Sea Org
Encyclopedia
The Sea Organization or Sea Org is an association of Scientologists
established in 1968 by L. Ron Hubbard
, the science fiction writer and founder of Scientology. Its members are found in the central management organizations of the Church of Scientology
as well as in individual churches. Initially created at sea, maritime customs and traditions persist today even in the land-based branches of the organization.
Despite the name, the Sea Organization itself is not an actual incorporated entity, but rather what the Church refers to as a fraternal religious order. Sea Org members do not actually work for the Sea Org, but for the specific Church of Scientology where they are employed and receive their weekly allowance.
, USA). In 1987 they purchased a ship called "La Bohème", which they later renamed "Freewinds
". The highest levels of Scientology are taught on this ship. The Sea Org acts as goodwill representatives and administrators of Scientology with the stated purpose to "get ethics in on the planet" (Scientology Ethics
rather than ethics
in the conventional sense). Another primary function is "To safeguard the advanced levels of Scientology". According to the church, Sea Org is a fraternal religious order rather than an incorporated entity.
In April 2008, "Freewinds" was sealed for extensive asbestos contamination, but Sea Org still maintains its naval
uniforms and character. Only Sea Org members are staff members in Scientology's Advanced Organizations.
. It ruled a broad swath of the galaxy, and lasted for "eighty trillion years" (80,000 billion years), much longer than the universe's empirically-determined age
of 13.7 billion years. Hubbard claimed that 75 million years ago, at the time of Xenu's mass murder, the Galactic Confederacy comprised 26 stars and 76 planets, including Earth (then called Teegeeack).
The Church of Scientology consciously models itself on aspects of the Galactic Confederacy. The Sea Org's insignia has a laurel wreath said by Hubbard to be based on the symbol of the "Loyal Officers", an anti-Xenu faction within the Galactic Confederacy. Each of the leaves on the laurel wreath is said to represent one of the Galactic Confederacy's stars. According to the Dianetics and Scientology Technical Dictionary, "the Sea Org symbol, adopted and used as the symbol of a Galactic Confederacy far back in the history of this sector, derives much of its power and authority from that association."
with the organization for one billion years. Sea Org members, in accordance with Scientology beliefs
, are expected to return to the Sea Org when they are reborn. The motto of the Sea Org is, "Revenimus" or "We Come Back" in Latin. Official statements from the Church of Scientology contend the contract is merely symbolic of the dedication members are expected to hold to the organization, and that members are free to leave if they wish. It has, however, been alleged by former Sea Org personnel that members are restricted from leaving. Members who do leave are issued a "Freeloader's bill", retroactively billing them for any auditing or training they have received. Although this "Freeloader bill" is not legally enforceable, these Scientologists may not receive any services at any Scientology organizations until they pay off this bill and perform an amends project.
Sea Organization, intended to rehabilitate members who have not lived up to CoS expectations, failed Security checks or have violated certain policies.
Many ex-Sea Org members have reported grueling and torturous treatment, including Gerry Armstrong, who, during his time in the Sea Org, spent over two years banished to the RPF as a punishment. Says Armstrong:
Recent reports claim that Sea Org marriage practices have changed in regards to the rearing of children. Purportedly, those who are married and plan to have a child must leave the Sea Org until their child is of age and capable of supporting themselves. Then the married couple may return to service within the fraternal order.
when they became pregnant so that they would not be sent to lower organizations. However, Scientology presents itself as a religion that is opposed to abortion and actively speaks out against abortion in its publications.
and William Sims Bainbridge
noted of Scientology, "this world-wide cult provides compensatory military status, in its Sea Org". In his 2001 book From Slogans to Mantras
, sociologist Stephen A. Kent
quoted from Jon Atack's book A Piece of Blue Sky
, who wrote of the treatment of Sea Org members in the Rehabilitation Project Force: "This careful imitation of techniques long-used by the military to obtain unquestioning obedience and immediate compliance to orders, or more simply to break men's spirits, was all part of a ritual of humiliation for the Sea Org member.
The Sea Org, as described in Lawrence Wright's The New Yorker article "The Apostate", (The New Yorker, February 14 & 21, 2011 issue) used small children drawn from Scientology families for what the article described as forced child labor. The article describes extremely inhumane conditions. Children spent years in the Org, sequestered from mainstream life.
