 Logo of Scientology Missions International | |
| Formation | 1981 |
|---|---|
| Type | Religious |
| Legal status | Non-profit |
| Purpose | Management for the network of Scientology missions |
| Headquarters | 6331 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, 90028, USA |
Parent organization | Church of Scientology International |
| Website | smi.org |
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Scientology Missions International (SMI) is a Californian 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, which is located in Los Angeles, California.[1] SMI is part of the Church of Scientology network.
While being a corporation, SMI is also a management entity, which is ecclesiastically integrated within the mother church of Scientology, the Church of Scientology International. SMI runs on a worldwide basis the so-called "Scientology Missions", which are beginner organizations within the Church of Scientology network. These Missions offer basic Dianetics and Scientology services to Scientology members and to the general public. The official website of SMI states the following about Scientology Missions and the functions of SMI:
... [A] Scientology Mission is the entrance point in Scientology for people of all faiths and walks of life. Here, people become introduced to Dianetics and Scientology technology. ... Scientology missions also preside over naming ceremonies, officiate over marriages and funerals and are there to assists those in distress. ... To assist missions in these endeavors, Scientology Missions International (SMI) was formed to act as the mother church for all missions. SMI's international offices provide guidance, help and direction for existing missions through a global network of continental offices. Through training manuals, apprenticeships, direct consultation, magazines, newsletters, promotion and a wealth of other materials, SMI provides the wherewithal new and existing missions need to function and expand. ..."[2]
In a 1993 memorandum by the Church of Scientology International, the following information was provided to the Internal Revenue Service with regards to SMI's role, its personnel and its income:
... Missions ..., nearly 100 in the United States alone and over 250 worldwide, minister the lowest levels of religious services to parishioners within their localities. Missions are under the ecclesiastical authority of SMI, which in turn is under the ecclesiastical authority of CSI. SMI itself has a staff of approximately 26 individuals and an annual budget of approximately $2.6 million, based on its annual disbursements for the most recent year for which financial statements are available...."[3]
- ^ Letter by the Internal Revenue Service to Flemming Paludan, Regional Director, Danish Tax-Office, Washington, D.C., USA, December 22nd, 1993
- ^ "About Scientology Missions International, official website of SMI". Archived from the original on July 9, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2008.
- ^ Summary Description of Churches of Scientology - RTC, CSI, CSFSSO, CSFSO, Other Churches, Missions, Field Ministers, CSI Prod. 11-4-93, Bate Stamp: 151396 - 151398, Ex. 1-3, Washington, DC, 1993