Scientology for starters

Headlining a star-studded performance in Los Angeles hosted by Tom Cruise, as local singer Kate Ceberano did recently, would seem like a dream gig to many.

Celebrities and Scientology

“The Church of Scientology uses celebrity spokesmen to endorse L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings and give Scientology greater acceptability in mainstream America. As far back as 1955, Hubbard recognized the value of famous people to his fledgling, off-beat church when he inaugurated ‘Project Celebrity.’ According to Hubbard, Scientologists should target prominent individuals as their “quarry” and bring them back like trophies for Scientology. […] Celebrities are considered so important to the movement’s expansion that the church created a special office to guide their careers and ensure their ‘correct utilization’ for Scientology. The church has a special branch that ministers to prominent individuals, providing them with first-class treatment. Its headquarters, called Celebrity Centre International, is housed in a magnificent old turreted mansion on Franklin Avenue, overlooking the Hollywood Freeway.
The Selling of a Church: The Courting of Celebrities

And without doubt, a particularly good vehicle for getting your new material noticed.

We’d like to think Ceberano, who was asked to perform at the Hollywood industry event by the former Mr Kidman himself, scored the gig simply through the strength of her music.

More likely though is that Ceberano’s devotion to Scientology, the controversial religion founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard and followed by Cruise, was what got her a start at the event.

Kate performed with other notable scientologist musicians including Isaac Hayes and Chick Corea plus Beck, who has been rumoured for years to be a Scientology devotee.

Ceberano has moved temporarily back to Australia from her Los Angeles base to coincide with the release of her latest album 19 Days In New York, due out next month.

Source

(Listed if other than Religion News Blog, or if not shown above)
Herald Sun, Australia
Aug. 30, 2004
www.heraldsun.news.com.au
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Religion News Blog posted this on Monday August 30, 2004.
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