Anti-Scientology Conference in Clearwater May 5-11 - 2014-04-15

Anti-Scientology Conference in Clearwater May 5-11 April 15, 2014, Deirdra Funcheon, New Times Broward-Palm Beach

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It's kind of amazing that there's anyone left in Scientology, given all of the bad press this so-called religion has received -- from Tom Cruise's couch-jumping, revelations about Xenu, and some high-profile exits from the church.

But one drive past the organization's headquarters -- a historic building called "Flag" in downtown Clearwater -- and you'll see devotees swarming, dressed in crisp white shirts and dark pants, evidence that some people are still believers in the elaborate scheme devised by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard.

The church is notoriously vindictive toward those who have left it. Ex-members say they have been cut off from their families, framed for child abuse or child molestation, and otherwise publicly humiliated.

Wikipedia cite:

{{cite news | first = Deirdra | last = Funcheon | title = Anti-Scientology Conference in Clearwater May 5-11 | url = http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2014/04/huge_anti-scientology_conference_clearwater.php | work = New Times Broward-Palm Beach | date = April 15, 2014 | accessdate = August 13, 2019 }}