Scientology Church head willing to go to jail
Reuter World Service
October 2, 1995 20:40 E.T.

DENVER, Oct 2 (Reuters) - The head of the Church of Scientology
said Monday he is prepared to go to jail rather than commit a
"damnable" sin if a judge orders him to give up secret church
documents.

Last month a federal court judge reversed an earlier order and
directed one part of the church to return the documents to a
Colorado critic of Scientology.

The materials had been seized in August under a court order after
the church claimed a critic had stolen them.

The critic, ex-member Lawrence Wollersheim, has asserted that the
church brainwashes its members.

The church returned some documents, but admitted keeping a portion
of what it considers confidential.

Scientology president Heber Jentzsch told reporters outside the
hearing that he was willing to go to jail.

Church lawyer Earle Cooley told U.S. District Court Judge John Kane
that complying with the court order is "the most damnable thing (a
Scientologist) can do in his religion."

A member of the board of directors of the Los Angeles-based church
told the court it is impossible for the church to relinquish the
documents.

"It is absolutely sacrilege to turn these materials over to
anybody," said Michael Rinder.

The materials in question consist of teachings by church founder L.
Ron Hubbard that are intended only for the most advanced church
members, Cooley said.

Because the church failed to return all the materials as Kane had
ordered, Wollersheim is asking the judge to hold the church in
contempt of court.

The judge said he would announce his decision Tuesday.