scopical.com.au, 5 May 2008 "Packer could be behind new Scientology facility"
Gerry Armstrong
Packer could be behind new Scientology facility: reports
James Packer could be behind the financing of a new Church of
Scientology facility in Victoria, according to reports.
News Limited newspapers report that the Church of Scientology is to
renovate and deck out a new Victorian headquarters for prayer and
worship.
The former Sisters of Mercy college on Mt Alexander Rd in Ascot Vale
is to be the site of the Church's main operations, with the
organisation believed to be selling it's Russell Street building.
Reports suggest the building was acquired for about $7 Million last
year, however the organisation's leaders would not speculate on where
the finance came from.
Data on the level of Scientology members in Australia is sketchy, with
it's membership hovering between 1000 and 3000.
Church Minister Mary Anderson however said that demand was increasing
for the Church of Scientology's services in Victoria.
"We seem to be pretty busy here and we found ourselves needing a new
building and we got one," Ms Anderson said.
"It was really people in the US. They wanted us to look around and
find a building that could be considered suitable."
The organisation has been the subject of much criticism emanating from
the United States, including an online campaign waged by activists
'Anonymous'.
Scientology has also faced questioning over related deaths inside it's
facilities, and the alleged abuse of Church members.
© Gerry Armstrong
http://www.gerryarmstrong.org