Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Samoa’s Council of Churches upset by visit from Scientologists

Posted at 22:50 on 02 October, 2007 UTC

The chairman of the Council of Churches in Samoa, the Reverend Oka Fau’olo, has dismissed reports saying the Curch Concil is supporting a goodwill visit by Scientology representatives currently in the country.

The chairman says there is no need for Scientology ministers to come through the council in order to provide disaster training and seminars for the public because there are other suitable organizations such as the local medical association.

Reverend Fau’olo’s comments were in response to a media statement issued by Scientology representatives last week who said the government and the council of churches have supported their presence in Samoa.

The chairman says Scientology is a secular organization and he warns the public to be very cautious about what they will teach.

But the goodwill visit by Scientology ministers is welcomed by the Prime Minister, Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who met with the organization’s representatives before he departed for the United Nations Assembly session last week.