The Church of Scientology opened a national affairs office at number 4 Merrion Square yesterday, deeming Dublin the second city in the world, after Washington DC, to have one.
A line of waved Irish flags were seen and songs were sung as party streamers ignited, indicating the opening of the controversial church’s doors.
The new residence, right in the heart of the city, is said to house five staff from the Sea Org, Scientology’s elite group, whose members sign billion-year (yes, billion) contracts pledging future lifetimes to advancing their religion.
CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY CUTS A RIBBON ON NATIONAL AFFAIRS OFFICE IN THE EMERALD ISLE 10/1516 https://t.co/dWT1aelaqY pic.twitter.com/jnXlggmeDN
— Scientology (@Scientology) October 16, 2016
There will also be five permanent members of the Office of Special Affairs, whose job is to manage several of the church’s front groups, intelligence-gathering and lobbying operations.
The office, which will serve as “a PR base to host VIPs and government officials” was bought back in June 2015, for a price believed to be close to €2 million. Gerard Collins, an Irish Scientologist who is no stranger to legal battles, announced this on social media.
Louis Theroux’s recent documentary My Scientology Movie, which has not yet been given the green light to be shown in Ireland, shone light on the bizarre and controversial allegations about the religion that counts Tom Cruise as its second in command, and John Travolta amongst its ranks.
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