Florida and "Gold" in Hemet, CA are nearly empty, and most org's are failing and consolidating because of a lack of paying customers donating parishioners. I think the only things in the CoS that AREN'T dying are the schools like Delphi and the drug-rehab programs like Narconon. Way to go, team! Most of us may yet see the collapse of this cult in our lifetime.
By the way, Arbie;
When members joins staff organizations in the CoS, they sign a contract with stipulations like:
1) The Church can hold you indefinitely, without reason, against your will.
2) The Church can not be held legally responsible for any emotional or physical harm it causes you.
etc, etc.
The "Church" forces staff hours to work 17-20 hour days, 7 days a week, for about $25 a week (plus room and board). Members who complain are given two choices: be kicked out of the church and be "disconnected" (cut off) from any family still in the CoS, or accept harsh punishments like imprisonment, sensory deprivation, and harsh physical labor. Church staff under such punishment (called RFP), are usually denied medical care, proper nutrition, or other basic things needed to stay alive. You are NOT allowed to take a copy of this contract to review it. You are NOT allowed to have your lawyer inspect it. You absolve the Church for ANY responsibility it should legally be taking. Women who become pregnant while in the Sea Org (the organization that handles most of the day-to-day in the church) are kicked out and "disconnected" from their families if they don't get abortions. Children sign Sea Org contracts, go to school less than 10 hours a week, and work in the same conditions as adults. If their parents blow (or leave the org), the children are generally pressured into staying; generally, the Church will assign new legal guardians.
This is just the BEGINNING of my beef with Scientology. They exploit the hell out of people simply looking for answers, and people take it because the church dehumanizes people and trains them to not question the church or the church authority. They are trained that everyone not in the Church is wrong, and everyone who's wrong and doesn't realize the error of their ways is evil, and must be destroyed.
