Church of Scientology

The Church of Scientology is a new religious movement that was founded by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard as an organization dedicated to the practice of Scientology, an "applied religious philosophy" formulated by Hubbard.

Sea Org

The Sea Organization?most often shortened to "Sea Org"?was founded in 1967 by L. Ron Hubbard, as he embarked on a series of voyages around the Mediterranean Sea in a small fleet of Scientology-crewed cruise ships. Hubbard?formerly a disgraced lieutenant junior grade in the US Navy?bestowed the rank of "Commodore" of the vessels upon himself. The crew who accompanied him on these voyages (known as "Commodore's Messengers") became the foundation of the Sea Org.

Related Topics:
1967 - L. Ron Hubbard - Mediterranean Sea - Lieutenant

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The Sea Org enforces rules and administers disciplinary procedures within the church, as well as staffing most of the major headquarters of the church and its affiliates. The Sea Org is frequently characterized as the "elite" of scientology, both in terms of power within the organization and dedication to the cause. Scientologists seeking to advance within the church are encouraged to join the Sea Org, which involves devoting their full time to Scientology projects in exchange for meals, berthing, and a nominal honorarium, amounting to a vow of poverty. Members sign a contract pledging their loyalty to Scientology for "the next billion years," committing their future lifetimes to the Sea Org. The Sea Org's motto is "Revenimus" (or "We Come Back").

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Disciplinary procedures and policies within the Sea Org have been a focus of critics who accuse Scientology of being an abusive cult. During the original Sea Org's Mediterranean tour, Commodore Hubbard is alleged to have applied a variety of physical punishments, including the practice of "overboarding," or throwing offenders over the side of the ship. Former Sea Org members have claimed that past punishments included confinement in hazardous conditions such as the ship's chain locker. http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Library/Shelf/wakefield/us-09.html Members who violate rules within the Sea Org are sent to perform physical labor in the Rehabilitation Project Force.

Related Topics:
A focus of critics - Cult - Rehabilitation Project Force

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