Tuesday, March 30, 2010

My Time in the Sea Organization of the Church of Scientology


The Sea Organization is the religious order of the Church of Scientology. Many religions have religious orders, in the Catholic Church this often consists of monks and nuns who swear oaths of chastity and poverty. They dedicate themselves to their religion and to helping others, e.g. Mother Teresa is an outstanding example of this.

For a good description of the Sea Organization and why it is called the "Sea" Org read the article here: The Sea Organization, The Religious Order Of Scientology.

I was in the Sea Org for a couple of years. In that time I worked in the staff training area, training executives in the Church's administrative technology.

I enjoyed it, I learned a lot, the job had its tough times and its fun times and I made many good friends.

It was very clear from the start that I was working in a religious fraternity. We didn't wear monks' garb and we didn't pray several times a day but we were definitely and without doubt working in a religious capacity.

I was in the Sea Org at Saint Hill in England, which is a beautiful place (that's what you see in the picture above). I loved to take walks in the gardens in front of the Manor house. It was so peaceful and serene there.

I've moved to the US since I left the Sea Org but recently, on Facebook, I've found old friends I knew there. It's so cool to be able to connect up again despite the distance between us.

Both my kids were recently in the Sea Org, over here in the States. Their experiences were very similar to mine and both have many good friends from their time serving our Church.

Sorry I couldn't be more controversial or put some exciting conflict in there like the news media always manages to, but often the truth is not as entertaining as fiction.

If you have any questions about the Sea Org then I'd be happy to answer them. Just make sure you follow my blog guidelines.

2 comments:

turbotad said...

:) Awesome article Grahame. It is indeed tough to be all controversial about an organization that really is honorable and good. My experience in the Sea Organization was likewise intense, however immensely outstanding, rewarding, fullfulling and an amazing chapter of my life.

Grahame said...

Hey turbotad,

I'd echo your sentiments entirely. Being in the SO was an important part of helping me mature and grow as a person. I'm so glad I had the chance to be part of it and I feel the same for my kids. I saw them both change for the better and mature while in the SO.