"A bullet between the eyes"
Gerry Armstrong, former high-ranking member of Scientology, reports of death
threats made against him.
Vienna, Austria
May 30, 2001
Die Presse, p. 16
Vienna. (red). "Power and money are the real motivations behind
Scientology. That really has nothing to do with religion." Canadian Gerry
Armstrong, who spoke from his decades of experience with the obscure "private
religion" of sect founder L. Ron Hubbard, who died in 1986, spoke at a
meeting of the Federal Center for Sect Issues to warn against categorizing
Scientology as a religion. A religion that persecuted former members in an
effort to silence them or - as happened to him in the mid 1980s - threatened to
put a "bullet between his eyes," was certainly not a religion,
Armstrong believed.
Armstrong was a sect member from 1969 to 1981 and responsible for legal matters,
among other things. In researching a biography for the sect founder, he
discovered that Scientology had been built on a foundation of lies. He said he
spent over two years in the organization's "concentration camp."
After he left the sect he was persecuted: physical threats, lawsuits, libel and
breaking into his house were a daily routine.
The "apostate" is not allowed to speak about Scientology in the USA
because of a court order. Armstrong emphasized the sect's influence on the
USA's justice and administrative systems, an influence which became increasing
apparent in the 1990s. Since that time, the freedom of religion guaranteed by
the US Constitution has been more or less used to enact a prohibition against
criticism of religion and as a license for groups to suppress their members,
Armstrong said.
The number of Scientologists in Austria cannot be determined exactly. The
operating manager of the Federal Center for Sect Issues, German Mueller,
reckoned it at under 5,000. Worldwide they say there are about eight million
members.
Yesterday, Tuesday, about 40 members of Scientology Austria demonstrated in
front of the French Embassy on Schwarzenbergplatz against a proposed law to
regulate religious communities in France. The law will give the president and
the administration the power to ban religious groups that pose a danger to
public order.
From: ARS-CC Vienna (wdne)
Newsgroups: de.soc.weltanschauung.scientology
Subject: ORG-Watch: Bericht vom Lokalaugenschein
Date: 20 Apr 2001
In the past few weeks, the staff of ARS-CC Vienna have personally been
scrutinizing both of the two Scientology establishments in Vienna.
1)
There is not much to add about the condition of the Org (Scientology
Kirche Österreich), Schottenfeldgasse 13-15, 1070 Vienna; the building
looks just as dilapidated as it did the last time. The exterior walls were
sopping wet through with water after a rain and the mortar was falling out.
Conclusion of our personal examination: no improvement, possibly even worse that
the last time. http://www.parishioner.org/orgs/vienna.html
2)
At the Celebrity Centre Scientology Kirche (a.k.a. Scientology Church
Vienna-South) at 11 Senefeldergasse, at the corner of Victor Adler Market, 1100
Vienna, there was no improvement from the last time either - the deterioration
here was more than obvious, especially if you were standing downwind. Right in
front of the building which holds the Celebrity Centre are 28 (twenty-eight!)
large dumpsters, two of them the extra-large size, about 16 x 8 feet, filled to
the brims with garbage. Apparently OSA in Vienna has established a new training
center in front of the Celebrity Centre; our staff could not explain the many
trash containers otherwise.
(Photos will hopefully be webbed in the next few days at
http://www.parishioner.org/orgs/vienna.html )
Some of the foul smelling trash, rotten garbage, cardboard cartons and plastic
bags had fallen into the street and the doves were poking around in it. One
could only imagine how the trash would smell in the summer heat, not to mention
the plague of rats at night! Our staff did not believe their eyes, but the
count was conducted two times by two different people. Behind the 28 trash
containers lives a panhandler. Our staff assumed that he was probably a
Scientologist who had slowly gone bankrupt and no longer had a place to live.
Unfortunately they did not have time to talk to the gentleman since they had an
appointment - the traditional Easter Egg Hunt for the ARS-CC youth group. The
ARS-CC in very involved in youth work and loves to train the upcoming generation
in the powers of observation: those who can find Easter eggs easily now will be
able to find those sensitive documents more quickly when they grow up (although
we are almost convinced that the next generation will not have any more work to
do, we're taking care of them anyway.)
We will continue to reconnoiter and file reports here. Currently we are
regularly receiving interesting reports from our new infiltrator.
