Scientology Expands Its Presence in Washington

There were no sightings of two of its famous members,
Tom Cruise or
Greta van Susteren, but the Church of Scientology held a party for itself outside its Dupont Circle
property for the grand opening of its so-called National Affairs Office. The promotional
material about the facility indicates the religious group plans a more active role
in Washington, with more meetings, seminars and ceremonies. The notables who were
on hand included “ecclesiastical leader”
David Miscavige, who heads the church, plus three members of Congress and a senior manager from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A press release from the organization said “more than a thousand Scientologists” and
guests attended the event Wednesday evening at the historic Fraser Mansion, which
formerly served as the group’s headquarters until they relocated to a larger building
on 16th Street, Northwest. According to the release, a National Affairs Office was
necessary because of Scientology’s “unprecedented worldwide growth.” The building
offers facilities for meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, “and events to promote
collaboration on solutions to society’s greatest challenges.”

Miscavige, in prepared remarks, said, “Here is an office designed to give back to
a United States government that steadfastly guaranteed our religious rights, the very
freedom that allows us to do what we are doing today.” He said the new office will
help “extend our reach.”

The members of Congress who appeared publicly for the event, and spoke to the crowd,
were Republican representative
Dan Burton of Indiana, Democratic representative
Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, and Democratic representative
Danny K. Davis of Illinois.
Liz Gibson, senior program manager of FEMA, also attended, and lauded the Scientologists. “You
have consistently come to the aid of major and many minor disasters around the country.
You arrive, help, and then help some more,” she said.

Actor Tom Cruise is probably Scientology’s most famous and visible member, though
other celebrities—John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Elisabeth Moss—are publicly members.
Van Susterern, the Fox News TV host, and her husband, lawyer
John P. Coale, are active members. Both Cruise and Miscavige have been in the tabloid news a lot
lately, since the breakup of Cruise’s marriage to Katie Holmes. There were reports
that before the marriage to Holmes, the Church of Scientology auditioned various women
to possibly be a bride for Cruise. The group refuted this claim.

Carol Ross Joynt