Hello Neighbors, I'm a Scientologist
Photos
My name is Pat Harney and I am a Scientologist.
With the recent spate of media on the subject of Scientology, I thought it was time for me to give my perspective on my religion.
The media reports I have been reading about Scientology have been speculative at best and just plain insane at their worst. Some of the reports I find personally repulsive and some just make me laugh my head off because they are so out in left field they are outrageously funny!
As an example of what happens when people listen to media about Scientology, let me tell you about an experience I had on July 4th. Three other Scientology staff and myself had just gotten out of the car after parking in a Clearwater garage. We were coming back from a very nice party at the Fort Harrison that we spent with about 80 friends, most of whom were not Scientologists. We ate together, danced together, watched the fireworks on the 10th floor terrace and just enjoyed each others' company. It was so much fun!
Then, as we were walking through the garage, we passed a group of about seven people. I am sure they had just left the fireworks celebration in Coachman Park. I was smiling to myself, remembering the party when I overheard one of these people say: "Brainwashed cult."
It was like the sting of a lash. I turned around and looked at this plain looking woman with the hate-filled face who had just uttered those words and I said, "Hey - stop that. Have a happy Independence Day!"
My co-worker was incensed. He went back to the group to talk to them and as he approached, the woman began shaking with fear, waving a cross in front of his face.
"Help me, help me," she shouted at another passer-by. "It's a Scientologist."
My co-worker laughed and responded, "Bad luck lady, he is a Scientologist too."
Who are we?
Scientologists come from all walks of life. Yes – there are well known ones and of course those are the ones that the media focuses on. And there are those who work for the Church like I do.
But the vast majority of Scientologists are just regular folks. Thousands of these regular folk live and work in the Tampa Bay area because they moved here to attend their advanced spiritual retreat in Clearwater and study this religious philosophy that was founded by L. Ron Hubbard.
When they are not attending services at the Church in Clearwater (called Flag) or at the Ybor Square Church in Tampa or any of the two missions in the Clearwater area, they are taking care of their children and families in their own homes, attending public or private schools, driving cabs, teaching school, working in their own businesses or any of the myriad things that regular folks do.
As for the Church itself – staff here in Clearwater take care of the parishioners who come to the area for advanced Scientology services – some 10,000 annually by our records.
In addition, we organize functions for the community. For example, in the past year, we hosted 15 events for non-profit and community groups at the Fort Harrison. As a result more than 3,700 people who were not Scientologists met and socialized with Scientologists in the Church’s historic downtown Clearwater building. About half of these people had never been in the Fort Harrison before and about 500 of them were either officials or heads of non-profit and community organizations.
Every single Tampa Bay area non-Scientologist who has come to these events has been positive about their experiences. We like them. They like us. No need to prosletyze. We just share in the fun.
The events included a couple of awards banquets, a brunch for the Christmas season, ballet presentations, a Fourth of July party, and a celebration for the Centennial of Pinellas County.
Several of the events were fundraisers for the community, raising close to $50,000 for non-profit and community groups such as Shriner’s Hospital for Children, The Children’s Home, The Willa Carson Health and Wellness Center, and The Martin Luther King Jr. Neighborhood Coalition.
In my next blogs, I will answer some common questions about the Scientology religion itself.
In This Blog Post
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The Fort Harrison
210 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL -
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Willa Carson Health Resource Center
1108 N Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Clearwater, FL
Jason Bartolone
6:59 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thank you for sharing this on Patch!
Pat Harney
10:58 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Your'e welcome.
Janet
5:17 pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012
When this organization can prove to me, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it is a Religion, then I may try to accept your infiltrating my hometown. Living here for 65 yrs, only to find you slipping in here in the middle of the night like a villain makes me nausea. I have never & will never call you an religion, or will I ever accept you on any level. So, by me replying back to you, should I always be looking over my shoulder? You bet! Just as I always watch you.
Janet
2:59 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Explain this experience. My husband & I finished dinner across from the Court House & decided to take a walk north pass "Ft. Harrison Hotel". It use to remind me of many great times while growing up. Crossing over Court St., a big man in uniform
jumped out of the bushes. Being that it was night, we were startled since we never
saw him coming. To ask us what were we doing was despicable. WE PAY TAXES.
The last time I checked, the sidewalks belong to the public. We were furious, but
remained cool. Why, I have no idea? This guy called another robot type guy. As I was looking at the Ft. Harrison, sure enough, here comes the other partner in crime trying to use rehearsed words to get us to leave. Sorry, won't happen. We walked on
to Cleveland St, turned back only to see these two men continue to monitor us. Get
real. The day you help me understand why you can call yourselves a church, will be a day I may start to respect you. PAY YOUR TAXES!!! It is that simple since you do not have a god, you have L. Ron Hubbard. Trust me, he is not a supreme being, or a god. He was a nut case that still takes your money. Is this your "Life after Death?"