ML
ARS-CC Vienna (WDNE) PR & ORG-Watch I/C
Here is the Celebrity Centre. Both
Photos = same location. It is also a dumpster diving training site.
http://news.scientology.org/address.htm
Senefeldergasse 11/5 1100 Wien
|
 |  |
| Note in the top floor the windows have the letters which spell "Scientology"
taped on them. | "Wiener Testzentrum"
means Vienna Test Center.
Under that says "Dianetics Center,
Scientology Mission, Vienna" |
From: ARS-CC Vienna
Newsgroups: de.soc.weltanschauung.scientology
Subject: Der Philharmonikerball 2001
Date: 21 Jan 2001 06:43:51 -0800
Where everything whirls in three-quarters time ...
The 2001 Viennese Ball season has opened. ARS-CC Vienna will also be shaking a
leg for the next two months at many traditional balls and society events (all in
the line of duty, naturally).
Prior to their going to Kitzbuehel for the 2001 61st Hahnenkamm races, the staff
of ARS-CC Vienna went to the traditional Philharmonic ball at the large music
hall in Vienna on January 18, 2001.
There was an information stand in the foyer and several staff members from
ARS-CC Vienna, as always, mingled with the high-class guests from the worlds of
art, culture, business and politics in letting people know about the
machinations of the Scientology sect. Sir Simon Rattle conducted the
world-renowned orchestra of the Viennese Philharmonic, this heavenly music, it
was, like every year, a sheer pleasure to listen to - unsurpassed!
It was even attended by Mr. Federal Chancellor, along with everyone in Viennese
Society.
Since attendance at this social happening every year is by invitation from the
orchestra of the Viennese Philharmonic only, it was a great honor for us to
accept this again this year.
ML
ARS-CC Vienna (WDNE) Dance & PR I/C
From: ARS-CC Vienna
Newsgroups: de.soc.weltanschauung.scientology
Subject: Re: Der Philharmonikerball 2001
Date: 22 Jan 2001
On Sun, 21 Jan 2001 23:53:20 +0100, Thomas Gandow schrieb:
>> in letting people know about the machinations of the
>>
Scientology sect. Sir Simon Rattle conducted the
>> world-renowned
orchestra of the Viennese Philharmonic,
>> this heavenly music, it
was, like every year, a sheer
>> pleasure to listen to -
unsurpassed!
>
>Why wasn't Chick Corea there?
The invitations are sent out every year by the Orchestra of the Viennese
Philharmonic themselves, the selection criteria are very strict and attention is
given to quality.
>Wasn't he discriminated against by the Viennese?
>Is he boycotting
Austria?
We're not sure about that yet.
>Or did ARSCC Vienna secretly have a hand in that?
Well, there is perhaps a glimmer of truth in that, as ARS-CC Vienna (WDNE) is
everywhere and knows everything, even the scandalous deeds of the Scientologists
cannot escape us.
>(Or was it the state churches?)
No it wasn't them!
But while we're on the subject, may we mention that ARS-CC Vienna (WDNE) would
like to increase its cooperation with people in the individual states in order
to achieve a Scientology-free Austria.
We decided that this "Clearing" by people we don't know is not
something we agree with any more and are now endeavoring to become the first
country in Europe to successfully free itself of the spiritual plague of
Scientology! The slogan for 2001 is: CLEAR AUSTRIA OF SCIENTOLOGY!
ML
ARS-CC Vienna (WDNE) Dance & PR I/C
p.s. We're everywhere, we're everywhere!
From: ARS-CC Vienna Entertainment & PR
Newsgroups: de.soc.weltanschauung.scientology
Subject: ARS-CC Vienna Terminkalender für 2001
Date: 7 Jan 2001
ARS-CC Vienna Calendar for 2001
We just received reservation confirmation for our loge at the Viennese Opera
Ball on 22 February 2001.
Amid the international and Viennese Society people we will, as we do every year,
use this social occasion to inform people about Scientology. And this year, for
the first time we have a TV interview scheduled.
Once more many artists, politicians and people from the business world are
expected, as are other glamorous personalities from around the globe. In the
same letter we also learned that, for this year's Opera Ball it is expected that
L. Ron Hubbard will drive up in a 1965 pink Cadillac. As is known, Adolf Hitler
drove up last year in a white Rolls Royce. He was immediately arrested.
