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Scientology works to make things better

Re: History lesson for Wilcox, editorial, June 7.

The Times editors apparently noticed for the first time that the Church of Scientology in Clearwater hosted a public event and venue for a public official to address citizens in this community. We have hosted many such functions for our neighbors and friends, and have made the Fort Harrison available to many different organizations and charitable groups over the years. Social clubs, arts groups, human rights organizations and others utilize our facilities. City, county and state public officials visit regularly to discuss matters of interest to our region. Residents enjoy our restaurant. Every week, dozens of people tour through the Fort Harrison because they want to see the beautiful facility and because they want to find out about Scientology and what we do. And almost every weekend, the Fort Harrison Ballroom or auditorium is the site of one or two weddings for people from many different religious backgrounds.

We enjoy diversity. And we fully support people who want to make a difference by helping others and improving our society. Unfortunately the Times editors have declined numerous invitations to attend our functions. That alone would explain why they seem to be living in the past. It has become a pattern where a Times reporter is welcomed inside the church to see and report activities, followed by an article reporting that news in an objective professional manner. Whereupon, one or two days later the Times turns the news into "controversy" with editorials that have now become so vitriolic, virtually everyone who knows us shrugs them off to the Times' bigotry, prejudice and bias.

Yes, Scientologists are contributing in every part of the community. We feel that it is our responsibility to use what we know to help as much as we can to improve the lives of those around us. We think everyone has that responsibility. We are especially interested in helping solve the deep rooted problems society faces today of drug addiction, illiteracy, criminality and immorality.

The drug rehabilitation center we support, Narconon Florida, has helped countless individuals fully rid themselves of the scourge of drug addiction, and was awarded "best promising practice" by the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association in 2004.

While a previous editorial by the Times admonished us to stay out of Florida's prisons, it missed the fact entirely that a cadre of volunteers working with Criminon, a program to help prison offenders regain self-respect and a moral and hopeful life, has been actively working for 20 years in 28 different prisons throughout Florida. Judging by their successes from the offenders - not only regaining integrity, ethics and self-respect, but also beginning new crime-free lives and not returning to prison - they really appreciate the help. Many Scientologists and non-Scientologists alike volunteer their time at the Community Learning Center, which uses the study technology of L. Ron Hubbard and is active throughout Tampa Bay helping youngsters and adults improve their learning ability. We consider it a privilege to be able to help people gain control of their lives in that way. Just last month the Learning Center was awarded a $50,000 grant by Gov. Jeb Bush under his Family Literacy Initiative, which will enable the center to expand its services even more.

Because they care about those who are in less fortunate positions than theirs, hundreds of parishioners last year contributed more than 20,000 hours in hurricane relief work. And they did it without desire for accolades or reward. Yet, their work did not go unnoticed as the governor recognized them as "Points of Light" Hurricane Heroes. The governor's Volunteer Florida office and the Tampa City Council also commended them for their outstanding contributions.

We not only form our own social betterment groups but we participate in civic and humanitarian groups throughout the area - Boys and Girls Clubs, Leadership Pinellas, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Clubs are among the more than 100 organizations that Scientologists, just in Tampa Bay, are involved in.

The Church of Scientology and its parishioners are a part of this community and we believe that includes a responsibility to provide any help we can in working to make it a better place for all.

[Last modified June 18, 2005, 00:45:19]