| The International Association of Scientologists (IAS) is an unincorporated membership organization open to all Scientologists from all nations. It does not participate in management or Church affairs and is not part of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The IAS was formed in 1984 at Saint Hill Manor, the home of L. Ron Hubbard from 1959 to 1967, which is located in East Grinstead, Sussex, England. Delegates from around the world representing the Scientologists in their areas gathered in recognition of the need to unite all Scientologists as one international body. Specifically the IAS was formed to guarantee that Scientologists will always be able to practice their religion. It assists in instances where individual Scientology churches or Scientologists are subjected to religious persecution. The strength of all the individual members of the team, briefed and coordinated with one another, unifies and strengthens the group. Additionally, the IAS supports the Church’s social betterment and social reform activities. It also keeps Scientologists informed of all important developments and successes of the religion around the world and provides a forum through which they can coordinate their actions. |
