|
Scientology foes gather for 5th annual meeting By LESLEY COLLINS of The Tampa Tribune
CLEARWATER - Scientology critics meet to protest the church and commemorate the death of a church member.
An annual convention of sorts for Church of Scientology critics officially gets under way today.
But that didn't stop a handful of ex-Scientologists and church foes from hoisting placards Friday outside the former Fort Harrison Hotel, Scientology's international retreat in downtown Clearwater.
Even if it meant standing inches from busy Fort Harrison Avenue.
The conference, now in its fifth year, has met with varied reaction from Scientology officials in the past - from angry confrontations to a counterpicket staged by Scientologists two years ago at the Clearwater Police Department.
This year, the church's critics won't be able to protest anywhere around the perimeter of the hotel.
Scaffolding and a green mesh curtain completely block the sidewalk directly in front of the hotel. A scaffold tunnel recently was erected across the street from the hotel to protect pedestrians walking alongside a six-story Scientology training complex under construction since February. An overhead walkway will link the hotel and training center.
The timing of the work has nothing to do with the annual protest, Scientology spokesman Michael Rinder said Friday.
Church foes, however, say the construction's timing is intended to shield Scientology members.
Some 30 to 40 ex-Scientologists and church adversaries are expected to attend this weekend's events, which include a free public conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Holiday Inn at 20967 U.S. 19 N. in Clearwater, and a candlelight vigil at 7 tonight at Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church at 110 S. Fort Harrison Ave.
The vigil honors church member Lisa McPherson, who died Dec. 5, 1995, after 17 days in the care of church staffers in their headquarters hotel. The church is facing charges of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult and practicing medicine without a license in McPherson's death.
<005 . 0002.00> < 00000>