In the 2006 book Comprehending Cults: The Sociology of New Religious Movements by religious studies scholar Lorne L. Dawson
, the Sea Org is characterized as a paramilitary group
. In his 2008 book Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography
author Andrew Morton
described the Sea Org as a "fraternal paramilitary organization", and noted that members of the group are instructed to read The Art of War
by warfare expert Sun Tzu
and On War
by General Karl von Clausewitz. Morton wrote that Scientology leader David Miscavige
created an elite unit within the Sea Org which he called the "SEALs", named after the United States Navy SEALs
. According to Morton these Scientology "SEALs" received better lodging, sustenance, and uniforms than other members of the Sea Org. In the 2006 book published by Random House
, The Devil Is a Gentleman: Exploring America's Religious Fringe, author J.C. Hallman wrote that the Sea Org had a "military-style discipline", and noted that "Its members wore navy-style uniforms".
Media coverage of Scientology has described the Sea Org in a similar fashion to that of scholars, and a 2008 article in The Times
called it an "elite ... pseudo-paramilitary group". The St. Petersburg Times
referred to the Sea Org as "a fraternal order of Scientology staffers who adhere to military-style rules and sign billion-year contracts, believing they will live many more lives." The Boston Herald
characterized the Sea Org as "the church's quasi-military corps based in Clearwater, Fla." The Los Angeles Times
noted the use of military culture in the group, "The elite of Scientology's workers, at least 3,000 of them, belong to a zealous faction known as the Sea Organization and are given room, board and a small weekly allowance. They sign contracts to serve Scientology in this and future lifetimes—for a billion years. Their motto is: 'We come back.' Dressed in mock navy uniforms adorned with ribbons, they bark orders with a clipped, military cadence. They hold ranks such as captain, lieutenant and ensign. Officers, including women, are addressed as 'Sir.'"
Former member Aaron Judge told the Sunday Telegraph of Sydney, Australia, "The Sea Org is like a military organisation. You live in cramped quarters, are served food in the cafeteria area and you basically work from 8.30 in the morning through to 11.30 at night." Former Scientology auditor Bruce Hines described life in the Sea Org as a "military lifestyle". Hines told Anderson Cooper
in an appearance on CNN
, "It's very much a military organization. You wear a uniform, there's saluting, marching, standing at attention."
Other
Church of Scientology
The Church of Scientology is an organization devoted to the practice and the promotion of the Scientology belief system. The Church of Scientology International is the Church of Scientology's parent organization, and is responsible for the overall ecclesiastical management, dissemination and...
established in 1968 by L. Ron Hubbard
L. Ron Hubbard
Lafayette Ronald Hubbard , better known as L. Ron Hubbard , was an American pulp fiction author and religious leader who founded the Church of Scientology...
, the science fiction writer and founder of Scientology. Its members are found in the central management organizations of the Church of Scientology
Church of Scientology
The Church of Scientology is an organization devoted to the practice and the promotion of the Scientology belief system. The Church of Scientology International is the Church of Scientology's parent organization, and is responsible for the overall ecclesiastical management, dissemination and...
as well as in individual churches. Initially created at sea, maritime customs and traditions persist today even in the land-based branches of the organization.
Despite the name, the Sea Organization itself is not an actual incorporated entity, but rather what the Church refers to as a fraternal religious order. Sea Org members do not actually work for the Sea Org, but for the specific Church of Scientology where they are employed and receive their weekly allowance.
History
In 1975, Scientology sold the ships they were working from and moved to "land bases" that now operate around the world (including Clearwater, FloridaClearwater, Florida
Clearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida, US, nearly due west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg. In the west of Clearwater lies the Gulf of Mexico and in the east lies Tampa Bay. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 108,787. It is the county seat of...
, USA). In 1987 they purchased a ship called "La Bohème", which they later renamed "Freewinds
Freewinds
MV Freewinds is a cruise ship operated by International Shipping - Miami and owned by San Donato Properties, which is a company connected to the Church of Scientology. It was built in 1968 by Wärtsilä Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland for Wallenius Lines as MS Bohème for service with Commodore...
". The highest levels of Scientology are taught on this ship. The Sea Org acts as goodwill representatives and administrators of Scientology with the stated purpose to "get ethics in on the planet" (Scientology Ethics
Ethics (Scientology)
According to the Church of Scientology, "Ethics may be defined as the actions an individual takes on himself to ensure his continued survival across the dynamics. It is a personal thing. When one is ethical, it is something he does himself by his own choice."...
rather than ethics
Ethics
Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that addresses questions about morality—that is, concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime, etc.Major branches of ethics include:...
in the conventional sense). Another primary function is "To safeguard the advanced levels of Scientology". According to the church, Sea Org is a fraternal religious order rather than an incorporated entity.
