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Mind cult hits back
Scottish Daily Express, Saturday 27 July 1968
Shocked Scottish leaders of an organisation branded by the Government as "an objectionable" cult yesterday hit back.
Officials of the Hubbard College of Personal Independence in Edinburgh, which promotes the cult of scientology, described the Government's criticism as "insane."
The Attack came from Mr. Kenneth Robinson, Minister of Health. He said:
"Scientology is a pseudo-philosophical cult introduced into this country some years ago from the United States.
The Government are satisfied, having reviewed all the available evidence, that scientology is socially harmful. It alienates members of families and attributes disgraceful motives to all who oppose it.
Above all its methods can be a serious danger to the health of those who submit to them. There is evidence that children are now being indoctrinated."
Expanding
An executive at Hubbard College, 21-year-old Madeleine Litchfield, said yesterday:
"There is nothing in our organisation which would cause the Government concern. We are simply trying to make people into better people."
Blonde, mini-skirted Miss Litchfield, a communicator at the Couth Brigde headquarters, added: "The Government's attack on us is insane. We are an organisation which is expanding and the Government don't seem to like it."
Mr. William Robertson, the commanding officer of the Hubbard College, said:
"At the college we receive over 150 success stories every week from persons who have regained abilities, the spirit of youth and a natural free flow of espression and love of life."
Mrs Jane Kember, 31-year-old deputy guardian of the Church of Scientology, said at her world headquarters in Sussex yesterday:
"This is not a mind-bending cult. It is a religion - aligned to Buddhism and accepting that man is a spiritual being."
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