Over recent weeks, there have been a number of instances where individuals have repeatedly forced their way into Church of Scientology (CoSA) properties. Disrupting religious and public facilities, damaging CoSA property, and endangering staff, parishioners and visitors.
Some commentary has referred to these incidents as “speed running”. In reality, they involve organised and coordinated trespasses into religious and public information facilities for social media attention.
During one large-scale incident, dozens of individuals rushed into buildings without permission. Staff members were knocked down in the chaos. As a result, the CoSA is reviewing all available remedies to protect its personnel, visitors and property.
CoSA facilities are peaceful spaces designed to welcome parishioners, visitors and members of the public. This behaviour disrupts the day-to-day activities of law abiding religious facilities.
As a result, the CoSA has taken additional security measures to protect staff, visitors, parishioners and religious sites. Those measures are unfortunate, but required to protect our facilities from repeatedly being targeted by people seeking internet attention.
These incidents have been reported to the police, who have been extremely helpful across all states involved.
The CoSA continues to welcome all lawful visitors while taking measure to protect our personnel and property from individuals and groups who force entry to our premises, damage property, disrupt religious gatherings and harass our people.
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Church of Scientology Australia (CoSA)
Address: 126 Greville Street, Chatswood NSW 2067 • +61 2 9692 7300