Scientology: A different view of the Sea Organization

Frank Flynn is an Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and has qualifications about a mile long. Not only does he teach courses covering many areas of religion, but he has also published books and articles on the subject.

In addition he was a Franciscan monk for six years so they guy knows what he is talking about when he writes about religious orders.

Here is a declaration he wrote in a recent court case where someone was challenging the religious status of the Sea Org, the religious order of the Church of Scientology. In it he compares the Sea Org with other religious orders. It's a fascinating read.

Declaration of Frank K. Flynn regarding the Sea Organization

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The Sea Organization - more data

Here is more data on the Church of Scientology's religious order: The Sea Organization (aka Sea Org)

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Church of Scientology wins court case in US

Here is the press release:

Church of Scientology International & Religious Technology Center Win in Court Against Former Member

U.S. District Judge rules in favor of Church of Scientology affirming religious nature of the work of Scientology staff

Los Angeles (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 5, 2010 -- On April 2, 2010, the United States District Court, Central District of California (Case No. CV 09-3987 DSF (FFMx)) granted a motion by the Church of Scientology International ("CSI") and Religious Technology Center ("RTC") dismissing a claim for alleged violations of federal and state labor laws based on the plaintiff’s years of religious service at CSI and RTC.

In the ruling granting summary judgment dismissing the wage and hour claims, Judge Dale Fischer today agreed with the Church of Scientology that the members of its religious order, known as the Sea Organization, which is comprised of the Church’s most dedicated members, are not subject to labor laws. Because the plaintiff chose to join a religious institution under her Church’s doctrine, her work was not subject to the payment of wages, the Court stated.

Judge Fischer specifically found that the plaintiff "was employed by a religious institution," that is, Church of Scientology International and Religious Technology Center, "was chosen for her position based largely on religious criteria," and "performed religious duties and responsibilities." The Court stated that like members of other religious orders, the plaintiff was only able to hold these positions based on her commitment to Scientology.

The plaintiff was a member of the Sea Organization from 1991 until 2005. During her years in the Sea Organization, the plaintiff held many positions within Scientology. Both CSI and RTC are recognized as churches by the IRS. The Sea Organization is a religious order for the Scientology religion and is composed of the most dedicated Scientologists in the world—individuals who have committed their lives to the volunteer service of their religion.

The first Sea Organization members formulated the one-billion-year pledge to symbolize their eternal commitment to the religion, still signed by all members today. As volunteers and members of a religious order, Sea Organization members work long hours and live communally with housing, meals, uniforms, medical and dental care, transport and all expenses associated with their duties provided by the Church. They also receive a small allowance to purchase personal items, as all of their other expenses are fully covered by the Church.

Sea Organization members are at the forefront of spearheading the Church's massive social mission, including the largest non-governmental drug education campaign on Earth, the largest human rights education campaign on Earth and many more programs that touch the lives of everyone. Today, some 6,000 members of the Sea Organization occupy staff positions in upper-level Scientology Church organizations around the world, ensuring that the religion is available to the millions of Scientology parishioners who live and work outside the Church.

CSI and RTC note that while the plaintiff has chosen to litigate her case in the media, the Churches will continue to present their case in court.

Contact:
Karin Pouw
(323) 960-3500 phone
(323) 960-3508 fax

Scientology: What is the Sea Organization?

Here is a great article giving a very complete description of the religious order of the Church of Scientology, The Sea Organization (Sea Org): Church of Scientology Sea Organization.

This is probably the most comprehensive article I've seen on the subject.

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.