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A TEENAGER could face prosecution for calling scientology a cult - but his views have been echoed by shoppers just yards from the scientology mission in Poole.

The 15-year-old was "strongly advised" by police to get rid of the sign which read "Scientology is not a religion, it is a dangerous cult" at a protest outside the church's headquarters in the City of London on May 10.

He refused, and a file is now being passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for possible legal action.

The new religion, founded in the 1950s, has become famous for its celebrity followers, including Tom Cruise.

The Daily Echo spoke to members of the public close to the Bournemouth Mission of the Church of Scientology, in Poole High Street.

Michael Jones, 45, from Broadstone, said: "I think if this guy had an opinion about Scientology, he should be entitled to it. I don't believe it's a bona fide religion."

Peter Holt, 50, a civil servant, said: "It seems absurd someone could be prosecuted for holding up a placard against a cult. In my view it's nothing to do with religion."

Peter Brown, 66, visiting from Yorkshire, said: "It seems like a cult to me. I heard you have to give them money from your wages which doesn't seem right."

But he added: "I think it's up to the individual. I don't think anyone should preach against it."

Grocer Pete Tanner said one of his relatives followed Scientology.

"They take a fair percentage of his wage every month," he said. "It seems a very odd organisation."

Graeme Wilson, a spokesman for Church of Scientology in the UK, said: "Any questions regarding the matter you asked about will need to be dealt with by the police."

* Scientology was founded by science fiction author L Ron Hubbard. It is based on the principals of Dianetics, his theory of the "reactive mind".

6:28pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

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