Global Increase in Unauthorized Entries into Church of Scientology Buildings
Introduction
A viral social media trend called 'speed running' has led to organized, unauthorized entries into Church of Scientology properties across North America and Europe.
Main Body
The trend started in Los Angeles in late March, where people recorded themselves trying to enter church buildings and move through them quickly before security stopped them. This behavior has since spread to cities such as New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Vancouver, and several UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Participants often wear costumes and masks, and some events have involved large groups; for example, about 300 people gathered in Vancouver on May 3. There are very different views on these events. The Church of Scientology has described these entries as 'hate crimes' and 'harassment,' emphasizing that these actions disrupt religious services and have caused physical injuries to staff. On the other hand, some participants claim the activity is a mix of a prank and a protest, mentioning legal accusations against the organization regarding labor violations and abuse. However, some former members, such as Alexander Barnes Ross, argue that these disruptive tactics might damage the credibility of peaceful protests. In response, the church has focused on legal and digital solutions. They have improved physical security, such as removing external door handles in Hollywood. Furthermore, the organization's lawyers have threatened to sue platforms like Dare Market, claiming that offering rewards for these 'challenges' encourages dangerous behavior. At the same time, social media companies like TikTok and Meta have reportedly suspended accounts or removed videos, stating that they violate community guidelines against promoting criminal activity.
Conclusion
The situation continues with occasional unauthorized entries, while the church and digital platforms try to stop the trend through legal actions and technical changes.
Learning
🚀 The 'Contrast Bridge': Moving from A2 to B2
At the A2 level, you usually use but to connect ideas. To reach B2, you need to guide the reader through a logical argument using Complex Transitions.
Look at how the article handles two opposing sides of a story. Instead of just saying "The church is angry but the people are joking," it uses these high-level markers:
⚖️ The Pivot Points
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"On the other hand..."
- Usage: Use this when you have presented one complete perspective and now want to introduce a completely different one.
- B2 Upgrade: Instead of: "I like city life, but I like nature." "City life is exciting. On the other hand, nature provides a peace that cities cannot offer."
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"However..."
- Usage: Use this to introduce a limiting factor or a surprising contrast within a specific point.
- B2 Upgrade: Instead of: "It is raining, but I will go out." "The weather is terrible; however, the event will continue as planned."
🔍 Linguistic Breakdown: 'Furthermore'
Notice the sentence: "Furthermore, the organization's lawyers have threatened to sue..."
At A2, you use and or also. At B2, you use Furthermore to add a "heavy" piece of evidence to your argument. It signals to the listener: "I am not finished yet, and here is an even more important point."
Quick Tip for Fluency: Stop starting every sentence with the subject (I, The church, People). Start with these transitions to make your English sound professional and organized.