In April 2008, "Freewinds" was sealed for extensive asbestos contamination, but Sea Org still maintains its naval
Navy
A navy is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake- or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions...
uniforms and character. Only Sea Org members are staff members in Scientology's Advanced Organizations.
Headquarters
Many Sea Org members are located at Gold Base, Gilman Springs Road, San Jacinto, California.Space Opera and the Sea Org
According to Hubbard's teachings, the Galactic Confederacy was the political unit formerly ruled by the tyrant XenuXenu
Xenu ,also spelled Xemu, was, according to the founder of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard, the dictator of the "Galactic Confederacy" who, 75 million years ago, brought billions of his people to Earth in a DC-8-like spacecraft, stacked them around volcanoes and killed them using hydrogen bombs...
. It ruled a broad swath of the galaxy, and lasted for "eighty trillion years" (80,000 billion years), much longer than the universe's empirically-determined age
Age of the universe
The age of the universe is the time elapsed since the Big Bang posited by the most widely accepted scientific model of cosmology. The best current estimate of the age of the universe is 13.75 ± 0.13 billion years within the Lambda-CDM concordance model...
of 13.7 billion years. Hubbard claimed that 75 million years ago, at the time of Xenu's mass murder, the Galactic Confederacy comprised 26 stars and 76 planets, including Earth (then called Teegeeack).
The Church of Scientology consciously models itself on aspects of the Galactic Confederacy. The Sea Org's insignia has a laurel wreath said by Hubbard to be based on the symbol of the "Loyal Officers", an anti-Xenu faction within the Galactic Confederacy. Each of the leaves on the laurel wreath is said to represent one of the Galactic Confederacy's stars. According to the Dianetics and Scientology Technical Dictionary, "the Sea Org symbol, adopted and used as the symbol of a Galactic Confederacy far back in the history of this sector, derives much of its power and authority from that association."
Billion-year contract
Members of the Sea Org sign an employment contractContract
A contract is an agreement entered into by two parties or more with the intention of creating a legal obligation, which may have elements in writing. Contracts can be made orally. The remedy for breach of contract can be "damages" or compensation of money. In equity, the remedy can be specific...
with the organization for one billion years. Sea Org members, in accordance with Scientology beliefs
Scientology beliefs and practices
Scientology is defined as a set of beliefs written by founder L. Ron Hubbard. Scientology describes itself as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others, and all of life...
, are expected to return to the Sea Org when they are reborn. The motto of the Sea Org is, "Revenimus" or "We Come Back" in Latin. Official statements from the Church of Scientology contend the contract is merely symbolic of the dedication members are expected to hold to the organization, and that members are free to leave if they wish. It has, however, been alleged by former Sea Org personnel that members are restricted from leaving. Members who do leave are issued a "Freeloader's bill", retroactively billing them for any auditing or training they have received. Although this "Freeloader bill" is not legally enforceable, these Scientologists may not receive any services at any Scientology organizations until they pay off this bill and perform an amends project.
Salary and benefits to members
Most Sea Org members are given room, board and a small weekly allowance of about US$24 per week (though some sources list US$75).Rehabilitation Project Force
The Rehabilitation Project Force, or RPF, is a system of work camps set up by the Church of ScientologyChurch of Scientology
The Church of Scientology is an organization devoted to the practice and the promotion of the Scientology belief system. The Church of Scientology International is the Church of Scientology's parent organization, and is responsible for the overall ecclesiastical management, dissemination and...
Sea Organization, intended to rehabilitate members who have not lived up to CoS expectations, failed Security checks or have violated certain policies.
Many ex-Sea Org members have reported grueling and torturous treatment, including Gerry Armstrong, who, during his time in the Sea Org, spent over two years banished to the RPF as a punishment. Says Armstrong:
"It was essentially a prison to which crew who were considered nonproducers, security risks, or just wanted to leave the Sea Org, were assigned. Hubbard's RPF policies established the conditions.
RPF members were segregated and not allowed to communicate to anyone else. They had their own spaces and were not allowed in normal crew areas of the ship. They ate after normal crew had eaten, and only whatever was left over from the crew meal. Their berthing was the worst on board, in a roach-infested, filthy and unventilated cargo hold. They wore black boilersuits, even in the hottest weather. They were required to run everywhere. Discipline was harsh and bizarre, with running laps of the ship assigned for the slightest infraction like failing to address a senior with "Sir." Work was hard and the schedule rigid with seven hours sleep time from lights out to lights on, short meal breaks, no liberties and no free time...
