n 1984, the International Association of Scientologists drafted the following pledge as a statement of its position and aims. It was signed by representatives of Scientologists from around the world at Saint Hill Manor, in Sussex, England. It underscores the dedication and commitment of Scientologists everywhere.
“Time and again, throughout the troubled history of civilization on this planet, new ideas, new religions and constructive thought have met with violent opposition. Such attacks come from those who would preserve the status quo and particularly from those who seek to preserve and enhance their position through the domination, subjugation and even destruction of others. For this reason new religions have been born in blood at the cost of great sacrifice and suffering by adherents. It is only through a unity of purpose and unswerving commitment by a dedicated group that new ideas and new religions survive and expand.“Scientology has been in existence now for some thirty-four years. During that time it has suffered all manner of attacks from the forces of oppression in various countries. Yet Scientology has survived and expanded because of the dedication of its members and because it is a force for goodness and freedom which is easily recognized by men of goodwill; despite the vicious lies which are spawned by those who would enslave mankind and which are carried by the media.
“Scientology is experiencing the greatest expansion and prosperity in its history. International in scope, Scientology each week frees more people from the debilitating effects of drugs, ignorance and other sources of aberration and moves them on the path to greater awareness, self-respect and dignity than all other groups combined.
“Yet as we have learned in our thirty-four years, whenever we expand, we are attacked, commensurate with that expansion. And today is no exception.
“In the United States, which was once thought to be a haven of religious liberty, we are the targets of unprincipled attacks in the court system by those who would line their pockets from our hard won coffers. Bigots in all branches of government, fearing the success of Scientology, are bent on our destruction through taxation and repressive legislation.
“We have been subjected to illegal heresy trials in two countries before prejudiced and malinformed judges who are not qualified or inclined to perceive the truth.
“In Canada and Germany, our Churches have been subjected to vicious raids reminiscent of the historical genocide attacks on religions that took place in ‘less informed’ times and societies.
“The news media chooses to ignore the good works and miraculous successes of Scientology and instead seeks to poison public opinion through vilification of the religion and its Founder.
“The detractors of Scientology know full well that it is a proven, effective and workable system for freeing mankind from spiritual bondage. That is why they attack. They fear that they will somehow be threatened by a society which is more ethical, productive and humane through the influence of Scientology and Scientologists. Thus when we expand, to that degree we are attacked.
“Up to this day, the responsibility for defending Scientology has been on the shoulders of a desperate few. And so it will continue in large measure.
“Yet, in order to continue the quest for a new civilization where honest men have rights and freedoms abound, the assistance and dedication of each and every Scientologist and other men of goodwill is essential. The road may be difficult and may get worse due to the rapid decline of civilization and erosion of personal liberties at this time. But united in purpose and dedication, we shall prevail for the benefit of all mankind.
“We, the undersigned, pledge ourselves, without reservation or any thought of personal comfort or safety, to achieving the aims of Scientology: ‘A civilization without insanity, without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where Man is free to rise to greater heights.’
“We invite Scientologists and other well intentioned people everywhere to join us in this pledge.
“Witness our hand this Seventh day of October, A.D. 34, Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, Sussex, England.”
