ENGLAND DENIES SCIENTOLOGY CHARITABLE STATUS

The foreign crusade of the Church of Scientology suffered yet another setback when it recently was “denied the tax benefits that go with gaining charitable status in England and Wales,” according to a Religious News Service article. The December 9 ruling was one more defeat in Europe for the Los Angeles-based sect. Germany and several other European nations have opposed the church, claiming it is “more a business than a genuine religious movement,” the report stated.

Similarly, the Charity Commission, which oversees and regulates charities in England and Wales, stated the controversial group did not meet the qualifications of a “public benefit” organization, which is a primary requirement in securing charitable status. However, the church was granted nonprofit tax status in Sweden.

The church responded to the Charity Commission’s decision by saying they were “wrong on the law and wrong on the facts,” according to the Associated Press. Scientology says it has 15,000 followers in England.

—MKG

© 2000 - PFO. All rights reserved by Personal Freedom Outreach. This article may not be stored on BBS or Internet sites without permission. Reproduction is prohibited, except for portions intended for personal use and non-commercial purposes. For reproduction permission contact: Personal Freedom Outreach, P.O. Box 26062, Saint Louis, Missouri 63136.