X
10:51 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Is this going to be a regular feature?
Janet
3:12 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
I will apologize in advance for what I may say to your question that asks "Is this going to be a regular feature"? As long as they continue to swindle their own & our
city out of money and continue to buy up any property under other names, I will most likely continue to go on the attack side as long as they refer to themselves as the church of Scientology. Or, maybe they will tell us what they worship. Most likely it will be an innate object.
Pat Harney
11:01 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Yes - I want to share my views with others in the area and I welcome sincere responses. I will answer any questions you may have to the best of my knowledge.
SeeSea
12:02 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
This is certainly refreshing to have a Scientologist admit to being a Scientologist. I have been impressed with most Scientologists I have met over the past decade. Overall, they seem to be smarter and more connected than the average Joe or Jane. But something has puzzled me about the Scientologists I have met. Friends of mine have likewise been puzzled. When asked "Are you a Scientologist?", the response I have always gotten (always!) is this: "I study it." The answer is never "Yes, I am." Acquaintances of mine even turned this into a game. They kept asking the question to various people, but the answer was never YES. The answer was always "I study it." Why not say YES? Are Scientologists trained to respond "I study it." in reply to "Are you a Scientologist?"? ? ?
Pat Harney
10:01 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
To SeeSea: I can't speak for those you have asked but no, Scientologists are not trained to say: "I study it." The people I hang around (not just staff) will say, "I am a Scientologist." In fact, if you go to the scientology.org website there is a section where some 200 Scientologists say they are Scientologists and what it means to them. A few shyer members, who are not comfortable with being asked confrontational questions, have come to me after an incident where they were berated for their beliefs, to ask my advice about how to deal with those kinds of experiences. But generally, Scientologists I know speak up about it.
Meg Moore Rodriguez
8:53 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
So, it is not that I don't think it is good to love my neighbors who are Scientologist's. By golly, I don't want anyone taking my religious freedom away either or label me because of my belief's BUT since Clearwater Patch has decided to be biased like this...I am deleting them from my facebook. When someone posts a Hello Neighbors, I'm a Christian or Hello Neighbors, I'm a Jehovah's Witness, or even Hello Neighbors, I'm a Catholic.....etc...... Then I will know they are unbiased and begin again.................Who's with me!!!!!!!!!!!
Meg Moore Rodriguez
8:57 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
So, it is not that I don't think it is good to love my neighbors who are Scientologist's. By golly, I don't want anyone taking my religious freedom away either or label me because of my belief's BUT since Clearwater Patch has decided to be biased like this...I am deleting them from my facebook. When someone posts a Hello Neighbors, I'm a Christian or Hello Neighbors, I'm a Jehovah's Witness, or even Hello Neighbors, I'm a Catholic.....etc...... Then I will know they are unbiased and begin again.................
Pat Harney
10:24 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
Ms. Rodriguez: I started this blog about a year ago and instantly got "trolled" (harassed in regular language). So I was reluctant to continue. But, I decided to restart to increase the understanding of my neighbors for who I am and vice versa. My purpose is to share my views and be in communication with people of other religious beliefs or none. I would love it if you and others gave your perspectives on your beliefs, organizations, etc. I want my neighbors to feel free to ask me questions about my church in their honest efforts to understand. Please encourage others to communicate freely as that is, as Michael D. writes below, how a personal blog can be used. I believe a free flow of information between neighbors is a basic solution to war.
Michael D.
9:11 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
This is a personal blog anyone can post, just it happens that a Scientolist did. It's not biased, it is just this particular person decided to do it. Anyone can, that is why there is a start a blog link on the homepage.
Jason Bartolone
9:35 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
Michael's right, we welcome anyone to blog on Patch! Here's the link for anyone who's interested in getting started: http://clearwater.patch.com/blog/apply
X
9:50 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
I'm with you, Meg. Religious freedom is vital, if its actually a religion you're protecting. I live in Clearwater. I know enough about scientology to know I don't want to see a headline "Hello Neighbors, I'm a Scientologist" when I log into Patch. Thanks, but no thanks. I like the idea of Patch, but will find another source for information.
Jason Bartolone
9:59 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
Sorry you feel that way, X, but we do welcome all viewpoints to blog on our platform. Patch doesn't have an editorial opinion one way or the other.
Wendy Gilmore
11:25 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
I am thrilled that Pat is writing this blog. After all of the bad media for Scientologist, I for one, am glad to get the persepective of someone who is a practicing Scientologist. I look forward to more post!
