Who are Anonymous?
Anonymous are a masked collective with a strong opposition to Scientology’s practices and tactics recently crystallised on highly trafficked on-line forums, with some outspoken critics of Scientology gathering under the heading of “Anonymous.” We come from many different occupations, faiths and walks of life, this loose conglomeration of grass roots activists has grown exponentially to include ex-Scientologists, long-time cult researchers, and concerned citizens from all walks of life. The movement is now focusing its efforts on off-line activities, including this global wave of protests at Scientology centres around the globe, as well as the lobbying of lawmakers to revoke Scientology’s tax-exempt status around the world.
Where do you get your orders? Who is your leader?
The concept that is most difficult for non-Anonymous to understand is the lack of leadership and the amount of ideological diversity within the ranks of Anonymous. Remember Anonymous is just a label, without requirements, anyone can be Anonymous. Anonymous represents all ages, all faiths, all nationalities, all political stances, all levels of computer literacy. We have no leaders, no managers, no headquarters or centralized meeting place. Imagine Anonymous as this enormous, free-form group of tens of thousands of Anonymous individuals. Each giving support in their own way, be it handing out flyers, making YouTube videos, talking on-line or protesting in the streets.
Every member of Anonymous participates only as much as they wish and is involved based on their ability or will. Anyone can be Anonymous simply by adopting the name for themselves.
What got Anonymous interested in Scientology?
We are not opposed to the beliefs of Scientology but we are strongly opposed to the corrupt, cultish and insidious methods of the Church of Scientology that not only lies to, intimidates and harasses both its members and those that oppose it but also distorts law and the meaning of religion to its own ends while seeking to censor and interrupt our cherished online freedom. As such we have galvanised ourselves to expose the Church of Scientology for the malign influence on society that it truly is.
The Church claims that Anonymous are a group of religious bigots, motivated by hate. Our activities and protests are not directed at the church and its followers but purely at the organisation that runs and operates the church and against the gross human rights violations that have been committed against parishioners and critics during it’s troubled history.
Anonymous are protesting globally against the criminal actions of Scientology – The maltreatment of members, blackmail of ex-members, assault and harassment of critics and mysterious deaths and suicides connected with the church.
Why are we wearing masks?
At the moment, most activists are electing to stay masked and anonymous while protesting in public, as Scientology has a well-documented history of bringing litigation, harassment and slander upon its critics. Physical and verbal assault occurred against members of Anonymous during our last protests.
Scientology policy labels all critics as “fair Game” and actively encourages followers to deceive, lie and injure them without impunity. Anonymous has experienced “Fair Game” retaliation tactics and we’re protecting ourselves in a very public way.
About our protests!
These protests are entirely peaceful and designed to increase public awareness of the various unethical practices of the CoS, while simultaneously demonstrating public support for any members of the Church who are too afraid to leave.
Scientology, like all religions, is a belief system, a way of perceiving and decoding the world around us. Anonymous completely supports for ideals of free speech and freedom of religion – this is precisely the reason why these protests are taking place.
Tell me more about the church of Scientology!
Low-level practitioners of this “religion” are basically using mild hypnosis for self-help. They want to better themselves, and who could blame them? As you move up the ladder, though, each step costs more and more money, and along come more outlandish claims (”Scientology can cure arthritis/polio/cancer” “Aliens enslaved us 75 million years ago”). If you can’t get to the next step on the ladder, it’s your fault and you have to pay more to try again. This pyramid scheme costs over $350,000 to reach the highest point of the Church.
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