Other important dates for ARS-CC Vienna Entertainment & PR:
[dates are
in European notation]
18.1.2001 Ball with the Viennese Philharmonic in the famous
Musikvereinssaal
19.1. - 21.1.2001 Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbnhl
29.1. - 10.2.2001 Alpine Ski-WM in St. Anton
15.2. - 17.2.2001 Villacher Fasching
11.5. - 17.6.2001 Viennese Festival Week
12.5.2001 Life Ball, ein Society spektakel for dazzling Party celebrities in the Viennese town hall
13.5.2001 Austrian Grand-Prix at the A1-Ring in Spielberg
22.6. - 24.6.2001 Viennese Donau Island Fest with Music, Bier and fireworks
30.6. - 31.8.2001 Musikfilmfestival at the Viennese Rathausplatz
7.7.2001 Love Parade in Vienna
21.7. - 31.8.2001 Salzburger Festspiele
Other ARS-CC Vienna dates will be reported as they come up. Or maybe not all of
them, there will also be surprises.
ML
ARS-CC Vienna (WDNE) Entertainment & PR
arscc@a-topmail.at
----
On 7 Jan 2001, ARS-CC Vienna Entertainment & PR wrote:
> We just received reservation confirmation for our loge at
> the Viennese Opera Ball on 22 February 2001.
> Amid the international and Viennese Society people we will,
> as we do every year, use this social occasion to inform people
> about Scientology. And this year, for the first time we have
> a TV interview scheduled.
Please use the opportunity to inform "Moertel" and his "Mausi"
about Scientology.
[anonymized] informed reader
---
Amazing! You're even up-to-date on the Viennese scene!
Regards ;-)
[anonymized] flabbergasted reader
----
Thanks <g> The both of them are well known ... Anyway "Moertel" has
a certain unpleasant association to Scientology, somewhere on
El Awadalla's pages there are pictures.
[anonymized] informed reader
---
yes, right here, she reported that back in 1999:
http://www.awadalla.at/el/lugner-advance.html
http://www.awadalla.at/el/aktuelles-99.3.html
http://www.awadalla.at/el/aktuelles-00.1.html siehe unter Opernball
LG
[anonymized] another informed reader
on http://www.awadalla.at/el/lugner-advance.html
there is a picture of Mr. Lugner dancing with Scientology's Jive Aces.
at http://www.awadalla.at/el/aktuelles-99.3.html it says:
29.9.1999: Lugner dances for Scientology
Just in time for the Austrian national assembly elections (3.10.99) Scientology sent out "Advance! The Magazine of the Advanced Organization and Saint Hill Europe", edition 136. On page 27 there is the report on the "What is Scientology? Crusade" with a picture of Richard Lugner dancing in his Viennese Lugner-City sales center with the Jive Aces Scientology Band on stage. In front of the stage is a poster board with "Was ist Scientology" clearly visible.
The gathering in Lugner-City served as recruitment for the "What is Scientology" exhibition in the Viennese Hotel Intercontinental from 5 to 9 April 1999.
Lugner is the founder of the political party "The Independents" with whom he appears at the election; in 1998 he was campaigned in the presidential election. He's had prior contact with Scientology.
from http://www.awadalla.at/el/aktuelles-00.1.html
3.3.2000: Opera ball
Construction contractor, presidential candiate and Opera Ball visitor Richard Lugner tried in vain to decorate his loge with prominent stars for the current political situation. He had to scrape the bottom of the barrel which is how he came up with Mark Janicello, Scientologist and Elvis-imitator [from the USA] (whose next appearance is at the end of March in the Arbeiterkammer Theater, "so that Mausi has a man to make her entrance with." Mausi is Lugner's wife. Lugner has showed his lack of distance to Scientology in 1999 in ways including a little dance (see photo). Janicello uses his appearance to lend a serious tinge to his Scientology recruitment in that he presents himself, "You know me from the theater, I've played Elvis, now help me in" etc.; that's the way he did it at a Scientology event in 1998 in Vienna.
From: Ilse Hruby
Newsgroups: de.soc.weltanschauung.scientology
Subject: Inquisitöre sind cool!
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000
Reflections on the 7th "East Elbian" professional training seminar on
the theme of sects, youth religions and occultism by the Dialog Zentrum Berlin,
otherwise known as the "Inquisitors' summit meeting" (This was the
designation handed down by an independent Scientology committee).
Before I left Vienna I had seen the poster drawn by Gerhard Foerster, an
ex-Scientologist who had gotten out of the Scientology sect back in the early
'80s. It was super well-done, I could barely contain myself.
After a long trip of short duration to Berlin, we landed in a local place where
they have good Capuccino, then on to one of Tilman Hausherr's hang-outs in
Schoeneberg. Afterwards we visited the bear exhibit "Unter den Linden"
(thousands of plastic bears, each with a human hand and with a bear paw).
