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Scientology cult wants to become a charity
Daily Mail, 30 December 1996
The controversial Church of Scientology has applied for full charitable status.
The Charity Commission confirmed it is considering an application from the religious cult, whose ministers were once banned from entering the UK. The church, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1954, has eight million members worldwide, including Hollywood stars John Travolta, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
It was recently declared a 'bona fide religion' by the Home Office, which means its ministers can preach in the UK without a work permit. Charity status would give the Scientologists tax benefits and wider fund-raising opportunities.
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