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"We would like to see our church explode right here in the center of Scientology city," Champlin says. "I don't want to protest against Scientologists. I'd much rather lift up the Lord and see the light of the church prosper and shine, proving where sin abounds, much more does grace abound."

These mobilized churches are calling on resources outside of Clearwater to better understand Scientology. Craig Branch of the Apologetics Resource Institute and former Scientologist Brian Haney visited Clearwater in April to encourage and educate church members.

Branch says he senses a new urgency in local pastors to stand up in a spirit of Christian love against Scientology.

"We're concerned about the balance between educating people on Scientology's false claims and yet still urging them to act with love and compassion toward Scientologists," he says. "These churches are committed to forming a prayer front and developing a heart for people who are really suffering spiritually."

Plans are also forming to host an interdenominational educational meeting this fall to help Christians know what resources and truths they can offer Scientologists. Some of the Christians who have been most outspoken about Scientology believe it will take great effort to change the spiritual climate of Clearwater.

"Many churches are afraid. But we aren't intimidated, because we have the truth," Anderson says.

"The point is that we need to witness to individuals as individuals. We believe firmly that you should be a presence for Christ wherever you are planted."

Jody Veenker is an associate editor with ChristianityToday.com. Steve Rabey is a writer in Colorado.

See today's other coverage of Scientology from Christianity Today:

Why Christians Object to Scientology | Craig Branch of the Apologetics Resource Center notes "Clear" differences. By Jody Veenker

From Clear to Christ | A former Scientologist shines light on his past beliefs. By Jody Veenker

CT Classic: Scientology: Religion or Racket? | A look at the religious movement from the November 1969 pages of Christianity Today. By Joseph Martin Hopkins

Visit Calvary Baptist Church of Clearwater 's Web site.

Read Craig Branch's articles on Scientology from the Watchman Fellowship , or you can contact Branch at the Apologetics Resource Center .

The City of Clearwater 's site links to all kinds of city events, as well as information encouraging more downtown business .

The Scientology Homepage displays the Church of Scientology's history and statistics , as well as offering complimentary tests and instructional materials to Scientology seekers. Note the Scientology Sunday Service locator , a new addition designed to draw people familiar with more traditional religious experiences into Scientology.

This Scientology site describes e-meters and auditing , and other Scientology practices.

News coverage of Scientology in Clearwater from The St. Petersburg Times includes:

Critics Public and Private Keep Pressure on Scientology (Mar 29, 1999)

The Man Behind Scientology (Oct 25, 1998)

Millionaire's Bizarre Feud with Scientology Escalates (Aug 3, 1998)

Scientology's Influence Grows in Washington (Mar 29, 1998)

Hardball (January 28, 1998)

Other media coverage of Scientology:

U.S. Challenges Germany on Scientology | The Washington Post (May 4, 2000)

Scientology in the Machine | Wired (March 19,2000)

Copyright—or Wrong? | Salon (July 22, 1999)

ISP Reveals Scientology Critic | Wired (June 8, 1999)

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September 4 2000, Vol. 44, No. 10