Volunteer Ministers

Scientology Volunteer Ministers
AbbreviationVM
Services
  • Pass out Church of Scientology publications
  • Scientology Assists
Parent organization
Church of Scientology International
Websitevolunteerministers.org
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PAC Base, Los Angeles
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A Volunteer Minister (VM) is a member of Scientology sent to a disaster zone to spread the doctrine of Scientology and provide disaster relief.[1][2][3] The program was created in the 1970s by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

The Church of Scientology says that the program constitutes "the only effective steps to arrest and reverse the deterioration of [the] world",[3] but critics argue that Scientology uses the program to gain positive media attention and recruit new members (known within Scientology as "raw meat").[4][5][6]

There has been controversy over the group's goals and activities.[5][6]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference 3 methods was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Dissem Tips was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Hubbard, "Volunteer Ministers," HCO Policy Letter 22 February 1991
  4. ^ Behar, Richard (May 6, 1991). "Scientology: The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power". Time. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Reporter Elodie Harper goes undercover to reveal the tactics used by Scientology followers in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events". Five Live Report. BBC Radio. July 2, 2006. Archived from the original (Real Audio (45 min)) on December 26, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  6. ^ a b "Beware Scientologists Claiming To Be Mental Health Professionals". National Mental Health Association. September 17, 2001. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007.