Have you ever wondered what the Church of Scientology is like from the inside? Are you fascinated as to why so many celebrities have become members over the years? And why to this day it remains shrouded in mystery and controversy?
Only last Saturday, the Church of Scientology opened a new centre in Firhouse County Dublin. It was bought for over 6 million and since it's purchase, the grounds, buildings and facilities have been upgraded. The opening was attended by around one thousand people, including infamous Scientologist David Miscavige.
Reporter Della Kilroy had the opportunity to take a private tour. She told presenter Mary Wilson about the experience and who she met there. She spoke with Scientologist Erin …. International Spokesperson for Scientology who was one of the five people who showed her around. Whilst walking the grounds, Della asked Erin about how the place is being funded. Is the organisation operating as a business in Ireland and planning to rent out their properties?
Erin said 'no, we're a non-profit and a national affairs office that opened last year… and has been working to bring our community betterment programmes to the community and that's it's sole purpose'
Della asked her what did she thinks of one of our political parties labelling the organisation a cult. Erin responded 'It's just a political stunt capitalising on our event'.
The opening was also met by a protest of locals and ex Scientology members. Reaction in the local community has been mixed and many people have expressed their concerns. One such person is Noel, a community leader and a member of the Men's Sheds group who visited the centre but is none the wiser as to why they are there and how they fund themselves…
'It's the secrecy that's attached to it ya know… certainly people came away with apprehensive about the whole thing, and what their motives are going to be you know, it's the younger people and the more vulnerable people in years to come, because, by the looks of this building, it's here for the long haul.'
In Della's report, an ex Scientology member John Duignan spoke about his own experience of the organisation and his reaction to the new centre in the capital.
'This multi-billion corporation is taking advantage of the Irish Corporate Tax System… they directly raise an awful lot of money from individuals and on top of that they raise an awful lot of money on the basis of property'
It must be said that this new centre and facilities in the area can only be a positive to the community, but only time will tell if the organisation will be fully embraced by the locals.
To hear the full report on Drivetime, you can listen here.