Members of the London Church of Scientology feel disheartened by its lack of success.
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Scientology has never achieved the same degree of recognition or popularity as it has in the United States, despite opening its first facility in London in 1955, almost 70 years ago.
Stricter laws and a more sceptic attitudes towards Scientology are two factors contributing to scientology’s dilemma of influence in London.
The more secular growing atmosphere in London is a major factor in Scientology’s low exposure.
The highest court in the United Kingdom formally acknowledged Scientology as a religion in December 2013.
The decision put an end to a five-year court fight in which Louisa Hodkin, a Scientologist, fought for the legal right to get married at the central London Church of Scientology chapel.
Only recently The Church of Scientology won an appeal over whether its chapel is a place of “public religious worship”.
There are 55,000 official registered members in US compared to only 1,800 in the UK.
Of those 1,800, just 258 adherents live in London according to a ONS study.
This corresponds with the data published by the Office of National Statistics which shows the number of people identifying with ‘no religion’ or atheism, jumped by over 8 million, from 25% to 37% between 2011 and 2021.
In the UK, people are typically more suspicious of organised secular religion, particularly of recent religious movements.
In terms of scientology’s public image, the majority of British people still have an unfavourable view on Scientology.
70% have a negative opinion of Scientology, according to a 2019 YouGov survey, and this scepticism is especially noticeable in London.
In contrast, the U.S. has a more deeply rooted religious plurality, making it easier for new groups like Scientology to find a place.
A-list stars such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta have also platformed and financed the religion in America.
It has been challenging for Scientology to become popular due to the church’s reputation for secrecy and controversy, as well as widely-publicized claims of coercive techniques made by former members.
Speaking to those involved
I spoke to a former scientologist, Peter Griffith who runs a forum online to help those who want to leave scientology or speak out against it.
“The public in Britain are much more cynical to scientology, but they still manage to sell their dianetic courses, just on a much smaller scale. Britain is not completely relaxed with the idea that scientology is a religion that can help people, however I have spoken to many who were a victim to their London churches.”
Peter then went on to detail the techniques the church may use, which he believes is a form of harassment.
“Once they think they have you, they will bombard you with emails, calls and post. In extreme cases they may come to where you live.”
Peter also mentioned a comparison between the London and American bases.
“Its a goliath of an institution especially in Los Angeles. Its backed by real credible A list stars. We don’t really have that here.”
I went to 146 Victoria street with the hope that I could have a detailed sit down chat with a registered scientologist.
Although they wouldn’t spare me a recorded interview. Annie, a scientologist gave me a brief statement.
“We receive disheartening coverage from the media, we put people first and want to show that we can make lives so much better and more successful. Scientologists here know that joining the church was the best decision they made.”
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HeadlineLondon Scientology struggles to match influence of U.S. churches
Short HeadlineLondon Scientology doesn't match U.S. church success
StandfirstWhy is scientology in London struggling to make a name for itself?
Scientology has never achieved the same degree of recognition or popularity as it has in the United States, despite opening its first facility in London in 1955, almost 70 years ago.
Stricter laws and a more sceptic attitudes towards Scientology are two factors contributing to scientology’s dilemma of influence in London.
The more secular growing atmosphere in London is a major factor in Scientology’s low exposure.
The highest court in the United Kingdom formally acknowledged Scientology as a religion in December 2013.
The decision put an end to a five-year court fight in which Louisa Hodkin, a Scientologist, fought for the legal right to get married at the central London Church of Scientology chapel.
Only recently The Church of Scientology won an appeal over whether its chapel is a place of “public religious worship”.
There are 55,000 official registered members in US compared to only 1,800 in the UK.
Of those 1,800, just 258 adherents live in London according to a ONS study.
This corresponds with the data published by the Office of National Statistics which shows the number of people identifying with ‘no religion’ or atheism, jumped by over 8 million, from 25% to 37% between 2011 and 2021.
In the UK, people are typically more suspicious of organised secular religion, particularly of recent religious movements.
In terms of scientology’s public image, the majority of British people still have an unfavourable view on Scientology.
70% have a negative opinion of Scientology, according to a 2019 YouGov survey, and this scepticism is especially noticeable in London.
In contrast, the U.S. has a more deeply rooted religious plurality, making it easier for new groups like Scientology to find a place.
A-list stars such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta have also platformed and financed the religion in America.
It has been challenging for Scientology to become popular due to the church’s reputation for secrecy and controversy, as well as widely-publicized claims of coercive techniques made by former members.
Speaking to those involved
I spoke to a former scientologist, Peter Griffith who runs a forum online to help those who want to leave scientology or speak out against it.
“The public in Britain are much more cynical to scientology, but they still manage to sell their dianetic courses, just on a much smaller scale. Britain is not completely relaxed with the idea that scientology is a religion that can help people, however I have spoken to many who were a victim to their London churches.”
Peter then went on to detail the techniques the church may use, which he believes is a form of harassment.
“Once they think they have you, they will bombard you with emails, calls and post. In extreme cases they may come to where you live.”
Peter also mentioned a comparison between the London and American bases.
“Its a goliath of an institution especially in Los Angeles. Its backed by real credible A list stars. We don’t really have that here.”
I went to 146 Victoria street with the hope that I could have a detailed sit down chat with a registered scientologist.
Although they wouldn’t spare me a recorded interview. Annie, a scientologist gave me a brief statement.
“We receive disheartening coverage from the media, we put people first and want to show that we can make lives so much better and more successful. Scientologists here know that joining the church was the best decision they made.”
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