SECURITY was tight as hundreds of Scientologists and their guests gathered to open the controversial church’s new headquarters in Ascot Vale, Melbourne, on Saturday.
All afternoon, a procession of well-dressed church members could be seen making their way to the Mt Alexander Rd site, which was guarded by about 20 security guards.
High-profile Scientologist Kate Ceberano arrived about 4.30pm.
The massive compound, which was bought from the Catholic Church for $7 million in 2005, has been renovated at an estimated cost of $20 million and includes a large chapel, a public auditorium, course rooms and a multimedia public information centre.
Guests – including Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle – arriving for the opening were greeted by a small number of protesters wearing masks and chanting anti-Scientology slogans.
“I am here because my friend Kate Ceberano invited me to be here, and people should take nothing more from it than that,” Mr Doyle said.
But he was attacked by independent South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon.
“He is the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and indirectly he is lending his support to this organisation,” he said.
All afternoon, a procession of well-dressed church members could be seen making their way to the Mt Alexander Rd site, which was guarded by about 20 security guards.
High-profile Scientologist Kate Ceberano arrived about 4.30pm.
The massive compound, which was bought from the Catholic Church for $7 million in 2005, has been renovated at an estimated cost of $20 million and includes a large chapel, a public auditorium, course rooms and a multimedia public information centre.
Guests – including Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle – arriving for the opening were greeted by a small number of protesters wearing masks and chanting anti-Scientology slogans.
“I am here because my friend Kate Ceberano invited me to be here, and people should take nothing more from it than that,” Mr Doyle said.
But he was attacked by independent South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon.
“He is the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and indirectly he is lending his support to this organisation,” he said.
What turned out beneficial? The protest or the opening? I wonder how long this business of buying elaborate buildings for no reason is going to go on. It’s a really nice scam though, one has to admire it. The local people buy the building then cede it to the church who “lets’ them borrow it so long as they keep brining in the cash. If they walk away the church has property to sell. Perfect!
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!