Scientologists steer clear of protest marking woman's death[SP Times 6 December 1998]From: cautious@lurker.com (Cautious) Newsgroups: alt.religion.scientology Subject: SP Times 12/6/98: Scientologists steer clear of protest marking woman's death Date: Sun, 06 Dec 1998 17:54:50 -0800 This transcription is thanks to tfcvp: St. Petersburg Times Dec. 6, 1998 Scientologists steer clear of protest marking woman's death by Tom Tobin Clearwater--Hundreds of Scientologists stayed off the streets of downtown Saturday, an effort, their leaders said, to avoid contact with about 45 anti-Scientology protesters. Visiting parishoners and uniformed church staffers were ferried between Scientology's building in rented vans. Dark tinted windows and holiday decorations prevented outsiders from seeing in and passengers from seeing out. At times, staffers were seen scurrying into church buildings, which were fortified in several ways. A 5-foot-high masonry wall surrounding much of Scientology's Fort Harrison Hotel was made 3 feet higher with temporary lattice and cardboard. A row of Christmas trees blocked views at another Scientology hotel. Many entrances were blocked from view. "The church and its members have made an active effort during this week to avoid any sort of confrontation with protesters, despite having been taunted and baited continuously", Scientology said in a written statement. The protest marked the third anniversary of the death of Lisa McPherson, a 36 year old Scientologist who died in the care of church staffers after a 17 day stay at the Fort Harrison, a Scientology retreat. The church's Clearwater branch, a worldwide mecca for Scientology, was charged criminally in the death last month. (end of article) Background courtesy of Windy's Web Design |