Curch of England blasts 'drug salvation' claims of Scientologists

Curch of England blasts 'drug salvation' claims of Scientologists
Marketing Magazine 12Sept01
From: cep@at.com (cep)

http://www.marketing.haynet.com/news/n010913/cofe.html

[UK] Marketing Magazine - 12 September 2001 - By Tania Mason C of E blasts 'drug salvation' claims of Scientologists :

The Church of England (C of E) has condemned a poster campaign by the "Church" of Scientology that claims 250,000 lives have been ‘salvaged from drugs’ by Scientology.

The Birmingham Diocese’s complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority, declaring that the claims are unsubstantiated, is under consideration.

The posters, created in-house, appeared on billboards across Birmingham and London in August to publicise a Scientology exhibition.

Arun Arora, communications director for the Bishop of Birmingham, said the "Church" of Scientology could not prove adherence to its faith saved lives from drugs.

But Scientology spokesman Graeme Wilson said the claims were based on rehabilitation programmes run by the "church" and its affiliate charity, Narconon.

The C of E is itself the subject of a complaint to the ASA this month.

The Christian Institute has objected to a poster campaign, aimed at young people, that includes references to body piercing and drugs.