Tag Archive for ‘Church of Scientology’ at Dogmatic

I noticed some flyers last weekend promoting the ‘Anonymous’ protest against the Church of Scientology. From what I have seen of these past worldwide protests - they look like they can be a lot of fun. Add to the fact that there could be some damn fine photo opportunities and a protest against the kooks of the Church of Scientology is something I am all for - yours truly was sure going to attend.

What can I tell you, I’m a sucker for seeing masked people running through the streets of Melbourne. I just wish I had reacted in time and got a mask for myself.

But before I continue, let me state from the outset - I’m all for people believing in whatever they damn well please. As long as they don’t preach to me or have the audacity to suggest how I should live my life - then I am totally cool. Heck, it would be refreshing if one day we could protest ALL religions/cults/pie-in-the-sky-smoke-dreams and the like… (heh!) - but at least this is a start.

According to the Phobic Media website which was distributing the flyer I saw last week, “…This is a peaceful demonstration to educate the general public in regards to the vindictive and often illegal policies secretly employed against enemies of the Church of Scientology. We also wish to address the misinformed and harmful teachings that have in the past led to the destitution and even death of members of the Church…”

That’s reason enough for me.

The hard-sell was to let my girlfriend know what I wanted to do this weekend!

Sam: "You wanna what?"

Me: "I wanna protest against the Church of Scientology and their evil ways! We can wear masks and march as one, and chant anti-Co$ slogans, and take photos, and be part of the fun!"

Sam: "The what?"

Me: "The Church of Scientology. You know, Tom Cruise, Xenu… that really cool South Park episode…"

Sam: "And you want me there too?"

Me: "Of course babe, it won’t be any fun without you!"

It kinda went all like that. Kinda.

So Sam and I headed to the city a little after 1.30 and met up with the masked throng on the steps of Flinders Street Station. It resembled organized-chaos but everyone present was definitely in the spirit of things and already, there was an atmosphere of fun and frivolity and it all felt like it would be a peaceful (yet colorful) protest.

I scouted around the crowd and took a few shots and the next thing I knew was that Sam had adorned a bandana of her own. (I knew I shoulda bought that Slipknot mask from a couple of months ago!)

We all marched as one to the Melbourne branch of the Church of Scientology.

Funnily enough, the CO$ had all but shut shop entirely. Guess they were a little too scared to be standing in their steps inviting people in for their ‘test’.

It was a great day. I enjoyed the heck out of protesting against this particular hokey religion. Now if we can hit Christianity next!