New Religious Movements - Scientology

  • Creation of Excalibur

    Creation of Excalibur
    L. Ron Hubbard who is credited as the founder of Scientology wrote the manuscript 'Excalibur' which would later become the manuscript which contains many of the ideas which Scientology is based on.
  • First Incorporation

    First Incorporation
    In 1953 Ron Hubbard incorporated the Church of Scientology in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
  • Further Incorporation & Tax Exemption Status

    Further Incorporation & Tax Exemption Status
    In 1954 the Church of Scientology was incorporated in California as well as Arizona. This same year the Church of Scientology of California was granted tax exemption by the IRS.
  • Founding Church

    Founding Church
    In 1955 The Founding Church of Scientology which is now know as the Original Founding Church of Scientology was organized in Washington D.C.
  • Expansion

    In 1959 Hubbard and his wife moved to England in order to carry out international relations and continue to spread Scientology to other regions.
  • Tax Exemption Status Removed

    In 1967 the IRS removed The Church of Scientology of California's Tax exemption status claiming that the activities were of commercial use and solely benefitted Hubbard rather than for religious reasons.
  • U.S Court Case

    In 1969 the U.S court of appeals recognized Scientology as an official religion after a case against the FDA.
  • Church of Scientology International

    In 1981 the Church of Scientology International was founded.
  • Hubbard's Death and Next Successor

    On January 24 Hubbard passed away at his ranch in California. David Miscavige succeeded Hubbard and became the head of the Church.
  • Full Religious Exemption

    The IRS granted full religious exemptions to all Scientology churches, missions, and social betterment groups.
  • Lisa McPherson

    Lisa McPherson
    In December of 1995 Lisa McPherson a 36 year old Scientologist passed away after 17 days of being in the care of the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization.
  • Rachel McPherson's Case

    After 11 months of deliberating and investigating McPherson's death a state attorney charged the Church of Scientology with two felonies: practicing medicine without a license and abuse of a disabled adult.
  • Continued Expansion

    The Church of Scientology continued to open new branches all over the world including in Brussels, QuebecLas Vegas, Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Pasadena, and Washington State.
  • Scientology Network

    In 2018 The Church of Scientology launched a network which was made available on most streaming devices including Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Google Chromecast, etc..