Forward: For a systematic, detailed, professional exposure of
Scientology's "Narconon" front group, visit the
Narconon Exposed web site.
FEARS AT INTENTION OF LECTURE ON DRUGS
BY IAN READ
17:00 - 30 April 2004
Fears have been sparked about the intentions of an anti-drugs
talk in Markbeech after it turned out to be led by people with
links to a controversial group.
Geraldine Ormond, the organiser of the hour-long lecture last
week, admitted she would not have got involved if she had
known the main speaker was linked to the Church of Scientology.
However, she said the talk did not peddle the group's beliefs
and only one leaflet which was handed out made reference to
it. Scientologists insisted it was not a scientology event.
Villager Graeme Raeburn, 24, raised concerns after receiving
one of Mrs Ormond's flyers advertising the anti-cannabis lecture,
which was held in the village hall on Tuesday last week and
attracted 80 people.
Although he did not attend the get-together, he told the Kent
and Sussex Courier he was worried it was a recruitment drive
for new members.
Scientology was formed in the 1950s by East Grinstead-based
L Ron Hubbard. It is referred to by members as a religion
specialising in the spiritual being but has been plagued by
accusations of being a money-making cult.
The Markbeech talk was led by American Bobby Wiggins, who
speaks for Narconon, a drug rehabilitation programme which
employs the beliefs of scientology.
Mr Raeburn, a vice-president at the Royal College of Art
Students' Union, said: "There have been a lot of controversial
things they have been doing.
"The rehab involves complete surrender to the controlling
people so effectively they are handing over their money and
putting their complete belief into the Church of Scientology.
"In no way am I saying I am pro cannabis or any other drug,
it is just the fact that when you look into it it's not all
it seems."
Mrs Ormond organised the lecture after missing one held in
Forest Row earlier this month. She said: "Bobby did mention
he works for or is involved with them but I didn't know
anything of that when I organised the talk. There was no
brainwashing and it was not a recruitment drive, it was
purely educational."
Scientologist Maryanne Hun-ter, 43, was also at the talk.
She said: "It had nothing to do with scientology, all it had
to do with was the community. Scientology is not bad, it is
just a group of people who want to help."
The name "Narconon"® is trademarked to the Scientology
organization through one of their many front groups. The name
"Scientology"® is also trademarked to the "Church"
of Scientology. Neither this web page, nor this web site, nor any of the
individuals mentioned herein assisting to educate the public about the
dangers of the Narconon scam are members of or representitives of the
Scientology organization.
If you or a loved one needs help -- real help -- there are
a number of rehabilitation programs you can contact. The real
Narcotics Anonymous organization
can get you in touch with real people who can help you.
Click [HERE] to visit Narcotivs
Anonymous's web site. Narcotics Anonymous's telephone number is
1 (818) 773-9999.
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