Related
Advertisements *
Elsewhere
Subscribe: RSS
RNB's RSS feed What is this? |
Subscribe: Email
![]() |
![]() Subscribe by Email What is this? |
Most Popular
- Where is the evidence supporting Todd Bentley’s miracle claims?
- Oprah’s unorthodox gospel comes under scrutiny
- Mormon missionary calendar-maker excommunicated
- Raelian lesbians attack Pope and Catholic Church
- Protests against compassionate release of Susan Atkins expand
- Kenneth Copeland challenges probe into televangelist finances
- Los Angeles Church of Scientology Commits PR Blunders
- Man who says he is Jesus brings his controversial message back to Houston
- Antonie Dixon: God told me to behead women
- Church Cancels Semiautomatic Assault Rifle Giveaway
Scientologists protested Irish church-state dialogue snub
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has angered the Church of Scientology by “snubbing” it in the official church-state dialogue process.
As part of his attempt to combat “aggressive secularism” in Irish society, he issued invitations to Catholic bishops, the Church of Ireland, the Jewish Chief Rabbi and Muslim leaders to take part in multi-faith talks.
But the Church of Scientology, which counts film stars such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta among its members, was left out.
According to documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, its Irish representative Gerard Ryan, wrote a letter of protest to Mr Ahern asking whether this had been a “pointed snub”.
“Perhaps this was simply an error of omission, and if so, I apologise for any inference I may have inadvertently made.
“However, if our church was deliberately not invited I would greatly appreciate if you would tell me why,” he wrote.
A spokesman for Mr Ahern wrote back in March last year to say that the letter would be brought to his attention — but there was no further communication with the church.
The scientologists had previously sent a DVD entitled ‘This is Scientology’ to Mr Ahern’s department and offered to meet officials at any convenient time to discuss “issues of mutual concern”.
Utopia
It says “the aims of our Church include the creation of a civilisation without war, crime or insanity, and whilst such an apparent utopia may seem unduly optimistic, nevertheless we have achieved some expertise in the handling of such issues.”
The Church of Scientology claims to have millions of members across the world, but critics have accused the organisation of financially exploiting its members by charging them fees to access information and resources.
Mr Ahern set up the church-state dialogue process after a highly publicised speech in 2005, in which he condemned “aggressive secularism” for marginalising the role of religion in society. He invited the leaders of 15 Christian churches as well as Jews, Muslims, Baha’is and humanists to Dublin Castle for the launch last year.
Mosque
The FOI request for letters sent to Mr Ahern’s department also revealed that the Cork Muslim Society attempted to enlist his help in getting a permanent mosque in the city. Its vice president Dr FW Radwan, pointed out that it had to use a rented premises for its 5,000 members.
Mr Ahern received a letter from Archbishop Brady of Armagh last June congratulating him on his re-election as Taoiseach.
He also received a personal letter from Bishop Edward Daly, perhaps best known for his role in helping the wounded on the day of Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972.
He thanked Mr Ahern for his visit to the cross-community Foyle Hospice in Derry last year and his “major and significant role” in the peace process.
According to the correspondence, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin wrote to Mr Ahern to invite him to attend Mass to mark World Peace Day on New Year’s Day.
• Scientologists protest at Ahern talks ’snub’
Like this story?
Today's Most Popular Articles |
|
Share this
To share this page simply copy and paste one of these URL's:
Article and Site Tools
» PermaLink to: Scientologists protested Irish church-state dialogue snub Need a shorter link? You can remove everything after the final / » More news articles + news archive on Scientology » More religion and cult news Subscribe (RSS / Email) [What is RSS?] » RSS News Feed - All Topics: Religion News Blog RSS Feed » RSS News Feed - Single Topic: Scientology » Headlines by Email: Daily Religion News Blog Headlines |
More Article Tools
Bookmark / Tag: Del.icio.us Bookmark / Tag: Furl Save this article Email this article Print this article [Temporarily out of order] More Information Books about Scientology Relevant books (and other goodies) |
About Religion News Blog
Religion News Blog (RNB), published by Apologetics Index, highlights news items and other resources on world religions, cults, religious sects, alternative religions and related issues. RNB's non-profit news clipping service is used by - among others - Christian apologists, countercult professionals, anticult organizations, cult experts, teachers, religion professionals, reporters and other researchers.



