Scientology in the UK Media

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Immigration Rules: A Letter to the editor

The Times, 14 January 1997

     From the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Home Office 

     Sir, Your correspondents Ruth Gledhill and Michael Gove (January 10)
reflect earlier reports suggesting that there had been a change of policy
with regard to Scientologists who may seek to enter the United Kingdom as
ministers of religion, missionaries or members of religious orders. 

     I should like to clarify the position. There has been no change. The
Government's position remains as stated by the then Home Secretary in
1980. Scientology is not regarded as a religion for the purposes of the
immigration rules. Scientologists will not therefore qualify under those
provisions of the immigration rules relating to ministers of religion,
missionaries or members of religious orders. 

     Yours sincerely,
     TIMOTHY KIRKHOPE,
     Home Office,
     Queen Anne's Gate, SW1.
     January 10.

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