Meg Moore Rodriguez
12:18 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
It came up as news. I didn't know about the blog option. Thanks for the education. Hmmmm .... People love what they believe and like to help others. Most all people who have a belief system wish to pass it on to others. I have thought of the practice as witnessing to others. This seemed like a way to pass on the technology of Scientology in a passive way. Good job. Hope you have luck with this.
Pat Harney
1:05 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Ms. Rodriguez: I appreciate your response. I totally agree with you that people like to help others. Believe it or not, my purpose is not to proselytize but to inform as a way of helping to ease the stress that the misinformation and prejudice is creating with regard to the subject of Scientology. For example, some might have the idea from the word "cult" that Scientologists are reclusive. Yet, as you can see, I am not. Believe me, most Scientologists are anything but. However, because the subject can generate animosity and irrationality, some Scientologists might prefer to say things like, "I study it" and not, "I am a Scientologist" as one commenter shared above. Ironically, this forwards the very description of something we are not. I just want to state what is true for me. I respect the religious beliefs of others.
rick barasso
1:32 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
I am always fascinated by the fact, most people fear that which they know little or nothing about and change.
I thought learning and change was the essence of life. If not, then what is the sense in growing older? I hear the fear and skepticism concerning "those scientologist" nearly every time I drive through Clearwater with someone else. When I ask why, it usually turns out they heard a rumor or they quite often don't have a reason, other than "they all dress alike". Personally I am skeptical of most organized religions, I fail to see the logic in believing in an unproven theory rather than yourself and those you've learned to trust and show an honest concern for your welfare. But, I don't mind hearing different views on most any subject and then draw my own conclusions. So, thank you for attempting to enlighten those of us that have little fear of the unknown.
Michael D.
2:52 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Rick,
I have to agree with you. I personally do not believe in any religion. But do enjoy hearing and conversing over different views. Some of the most interesting things come from such conversations. Learning instead of fearing is a much better way to live.
Pat Harney
2:57 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Mr. Barasso: Thank you for your input. Rationally, you have voiced one misconception about Scientologists: "That all Scientologists dress alike." Thus giving credence to your opinion. The staff in Clearwater wear uniforms as do the staff at organizations like the one in Tampa. However, that is about 2,000 people in this area. Another 8-10,000, who live in this area but are not staff do not wear uniforms except when they work in an industry that requires them to do so. Saying, "I don't like Scientologists because they all wear uniforms is similar to saying,'I don't like Catholics because they all wear uniforms' (nuns do but public Catholics don't of course) or "I don't like nurses because they all wear uniforms." I don't usually wear uniform because I work in the community. The uniforms are so the Scientologist parishioner can recognize the staff when they need assistance inside the Church. But the prejudice inherent in these types of statements is a synthetic one, manufactured by media sensationalism and cries of ignorance. By way of information, Scientology is only true for you if you have observed it for yourself. It is a practical religious philosophy, not a belief system. In other words, Scientology provides tools that one can use to solve problems. I am not required to believe it. I achieve knowledge from using the tools of Scientology that work for me.
Pat Harney
4:52 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
To clarify my response to Mr. Barasso, ie "thus giving credence to your opinion": I was referring to your opinion that "most people fear that which they know nothing about and fear change." I am really enjoying this opportunity to communicate with the intelligent posters to this blog.
InsiderMyself
5:13 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Hello Pat!
The only problem with having you or any scientologist as a neighbor, is that I can come over and play with you, but you are not allowed to come over and play with me.
That is unfair. But that is EXACTLY how it is. I've tried to be friends. You are not really allowed. My religion allows me to interact with whomever I wish. Yours, does not. That is just a fact. So to have you as a neighbor, I would miss out on any real relationship, cuz I'm not a scientologist, and you are not to intermingle. I ....already know this.
Pat Harney
5:45 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Well I visit with lots of people. I attend other churches, meetings, visit the homes of people of another religion and so do many of my friends. What organization are you with?
InsiderMyself
1:23 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
You can attend, come for coffee, and give me an "air kiss". But you cannot take anything outside of your "church" to a level for the greater good. It's not allowed. So you can be a neighbor, but your limitations are in concrete. So...hello Pat. Now move along, cuz I have work to do, and you only fake time with others, then end up backing off.
Pat Harney
7:30 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
BTW, InsiderMyself, thank you for sharing your views with me. Can you let me in on some specifics with regard to your interaction with Scientologists?
InsiderMyself
11:26 am on Sunday, July 15, 2012
Human rights.
Im glad to hear that you interact. Maybe your positioni allows that? The underlings will not. I can join you, but others in your org don't follow through. That has been my experience for YEARS! Im glad you interact. I've met you and you are genuine. I just think it must be your "communications" position.
GaryFla
7:38 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Pat, please directly answer Insider's question: Are you (or any of you family)permitted (or discourgaged) from visiting (or playing) with neighbors in your own neighborhood?
