Alien balloons greet opening of Midland Scientology base
A GROUP of protesters staged a peaceful, if somewhat bizarre, demonstration as the Church of Scientology opened a new headquarters in a historic Moseley building.
The protesters released alien balloons as the controversial church revealed its new premises in the grade II-listed Pitmaston House, in Moor Green Lane, to invited guests only.
The church, often accused of being a brainwashing cult, bought the property ten years ago for £4.2 million.
As the opening took place there was a garden sing-along to We Built This City and speeches which were met with loud protests from the demonstrators.
But those trying to look on from the road were disappointed after coaches blocked the view of the property.
Security staff were on hand too.
Scientology was founded in America in the early 1950s by the science fiction author L Ron Hubbard and it counts actor Tom Cruise among one of its most high profile advocates.
Some of the protesters were ex-Scientologtists who had travelled a long way for Saturday’s opening.
Adrian Bailey, aged 51, who was a Scientologist in his twenties, said: “I never saw the really bad side of it that some people did. They helped me with my confidence.
“What annoyed me the most was that they always asked for money. And with all the secrecy, it’s not surprising people think it’s a cult.” The teacher added: “I’m a bit sceptical that they’ll hit it off here. It’s more an American thing.” William Drummond, aged 67 and a former Scientologist of 51 years, has relatives who remain in the church. His mother, Betty Wordie, was a high ranking Scientologist. He said: “People don’t understand what’s going on in their local area and that’s very frightening.” Mr Drummond, from Plymouth, added: “The main motivation for them is money, property and expansion, and that’s evident here.” One local resident said: “It’s insane. I live down the road and I can’t believe they’d want to be here.” The church has strenuously denied allegations that it is a cult and insists it is a legitimate religion – something that was backed by the Supreme Court in December 2013. It is hoping to win friends by helping in the local community. Graeme Wilson, the Church of Scientology’s UK-based public affairs director, previously said: “A major function of our churches is to give help in the local community, including with drug education, human rights education, literacy programmes, crime reduction programmes, helping those in need, and more.”