A viral TikTok trend known as 'Scientology speed running' has seen teenagers and young adults storming Scientology centers across the globe, including locations in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The trend involves groups of youths sprinting into the buildings, attempting to reach as far inside as possible before being escorted out. While some participants claim curiosity about the church, others dress in costumes and use social media to document their actions. The Church of Scientology has condemned the trend as trespass and disruption of religious spaces, while activists warn that it undermines peaceful protests against the sect's practices.
A viral trend known as 'Scientology speed running' has taken over social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where teenagers and young adults are storming Scientology centers worldwide.
The trend, which originated in Los Angeles, involves groups of youths sprinting into Scientology buildings in various directions, attempting to reach as far inside as possible before being escorted out by staff. The movement has quickly spread across the globe, with recent events reported in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
In the UK, social media posts have advertised gatherings for this weekend, with one TikTok user urging followers to join a 'Scientology of London speedrun' on May 9th at 3 PM, encouraging participants to bring as many people as possible. Another post suggested using Lime bikes to break into the buildings, while a Snapchat message about a London stunt last weekend called for attendees to bring face coverings and GoPros to document the event.
Around 100 people, some wearing balaclavas, dinosaur costumes, or cat masks, descended on the main Scientology center near Blackfriars in London, where they were met by City of London police. A 16-year-old participant from Carlisle, who traveled four hours to join the trend, stated that he wanted to be part of something bigger. Footage shared on TikTok shows large groups of teenagers sprinting through London streets before attempting to enter the church.
Similar speed runs were reported in Deansgate, Manchester, and South Bridge, Edinburgh, last weekend. Greater Manchester Police confirmed increased presence in the area due to these incidents. The Church of Scientology has condemned the trend, labeling it as trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities. A spokesperson for the church stated that while they welcome lawful visitors, they do not tolerate mobs forcing entry, damaging property, or endangering people for social media views.
The church emphasized that their facilities are peaceful spaces meant for parishioners and visitors, not for social media stunts. Former Scientologist and activist Alexander Barnes Ross criticized the trend, arguing that it undermines peaceful protests against the sect's practices. He acknowledged that the trend brings attention to Scientology but warned that it weakens the credibility of long-term activism. Ross fears that the trend could give the church an opportunity to reopen cases against allowing demonstrations outside their buildings.
The trend began on March 31 in Hollywood, when a TikTok user named Swhileyy dashed through the lobby of the Church of Scientology's Los Angeles headquarters. The video, which gained 90 million views before being deleted, sparked imitations in New York and Vancouver. Some participants claimed they were interested in learning more about the church, while others dressed as Minions and joked about looking for Tom Cruise, a well-known Scientology member.
Swhileyy later told the Hollywood Reporter that he did not condone his actions, even though he did not break any laws, stating that he merely explored the building and was never asked not to return. Police Scotland reported no incidents involving entry to Church premises in Scotland, while a minor incident in Manchester was addressed by local authorities.
The Church of Scientology reiterated that their facilities are not meant for social media stunts and that such activities are considered trespass and disruption of religious spaces
Scientology Speed Running Tiktok Trend Teenagers Storming Scientology Centers Viral Social Media Trend Church Of Scientology Response
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