Scientology Stand to Be Explained

Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel unveiled plans for an “information campaign” in the U.S. to explain Germany’s refusal to accept Scientology as a religion. Bonn argues that the Los Angeles-based Church of Scientology is--in Germany, at least--more of a business concern than a religion, and accuses it of exploiting the insecurities of its members for economic gain. Kinkel said that although the U.S. Congress this week defeated a resolution accusing Bonn of religious discrimination, there is still “a huge lack of awareness” among U.S. politicians about the German position.