I am responding to an article published in the Deseret News on March 14 concerning the faith-based initiative.
For the uninformed on the subject of Scientology, I want to set the record straight concerning the social programs of the Church of Scientology. These are programs supported by the church, utilizing technologies developed by L. Ron Hubbard, but which are not operated by Scientology as religious activities.
Let's take the Narconon drug rehabilitation program, for instance. This program, which is a secular program, has great results. A study of the program in Sweden showed that 84.6 percent of the Narconon graduates remain entirely drug free. This program has saved more than 250,000 lives.
There are other programs such as The Way to Happiness, a common-sense guide to better living, aiding individuals to find morals in a confused society; Criminon, reforming criminals so they become contributing members of society; and Applied Scholastics, educating youth to the highest standards. All show amazing results.
We think it is past time for real results in the social betterment arena which our programs accomplish. We will continue to operate these programs as our social responsibility, as we have for more than 30 years. If the Bush administration sees fit to support these through his faith-based initiative, we would gladly accept the help.
Lora Mengucci
Church of Scientology
Salt Lake City