When one young woman ordered into the RPF took the assignment too lightly, Hubbard created the RPF's RPF and assigned her to it, an even more degrading experience, cut off even from the RPF, kept under guard, forced to clean the ship's bilgeBilgeThe bilge is the lowest compartment on a ship where the two sides meet at the keel. The word was coined in 1513.-Bilge water:The word is sometimes also used to describe the water that collects in this compartment. Water that does not drain off the side of the deck drains down through the ship into...
s, and allowed even less sleep."
Dating, marriage, and family
Marriage and family are discouraged in the Sea Org, as they are said to be distractions from serving the Church.Recent reports claim that Sea Org marriage practices have changed in regards to the rearing of children. Purportedly, those who are married and plan to have a child must leave the Sea Org until their child is of age and capable of supporting themselves. Then the married couple may return to service within the fraternal order.
Claims of forced abortion
There are a number of statements from women formerly in the Sea Org who state that they were advised to get an abortionAbortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
when they became pregnant so that they would not be sent to lower organizations. However, Scientology presents itself as a religion that is opposed to abortion and actively speaks out against abortion in its publications.
Analysis
The 1996 book A Theory of Religion by religious scholars Rodney StarkRodney Stark
Rodney Stark is an American sociologist of religion. He grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota in a Lutheran family. He spent time in the U.S. Army and worked as a journalist before pursuing graduate studies at The University of California, Berkeley...
and William Sims Bainbridge
William Sims Bainbridge
William Sims Bainbridge is an American sociologist who currently resides in Virginia. He is co-director of Human-Centered Computing at the National Science Foundation and also teaches sociology as a part-time professor at George Mason University. He is the first Senior Fellow to be appointed by...
noted of Scientology, "this world-wide cult provides compensatory military status, in its Sea Org". In his 2001 book From Slogans to Mantras
From Slogans to Mantras
From Slogans to Mantras: Social Protest and Religious Conversion in the Late Vietnam War Era is a non-fiction book by sociologist Stephen A. Kent. The book was published in both hardcover and paperback editions, in 2001...
, sociologist Stephen A. Kent
Stephen A. Kent
Stephen A. Kent, is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He researches new and alternative religions, and has published research on several such groups including the Children of God , the Church of Scientology, and newer faiths...
quoted from Jon Atack's book A Piece of Blue Sky
A Piece of Blue Sky
A Piece of Blue Sky: Scientology, Dianetics and L. Ron Hubbard Exposed, published in 1990, is an examination from a critical perspective by former British Scientologist Jon Atack of the history of L. Ron Hubbard and the development of Dianetics and the Church of Scientology...
, who wrote of the treatment of Sea Org members in the Rehabilitation Project Force: "This careful imitation of techniques long-used by the military to obtain unquestioning obedience and immediate compliance to orders, or more simply to break men's spirits, was all part of a ritual of humiliation for the Sea Org member.
The Sea Org, as described in Lawrence Wright's The New Yorker article "The Apostate", (The New Yorker, February 14 & 21, 2011 issue) used small children drawn from Scientology families for what the article described as forced child labor. The article describes extremely inhumane conditions. Children spent years in the Org, sequestered from mainstream life.
In the 2006 book Comprehending Cults: The Sociology of New Religious Movements by religious studies scholar Lorne L. Dawson
Lorne L. Dawson
Lorne L. Dawson is a Canadian scholar of the sociology of religion who has written about new religious movements, the brainwashing controversy, and the role of the Internet in religious conflicts.-Academic career:...
, the Sea Org is characterized as a paramilitary group
Paramilitary
A paramilitary is a force whose function and organization are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not considered part of a state's formal armed forces....