At the 7th "East Elbian" professional training seminar on the theme of
sects, youth religions and occultism by the Dialog Zentrum Berlin we were able
to meet some interesting people, like Representative Mrs. Renate Rennebach and
Mrs. Solveig Prass, for example, and also Mr. Ruediger Hauth (has some
fascinating anecdotes), Ingolf Christiansen, Kurt Kreibohm and Gunar Werner, an
ex-Mormon (www.mormonen.de) who has taken a leading role in people leaving the
Mormons.
Towards the end of my book presentation which took place on the evening of
November 10th, Thomas Gandow grabbed Tilman Hausherr's Xenu cap and told the
story of Xenu (I thought I would fall off my chair). I had a capable assistant
who helped out and removed minor catastrophes. I was especially happy to see
Natascha Kobitzsch, who works to communicate a very extensive knowledge about
Scientology and who even went through a situation similar to mine. Gerhard
Foerster made poignant and very pointed comments, impressing OSA with how
certain Hubbard quotes roll off the tongue, e.g., "We would rather have you
dead than incapable."
The cold buffet turned out to be hot gourd soup, warm onion cakes (mmmmh!),
Austrian wine and nuts from my garden (that would be those the squirrels didn't
get).
That was the way the Austrian section of the audience wanted to express their
appreciation for the outstanding cooperation in an aggression-free atmosphere by
the organizers, the Dialog Zentrum Berlin and Reverend Thomas Gandow.
The problems on the theme at hand were worked out and came together through the
efforts of the participants of this professional training seminar, not to
mention the experiences of individual work groups who are confronted with that
sort of thing daily, and were heard eagerly in a new light. This trans-national
exchange of thoughts and experience was very important for our little group.
On our way back home though, we heard the sad news of the overhead cable cars in
Kaprun; I used to use that lift a lot when I drove up to ski at the
Kitzsteinhorn. Our little traveling Austrian group was strongly affected by
this news.
LG
Ilse Hruby
--
"Meine Ehe mit einem Scientologen":
http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/3579011456/
Interview anläßlich der Bucherscheinung:
http://home.snafu.de/tilman/mystory/Interview.Ilse.Hruby.html
U.S. Congress Committee on International Relations unanimously passes
resolution against discrimination of religious minorities in Austria.
President Clinton to speak with leading government representatives.
Vienna, Austria
October 5, 2000
OTS
Vienna - The U.S. Congress' Committee on International Relations has
unanimously passed a clearly worded resolution that calls for President Clinton
to take up violations of religious freedom with representatives of the Austrian
federal government. Besides Austria, France, Germany and Belgium were also
among those who have to face reproach for their politics of discrimination
against religious minorities.
Resolution number 588 more clearly than every before reflects the distinct
position of the U.S. committee members that drastic measures will be required
in response to the violation of religious freedom and to the violation of the
ban on discrimination in several western European states.
The main points of criticism on Austria's dealing with Scientologists are the
discriminatory measures on the civil, political and economical levels, the "Federal
Law on religious denominations" which is meant to prevent acknowledgment of
various religions, as well as the "Federal Center for Sect Issues"
which was established by Families Minister Martin Bartenstein and which "disseminates
official propaganda on religious groups not recognized by the government,"
as the resolution says literally.
"More than anybody else, the OeVP party, which has been been most diligent
in the work of establishing this religious politic of discrimination, should
finally break the hold of the state churches and go the path of equal treatment
and of dialogue. There has not been any room on the international stage for
measures of systematic persecution against people who think differently for a
long time," Scientology spokesman Andreas Boeck commented on the
resolution.
The resolution names a a broad palette of measures in France, Germany, Austria
and Belgium which discriminate against Baptists, Seventh Day Adventists,
Scientologists, charismatics, Jehova's Witnesses, Moslems, Mormons (Church of
Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints) and other communities.
