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Curiosity about Scientology draws church crowds
Evening Herald (Plymouth) 4 September 2000
Curious visitors poured through the doors of Plymouth Guildhall to find out more about the Church of Scientology.
The largest exhibition ever organised by the church was brought to the city as part of a tour of Europe and Britain. Organisers were expecting more than 2,000 visitors last week.
Exhibition director Brandi Druin said the event was designed to raise awareness about the church which has often been criticised by other religions.
She said: "The idea is to let people learn what Scientology is for themselves. There are lots of people who have heard about it but they do not really understand it."
She said Scientology was about spiritual freedom and giving people the tools to achieve. An auditor will work with individuals to help them overcome limitations and personal suffering which might be holding them back.
Helen Goddard, spokeswoman for the Church of Scientology in Ebrington Street, Plymouth, said it might be an issue that has been troubling a person all their lives.
An auditor will ask a question that enables that person to suddenly see the truth and the source of the problem. The church has a criminal rehabilitation programme called the Criminon, which Scientologists say addresses the underlying causes of crime.
A residential drug rehabilitation programme is also run by the church which involves using exercise, vitamins and minerals, a sauna sweat-out and sufficient rest to tackle addictions.
The church has been criticised by other religions for going against mainstream Christian beliefs. But Mrs Goddard said Scientology aims to operate in addition to other churches and is open to people of all religions.
She said: "It is a new religion and like all things new people are wary because they do not know what it is about. We have a lot of abilities in life but we do not use all of them. Scientology can show them how."
She added that the Church of Scientology provided free personality analysis which looked at factors in life that might be holding a person back. Mrs Goddard said the church is non-profit making.
And any money goes towards community activities such as the anti-drugs programme.
(Includes picture of Graeme Wilson with caption, "Church of Scientology director of public affairs Graeme Wilson" )
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