Some churches have a system of tithes, others require their members to pay for pew rentals, religious ceremonies and services. In the Church of Scientology, parishioners make donations for auditing or training they wish to take. These contributions by Scientologists are the primary source of financial support for the church and fund all the community programs and social betterment activities of Scientology. Scientologists are not required to tithe or make other donations.The church also has a “Free Scientology Center” where parishioners may receive auditing without donation, from ministers-in-training. Auditor training is encouraged by making it very economical and by also offering scholarships to deserving Scientologists. This has a dual benefit, creating valuable auditors who can help their fellows, and who can also co-audit their way up the Bridge with another student without charge.
Ideally, Dianetics and Scientology services would be free, and all Scientologists wish they were. But those are not the realities of life. When one considers the cost of delivering even one hour of auditing, requiring extensively trained specialists, and the overhead costs of maintaining church premises, the necessity of donations becomes clear.
The donation system in Scientology is the most equitable as those who use the facilities of the church are the ones who most directly contribute to its upkeep and continued existence. Naturally, no donation is expected from those not receiving auditing or training. And church doors are always open to those who wish to learn more about the philosophy of Scientology, be they parishioners or not. There are tape plays of L. Ron Hubbard's lectures, introductory lectures, books available, people to discuss questions with, and of course the more traditional church activities-Sunday services, sermons, weddings, christenings, funerals-all of which are provided without any donation necessary.
Scientology does not have hundreds of years of accumulated wealth and property like other religions-it must make its way in the world according to the economics of today's society.
Scientologists' donations keep the church alive and functioning, fund its widespread social reform programs, make Scientology known to people who may otherwise never have the opportunity to avail themselves of it and help create a safe and pleasant environment for everyone.