For further info: Andreas Boeck [numbers given]
Angelika Thonauer
*** OTS-ORIGINALTEXT UNTER AUSSCHLIESSLICHER INHALTLICHER
VERANTWORTUNG DES AUSSENDERS ***
This is related to
the original charges
the charges were dropped
and the news report, 1st person report and translation
of flyer handed out at concert
From: ARS-CC Vienna PR
Newsgroups: de.soc.weltanschauung.scientology
Subject: Arbeit des ARS-CC Vienna gewürdigt
Date: 6 Sep 2000 08:58:05 -0700
Message-ID: <8p5pid$1cbi@drn.newsguy.com>
Good News
Thanks to the diligent efforts of ARS-CC Vienna against the machinations of
Mark Janicello, our work has now also been mentioned in the "State
Department report on religious freedom"!
http://www.state.gov/www/global/human_rights/irf/irf_rpt/irf_austria.html
A number of recent incidents indicate that sensitivity to Scientology in the
country remains high. In November 1999 and June 2000, a U.S. singer experienced
harassment by an anti-Scientology group at two of his performances. The American
previously had supported the Church of Scientology at events; however since 1998
he no longer publicly has supported the organization. Police authorities fined
the demonstrators and offered police protection for the singer's next
appearances.
It's just that the claim about the fine is untrue, along with the statement that
"harassment" was practiced. But that the State Department heard
about that action at all is a strong indication that Janicello is a "new
Helnwein."
ML,
ARS-CC Vienna PR (WDNE)
arscc at a-topmail.at
Documentation in German is at http://www.awadalla.at/el/anzeige.html
Sufi Music for 29 students
New Islamic high school unique for Vienna and Europe
Vienna, Austria
November 23, 1999
Der Standard
Vienna - According to School Director Ludwig Sommer, it is not only the
first school project of its kind in Vienna, but also for all of Europe: the
Islamic High School of Vienna ["Islamische Gymnasium Wien" (IGW)] in
Ruldofsheim-Fuenfhaus. Since the beginning of this semester, nine girls and 20
boys have been going to the first and thus far only class of the new
denominational private school on Rauchfangkehrer Alley. The school was
festively dedicated on Monday with recitations from the Koran and with Sufi
music (comment: Sufis are adherents of the mystic tradition of Islam).
The students are primarily from Turkish families which have immigrated and whose
parents want them to experience their Islamic heritage through the school
community. Classes are taught in German, Islamic Religion is on the class
schedule for two hours a week and in the afternoons, language classes in Arabic
and Turkish are offered. Sommer explicitly stated that "Girls who want to
wear head cloths may do that, but there is no obligation."
The school sponsor is the "Solmit" Association ("Solidarisches
Miteinander" / Solidarity with one another). Tuition per month per child
is 2,000 Austrian shillings (145.3 Euro). That also includes lunches which have
been made in accordance with rules of Islamic food preparation. For the next
school year, two first and two second classes are planned, along with
construction of an extension to the building. By then the school should also be
a public corporation.
Islam is the third largest recognized religious denomination in Austria; in the
1991 census, 160,000 people said they were Moslems. Over one third of those,
62,305 to be exact, live in Vienna. In Austria, more than 20 churches and
religious communities are acknowledged. Nine of those were added since the "Federal
law for religious denominations" - "sect law" for short - came
into effect in 1998.
The newly recognized religious denominations include the Jehovahs Witnesses and
the Alliance of Baptist Communities. Scientology had withdrawn its application
for recognition and the Sahaja Yoga group was turned down. (APA/red)
Scientology
Vienna, Austria
July 1, 1999
DER STANDARD
The Swiss Federal Court has dismissed an objection by Scientology Church against
a new Basel criminal code. It forbids deceptive or unfair methods of
advertising on public ground. According to the Federal Court, this is not a
violation of Basic Law.
No sympathy in other Austrian states for Upper Austria's proposal
Vienna, Austria
April 28, 1999
DER STANDARD, page 13
Exclusion of Scientologists
Vienna - Franz Hiesl, Upper Austria's state personnel director, has not
found a sympathetic ear among the other Austrian states. The VP politician has
proposed - following the Bavarian model - a written statement signed by state
applicants that they are not members of Scientology, and that they do not
identify with its goals. The reason given is that membership in an
anti-democratic sect is said to be inconsistent with the oath of office. Those
who do not keep to their statement of guarantee could be dismissed.
Hiesl does not state that there is currently a real reason to believe that
Scientologists are among the applicants to state service. Neither is it known
if adherents have already infiltrated the state apparatus. The statement is
meant to be a preventive measure.
Protecting Basic Rights
"We maintain now, as we always have, that everybody has a basic right to a
private life," was the reply from the office of the Styrian state personnel
director, Gerhard Hirschmann (VP). Shutting out Scientology members from state
service in Styria is "not a theme," he said. "There have never
been any kind of problems relating to this." According to the Federal
Agency for Sect Issues in Vienna, Scientology states that it has between 5,000
and 10,000 members in Austria.
