The History of the Melbourne Church of Scientology

To further drive the point home, The Church of Scientology pushed the matter all the way to the High Court of Australia, and in 1983 won a landmark case that thereafter defined the term "religion" for the purposes of law in Australia.

The ruling stated in part:

"For the purposes of the law, the criteria of religion are twofold: first, belief in a Supernatural Being, Thing or Principle; and second, the acceptance of canons of conduct in order to give effect to that belief, though canons of conduct which offend against the ordinary laws are outside the area of any immunity, privilege or right conferred on the grounds of religion" (High Court of Australia, 1983)

The Church of Scientology continues to grow and prosper today, with a staff and parishioner base that is bigger than ever before.

Then under the Commonwealth Marriage Act, Scientology was recognised as a bona fide religion.

This Commonwealth of Australia recognition effectively cancelled the Victorian Psychological Practices Act.

Soon after more government offices also officially recognized the Church as a religion. The Western Australian Scientology Act was also repealed in 1973.

In 1978 the Church in Melbourne (then located at 724 Inkerman Rd, Caulfield), was burnt out by a vandal. The Church was quickly set up in seven different houses around Melbourne and delivery of the religion was continued.

A short time later in early 1980, a new premises was located and purchased at 42-44 Russell Street, Melbourne, where the Church continues to operate today. Scientology in Melbourne again had a strong foundation from which to expand.

Further resources on this web-site:

The future of the Melbourne Church.

Melbourne Church - Photo Gallery.

Church of Scientology church services.