Scientologists seek to use UK riots to recruit members

The Church of Scientology is using the aftermath of the UK riots to recruit people for their controversial sect, according to Political Scrapbook.

A “Scientology Volunteer Force” appeared at the cleanup operation in Birmingham City Centre this morning, purporting to be there to help sweep up. In reality, they stayed for around ten minutes – just long enough to convince members of the public to come back to their centre and “learn more” about the organisation.

According to a cleanup helper, the five volunteers, who wore the sect’s trademark yellow jackets, each left with a member of the public in the direction of their nearby recruitment office.

Scientologists have been spotted recruiting in Tottenham this morning, and were reportedly handing out flyers in Ealing yesterday. Clean up helpers in Tottenham say around eight people wearing yellow Scientology branded T-shirts have been handing out leaflets and literature. Servane Mouazan, a volunteer said not all of the sect members were in uniform:

“One was not wearing any t-shirt but had camera and tripod with her – when I asked her if she was about to film and was she from the Scientology Church, she confirmed.”

Mouazan also said two men in suits, who were not wearing badges, but confirmed they were members of Scientology, were asking for directions to the nearest housing estate.

Around six Scientologists handed out booklets at the cleanup operations at Salford Precinct this afternoon, posting leaflets through people’s doors and filming. Local volunteer Peter Morris said: “I don’t think pseudo-religious pamphlets is where the needs of Salford people is right now.

The controversial sect routinely send “Volunteer Ministers” to recruit members in the immediate aftermath of disasters. They arrive bearing supplies, food and water, then begin offering medically dubious “therapies” known as “assists” to people suffering from extreme shock.

Scientologists were accused of “Intentionally confusing [the] public” by the US National Mental Health Association, for presenting themselves as mental health professionals during the 9/11 cleanup.

Closer to home, it was revealed following the 7/7 bombings, that the Metropolitan Police had given the sect privileged access to logistical information, allowing them to be among the first on the scene. They were booted out of the blast area by police.

Previously: Scientologists 'heal' Haiti quake victims using touch