In the meantime, an advertising campaign by Scientology caused an uproar in
Vienna. The Gewista Advertising Agency is said to have laid out their posters.
According to the company's management, however, it was some other outside
advertising firm. Matters of conscience are not a topic of discussion at the
municipal personnel office in Vienna.
Something of the sort was very probably planned in Innsbruck in 1997. Municipal
workers were to have their "state compatibility" reviewed. That ended
up in an agreement that the form for the oath concerning the federal
Constitution would be "heavily emphasized," said Lothar Mueller, who
was an SP city council member at the time. In the state of Tyrol a career ban
on Scientologists is not presently under consideration.
That contradicts the principle of religious freedom, said Joerg Haider, from the
office of the Kaerntner state director, in charge of personnel. "Job bans
will not regulate anything," said VP representative Manfred Doerler from
Vorarlberg. The personnel department also sees "no need for handling
anything." Department Chairman Helgar Wurzer said, "The problem of
sect membership has not yet come up." New hires are not asked about it.
The question of religious affiliation is part of the usual personnel form.
(red)
From: "Kurier"
September 8, 1998
SP Representative Erwin Niederwieser accused the Ministry of Families
of being tardy in the establishment of a federal sect center. "Apparently
neither the premises nor the leading personnel have been assigned for
this sect center," he said.
However, the assignment would have had to happen immediately to
be able to select the appropriate person and to recruit the individuals
qualified from which the selection could be made. If Bartenstein does
not do something about it soon, then the suspicion is roused "that
Parliament would be misused for a dispute between Bartenstein and
Scientology."
The Minister of Families reported in his answer to a letter, "Of course
the operations director will be assigned pursuant to regulation."
The reason no action has yet been taken and that the assignment was not
made earlier is that the law only came into effect on September 1. The
assertion that a place has not even been selected yet is repudiated.
This issue is already being resolved. At the moment the negotiation of
the rental contract for the property in downtown Vienna is being completed.
Of course the amount of the rent plays a a deciding role in the economic
application of tax money.
Scientology Not a Religion
From: "Salzburger Nachrichten"
July 11, 1998
Jehova's Witnesses officially a religious denomination
Eight religious denominations may now officially call themselves such.
Scientology withdrew.
Vienna (SN-job). The cult office has made their decision regarding the first
applications from religious minorities received after the new religion law.
Accordingly, eight categories may now officially refer to themselves as "religious
denominational communities." They include the Jehova's Witnesses, the
Bahai, the Adventists and the Pentecostal communities.
This "lesser recognition" relates to the law on religious
denominational communities which was passed on December 10, 1997. The gist of
this law is that religious minorities can apply for "legal entity" as
a "religious denominational community." The cult office can refuse
the application within a six month time frame if the teachings contradict the "interests
of public security, the public order, health or morals" or "violate
the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."
That means that the new status for the eight recognized "denominational
communities" is a sort of official approval. There are no misgivings that
they might prevent the psychological development of their members or that they
promote illicit behavior.
However, this "lesser recognition" does not include privileges such as
tax exemption or the conducting of their religious education in public schools.
Those privileges are reserved for the twelve religions that were recognized as
churches by the "greater recognition law" of 1874.
The Jehova's Witnesses, who are striving for "greater recognition,"
must now wait 10 years as an "observation interval." Besides that,
they must obtain a membership of 15,000 members.
Worthy of note, Scientology withdrew its application for the status of "religious
denominational community." It is possible that that group wishes to avoid
review of it books, which would be required for application. Scientology is
under surveillance by domestic intelligence in Germany and is embroiled in
commercial controversy as a psycho-cult.
The Hindu Mandir society also prematurely withdrew its application.
The application of Sahaja Yoga (Vishwa Nirmala Dharma Austria) was refused by
the cult office because of reservations they had about the meditation
techniques.
From:
http://www.salzburg.com/zeitung/98/07/11/innenpolitik-24047.html
"Psycho-market" Warning
From: "Kleine Zeitung"
June 4, 1998
Scientology threatens Bartenstein. Sects and Consumer Protection.
Alarming facts about the activities of sects and psycho-cults were noted
yesterday during an in camera Parliamentary inquiry. The German expert, Jurgen
Keltsch, reported that Scientology maintains a camp for the re-education of
members in the vicinity of Copenhagen. Yesterday Scientology announced a
campaign against Families Minister Martin Bartenstein, who has consistently been
warning about the dangers of this group that disguises itself as a religious
community.
