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Letters: Advertising Scientology
The Economist 14 December 1996
By PHILIPP LEHRBASS Your advertisements for the Church of Scientology are an embarrassment. Scientology's aim is to exploit and brainwash people. By taking part in a campaign for the organisation, you contribute to the rising power and influence of Scientology worldwide. PHILIPP LEHRBASS Eichstaett, Germany By GARY KINGSBURY I am surprised and saddened to see advertisements for the Church of Scientology appearing in The Economist. It is a great shame that a journal of your reputation should publish them. Their appearance in your pages gives the organisation an air of authenticity and respectability it does not deserve. GARY KINGSBURY London By UNA WOLF-BRENNAN We are shocked and horrified that a magazine of your high standard would accept advertisements from the Church of Scientology. Contrary to the Scientologists' claim that their members operate 'solely for the benefit of mankind', there are many ex-members of this so-called religion who have had very different experiences. The Church of Scientology is a ruthless business organisation with its sights set solely on financial gain. Its members acquire an incredible desire for power and domination. As for their claim that 'protecting human rights is second nature', how does this tie in with the brainwashing that is part of the organisation's set-up? UNA WOLF-BRENNAN PETER BRENNAN Lake Lucerne, Switzerland Editor's note: We published these advertisements, in our British and European editions, on free-speech grounds, believing our readers to be capable of making up their own minds on the issue.
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