Pat Harney
8:24 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Dear Gary: We absolutely can visit who we want which includes our neighbors. As I mentioned I visit many people in the community and so do my friends. As I also pointed out in my blog, I am a staff member for the Church. There are about 2,000 staff members of the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, a couple hundred more in Tampa and there are also another 8-10,000 Scientologists in the Tampa Bay area who are not staff members. The parishioners who are not staff (and the staff in Tampa) have their own homes and work outside of the Church. Staff members at the Church in Clearwater, like myself, are members of the Sea Organization, a fraternal order within Scientology that comprises Scientologists with a lifelong commitment to working for the Church. We live together and work long hours not unlike the arrangements for nuns or monks although we do marry. But you cannot lump all Scientologists into one big ball of wax. We are a diverse group of people with the common denominator being that we are Scientologists. My schedule is a bit more rigorous than a public parishioner's, or, perhaps yours or Insiders'. Does this answer the question or is there more to this story that I will hear about shortly?
Pat Harney
8:17 pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012
Ms. White, I understand your skepticism. I can't say I'll have any luck trying to prove anything to you about Scientology. What I can say is that for me, Scientology is my religion. It is also a religion in the eyes of many religious experts as well as the courts and it is a religion in the eyes of many of my non-Scientologist friends. What it also is is new and as such is subject to the rigors that every religion that was once new has been subjected to on this planet. I wasn't here 37 years ago when the Church moved into Clearwater. I became a member in Washington, D.C. four years after the Church moved into Clearwater. But looking back on our tumultuous beginnings here, I would say, we could have done some things differently. That is my analysis by way of a rear view lens. At that time, we were a much smaller group who didn't want the price of the Fort Harrison jacked up by the agent. So we used another name when we purchased it. While this tactic worked for Disney and kept the price down for us, it upset some of our new neighbors. This led to a battle in which we were fighting for our very existence. We have moved on since 1993 when the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned an act created by a few leaders of that era to stifle the Church's religious freedom. But some animosities die hard. In future blogs and responses I will provide more details on Scientology and what Scientologists are doing in this area today to help improve things.
Pat Harney
8:40 pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012
Mr. or Ms. Insider: I am starting to get a clearer picture of what you are saying. Are you sure that the only Scientologists you deal with are the staff members in the Clearwater Church? To be clear, asking a staff member of the Sea Organization to "come out and play" is like asking a monk or a nun to do the same thing. Our staff are not dissing you, they just don't have the same schedule as you. On the other hand, Scientology public parishioners are like parishioners of other Churches and may have more leisure time than staff might. But here again, I am trying to explain in a bit of vacuum because I don't have all the facts regarding your interaction with Scientologists. You are also correct in saying that my position as a public relations representative affords me more time to interact with non-Scientologists than those staff who work strictly with the public parishioners they serve.
Pat Harney
2:21 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Yes Mr. or Ms InsideMyself: Your latest post is not a surprise. The mask is beginning to slip. Failing in your attempt at being polite, you are now resorting to being true to yourself. But in case you missed the category - this is my blog and I can write my views whenever I wish.
Pat Harney
10:23 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Ms. White: I apologize for the rudeness of my fellow staff with regard to that incident you mention in your post. You do not write when this occurred. I am figuring this is some time ago as there are no bushes in front of the Fort Harrison today. Nevertheless, the security guards upset you and your husband and I can only offer my apologies for that.
Secondly, Ms. White, the Church does pay taxes, over $900,000 (that's almost a million) annually in property taxes. There is also a bed tax for the rooms in the Fort Harrison, Osceola, Sandcastle and Yachtsman - a total of 699 rooms. In addition, as I pointed out earlier, there are thousands of Scientologists who live and work in the area who came to this area because of the Church of Scientology. They pay taxes as individuals and as business owners. In 2007, we commissioned an economic impact study for the Church of Scientology to two independent economists. What they found, among other things, is that the Church of Scientology creates an impact of $500,000,000 (half a billion or 500 million) on the local economy.
Lastly, we do believe in God. I write "believe in" for simplicity but it is more than belief - we recognize that there is a creator to our world and that we did not arise from an accidental "big bang." We know that we are spiritual beings. We have a body and a mind but we are spirit.
Stan Dubin
10:56 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012
Hi Pat. I was googling "I'm a Scientologist" and this page came up.
That was a very nice post about who Scientologists are, what they do and the very positive experiences non-Scientologists have when they hang with Scientologists.
The amount of good Scientology and Scientologists have done in the world is mammoth. The misinformation likely comes from folks who have a vested interest in folks suffering, and sites like these are very helpful.
Pat Harney
11:59 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
Thanks Stan. I appreciate your feedback.
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