Yesterday Bartenstein granted an interview with the "Kleine Zeitung"
in which he described the known pattern with which Scientology threatens its
opponents. The fact that the sect is now being so aggressive only serves to
prove that previous warnings were justified.
After the summer break, the Parliament will discuss a law about nationwide
[throughout Austria] sect advisory boards. That is one of the results of
yesterday's inquiry, to which all five parliamentary parties were invited. They
stood under the leadership of OeVP Representative Josef Hochtl. Besides sects,
the constantly expanding psycho-market will have to be kept under observation in
the future, said Hochtl. That is a theme for consumer protection, because tens
of billions (Austrian shillings) flow into this area.
Hans Winkler
Gullible Dilettantes
The Austrian branch of Scientology is hardly a threat to the state, but
it's probably a different story with its own members
Vienna, Austria
July 28, 1997
Austrian Profil magazine Nbr. 31
by Bert Ehgartner and Claudia Hefner
"Everyone knew about us being members of Scientology. It's humanly very
disappointing, to see how our own political party is behaving." Alfred
Szczepanski, pharmacist, VP local assemblyman and city treasurer in
Oberpullendorf, Burgenland [1], is getting tired of his fellow party members'
discussion about him. Last Thursday at three o'clock in the morning he
spontaneously went on vacation with his wife, Mia-Thes, and his three children.
In the meantime the employees of his "Apotheke zum Mohren" are
continuing to sell pills with the "Cal-Mag Formula." This obscure
mixture of mineral salts, vitamins and vinegar was developed by Scientology
grandfather L. Ron Hubbard himself, and is supposed to have beneficial effects
and protect those who have suffered lethal radiation from atom bombs, among
other things. "It is recommend as detoxification for all members,"
recalls ex-Scientologist Gerhard Foerster, "A dreadful experience in taste."
"The drink has less of a medicinal effect than it does a cult status,"
explained Viennese cult expert and book author El Awadalla, "because either
you first buy the Scientology philosophy and then the brew, or vice versa."
In fact the bitter medicine is apparently selling as little in Austria as is
Scientology itself. For many years its membership has stalled at about 5,000.
In the Viennese Center and in the mission of Salzburg, Wolfsberg and, since last
year, also Graz, barely 50 staff are employed.
The local people would never go for people with names like Tom Cruise, Chick
Corea or John Travolta. The only one that really got their attention was shock
painter Gottfried Helnwein [2], who cofounded the Viennese center in the early
1970s. Fashion original, LIF expellee Pepi Wagner and practicing physician Thomas
Kroiss are the exceptions. And even they do not publicly profess to Scientology
like Tom Cruise, but try to play down their connections.
"We were always a downright gullible lot of dilettantes," admits
ex-disciple Foerster, "and even today, essentially nothing has changed."
He does not think that Scientology is a threat to the state, but to its own
members. "We believed that Hubbard would make us into the only true
professionals of the psyche. Instead of that we could not even calculate the
effects of our non-professional therapy sessions." Foerster bitterly
recalls the case of a young woman who committed suicide shortly after a
recruitment meeting. "I am still asking myself whether I share the
responsibility for that."
He said he was one of the "doers" who worked on staff to recruit new
members. Their wages were reset every week by headquarters based on "productivity."
"Once we'd get 100 shillings, the next time 2,000 shillings," recalls
graphic artist Foerster, who worked as a staff member in the inner circle of the
cult. The Field Staff Members (FSMs) proselytize in Scientology's field
service, and they get a commission of about ten percent of what they sign up
their recruits for. Most sales come from the personality course. The courses
sold as enticements may only cost 1,000 shillings, but fees rapidly increase to
over 15,000 shillings per day of auditing to learn about Hubbard's findings.
The rules are strict, and only a fraction of the take stays in Austria. The
rest is skimmed off by the centers in Copenhagen and Los Angeles. The "Sea
Org" is an elite organization estimated to have over a thousand members; it
takes care of things like finance and its members have the highest degree of
training; they fly into the provinces to handle problems and commandeer respect
with their improvised uniforms. "The Sea Org missionaires would pull off a
big one when they came to visit," Foerster recalls.
Austria, the money drop-off point
"Random pieces of scenery" from the Scientology empire are collected
by the Green Party cult expert, Karl Oellinger: on the one hand the donor lists
of the Austrian branches show that Austrians are relatively well-to-do in an
international comparison. On the other hand, it is known that Scientology
Germany attempted to open bank accounts in the Austria Tyrol after the German
Postbank closed the organization's accounts following a court decision.