. In his 2008 book Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography
Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography
Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography is a biography of actor Tom Cruise, written by Andrew Morton. The book was published in the United States in hardcover format on January 15, 2008 by St. Martin's Press, with a first printing of 400,000 copies, and an audio format on five CDs by Macmillan Audio...
author Andrew Morton
Andrew Morton (writer)
Andrew David Morton is a former British Fleet Street journalist, a notable writer and biographer.Before moving into a career in journalism, he attended grammar school, then studied history at the University of Sussex....
described the Sea Org as a "fraternal paramilitary organization", and noted that members of the group are instructed to read The Art of War
The Art of War
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise that is attributed to Sun Tzu , a high ranking military general and strategist during the late Spring and Autumn period...
by warfare expert Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu
Sun Wu , style name Changqing , better known as Sun Tzu or Sunzi , was an ancient Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher who is traditionally believed, and who is most likely, to have authored The Art of War, an influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy...
and On War
On War
Vom Kriege is a book on war and military strategy by Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz , written mostly after the Napoleonic wars, between 1816 and 1830, and published posthumously by his wife in 1832. It has been translated into English several times as On War...
by General Karl von Clausewitz. Morton wrote that Scientology leader David Miscavige
David Miscavige
David Miscavige is the leader of the Church of Scientology and affiliated organizations. His title is Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center , a corporation that controls the trademarked names and symbols of Dianetics and Scientology. Miscavige was an assistant to Hubbard while a...
created an elite unit within the Sea Org which he called the "SEALs", named after the United States Navy SEALs
United States Navy SEALs
The United States Navy's Sea, Air and Land Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command.The acronym is derived from their...
. According to Morton these Scientology "SEALs" received better lodging, sustenance, and uniforms than other members of the Sea Org. In the 2006 book published by Random House
Random House
Random House, Inc. is the largest general-interest trade book publisher in the world. It has been owned since 1998 by the German private media corporation Bertelsmann and has become the umbrella brand for Bertelsmann book publishing. Random House also has a movie production arm, Random House Films,...
, The Devil Is a Gentleman: Exploring America's Religious Fringe, author J.C. Hallman wrote that the Sea Org had a "military-style discipline", and noted that "Its members wore navy-style uniforms".
Media coverage of Scientology has described the Sea Org in a similar fashion to that of scholars, and a 2008 article in The Times
The Times
The Times is a British daily national newspaper, first published in London in 1785 under the title The Daily Universal Register . The Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary since 1981 of News International...
called it an "elite ... pseudo-paramilitary group". The St. Petersburg Times
St. Petersburg Times
The St. Petersburg Times is a United States newspaper. It is one of two major publications serving the Tampa Bay Area, the other being The Tampa Tribune, which the Times tops in both circulation and readership. Based in St...
referred to the Sea Org as "a fraternal order of Scientology staffers who adhere to military-style rules and sign billion-year contracts, believing they will live many more lives." The Boston Herald
Boston Herald
The Boston Herald is a daily newspaper that serves Boston, Massachusetts, United States, and its surrounding area. It was started in 1846 and is one of the oldest daily newspapers in the United States...
characterized the Sea Org as "the church's quasi-military corps based in Clearwater, Fla." The Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
noted the use of military culture in the group, "The elite of Scientology's workers, at least 3,000 of them, belong to a zealous faction known as the Sea Organization and are given room, board and a small weekly allowance. They sign contracts to serve Scientology in this and future lifetimes—for a billion years. Their motto is: 'We come back.' Dressed in mock navy uniforms adorned with ribbons, they bark orders with a clipped, military cadence. They hold ranks such as captain, lieutenant and ensign. Officers, including women, are addressed as 'Sir.'"
Former member Aaron Judge told the Sunday Telegraph of Sydney, Australia, "The Sea Org is like a military organisation. You live in cramped quarters, are served food in the cafeteria area and you basically work from 8.30 in the morning through to 11.30 at night." Former Scientology auditor Bruce Hines described life in the Sea Org as a "military lifestyle". Hines told Anderson Cooper
Anderson Cooper
Anderson Hays Cooper is an American journalist, author, and television personality. He is the primary anchor of the CNN news show Anderson Cooper 360°. The program is normally broadcast live from a New York City studio; however, Cooper often broadcasts live on location for breaking news stories...
in an appearance on CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
, "It's very much a military organization. You wear a uniform, there's saluting, marching, standing at attention."
See also
- Space opera in Scientology scripture
- Galactic Confederacy
- Incident (Scientology)Incident (Scientology)L. Ron Hubbard used the term Incident in a specific context for auditing in Scientology and Dianetics: the description of space opera events in our Universe's distant past, involving alien interventions in our past lives...
- Implant (Scientology)Implant (Scientology)In Scientology, an implant is similar to an engram, in that it is believed to condition the mind in a certain way. The difference is that an implant is done deliberately and with evil intent. It is similar to Thought insertion...
External links
Scientology sites- Church of Scientology statement on the Sea Org
- ScientologyToday.org: What is the Sea Organization?
- Scientology.org: The Sea Organization Begin
Other