International Association of Scientologists

In 1984, a group of Scientologists congregated at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, Sussex, England. Believing in a need for an international body to safeguard the future of the Scientology religion, they formed the International Association of Scientologists (IAS). One stated purpose of the IAS is to "contribute to religious freedom."

The IAS is a membership organization open to Scientologists from all nations. Through their annual financial support, IAS members support Scientology's activities. These include concerted attacks on psychiatry, which the Church of Scientology believes to be a profoundly negative, anti-social force, and organized defense of Scientology's standing as a legitimate religion, which has historically been a source of controversy and court battles, as with recent cases in Germany and France. IAS membership is required for "public" Scientologists (as opposed to full-time Church staff members) who wish to undertake in the church's advanced training levels.

Official links

• IAS Official Site
• IAS Administrations
• IAS Membership Rules
• More Membership Information

Critical and journalistic articles about Scientology

• Operation Clambake