Oellinger ponders what the self-proclaimed religion could have used the accounts
for: "They could have been money drop-off points," he speculates. "Or
the income from covert activities by Scientology in Austria, such as the direct
distribution business, could have been deposited there."
The Greens Party representative is convinced that it has been and still is
simple for Scientology to target specified professional groups in Austria,
especially in management or business consulting fields, which have been the
traditional domains for the so-called religion.
"In no case were we supposed to tell anyone about the contents of the
course, nor even show them the course documents," former "Tele Control"
employee Susanne Seidel* recalled from a peculiar seminar. In May 1995, the
daughter firm, specializing in computer systems, of a US corporation, approached
its staff about a "Success through Communication" seminar, which was
offered by a company called "Business Success." Soon the
approximately 20 seminar participants began having doubts about the intentions
of the two people giving the presentation: "They acted very
unprofessionally." In response to the question of what the seminar
documents were based on, they received a terse answer that these were the
findings of an American psychologist. It was not until the last day of the
seminar that Seidel discovered the copyright by L. Ron Hubbard on the documents.
"We exercise absolutely no manipulation or pressure on our customers in
regards to Scientology," reported Franz Wagner, operations manager of
Business Success. Wagner himself, of course, is a top-drawer Scientologist.
In reality, as far as is known, nobody who has ever taken the Communication
Course Seminar has become a Scientologist as a result. Apparently the attempts
of Viennese practicing physician Thomas Kroiss were more successful: "Even in
his surgery room there were Scientology utensils," relates a former member.
In 1988, Kroiss may have succeeded, according to the "Wirtschafts-Woche,"
in getting the manager of the "Laenderbank" interested in
Scientology's ideas. But when his connection to Scientology was revealed in
1992, the man had to give the personnel chief his word of honor that he would
leave Scientology - but he still lost his key position.
Since the early 1990s, the organization, which is structured
totalitarianistically, has been broadening its field of operation, accord to
expert El Awadalla. The new target groups of David Miscavige, the present
Scientology boss, are children and teenagers. Scientologists around the world
are encouraged to distribute Hubbardist teachings in kindergartens and schools.
In Vienna a "Kreativ College" has been in existence for Scientology
children, but Scientology's brochures are also being found in diverse popular
hot spots - mostly on "special interest themes," like drug programs
from Scientology.
In response to the strong discussion this past week, Scientology Austria has
reacted with hectic public information work: in Vienna, free copies of "Freedom"
magazine were handed out. Headlines: "Religious Freedom in Danger."
And in an open letter to the federal president and chancellor, signed by 31 "normal
citizens who maintain Scientology as a belief" (including Business Success
operations manager Wagner), people are advised about things becoming the way
they are in Germany. Up there the rage against Scientology is said to have
become the people's cynical sport. In many places, membership in Scientology is
viewed as incompatible with posts in public service. The decision is strongly
criticized, especially by US human rights organizations.
Scientology spokesman Andreas Boeck never gets tired of mentioning US support
[3]. "We are only being demonized this way in Germany and Austria. It is
truly absurd that a Catholic sect spokesman thinks that we are dangerous. That
is so if Billa [4] can be called a corner grocery."
Scientology is making political party secretaries uneasy. Press spokesman Boeck
stated to "profil" magazine that, besides Szczepanski, there were
still nine other Scientologists who held posts in political parties. El
Awadalla gives a tip for political party domestic detectives: "They can
look in any communities where there are a rather large number of Scientologists,
that would be in Wolfsberg, Kittsee and in Marchtrenk."
*Name changed by the publishers
[1] The Austrian state of Burgenland borders Hungary,
from
http://www.burgenland.at
Area 3.966 km² - population (1991) 270,880
Source: ÖSTAT, Amt der Bgld. Landesregierung (as of 1.1.1999)
[2] For an entire book about Scientology's Austrian godfather Gottfried
Helnwein, read Peter Reichelt's book on Helnwein.
[3] This is true. On October 5, 2000, Austrian Scientology press spokesman Boeck even
went a little overboard in his enthusiasm for saying how much the US congress
supported Scientology. He reported that HRES 588 was passed UNANIMOUSLY
by the US House Committee on International Relations
[4] http://www.billa.at, Austrian supermarket chain. New stores in Salzburg and
Voralburg. The Vienna store has online shopping with home delivery of over
5,000 items.