Details of what’s in store at next month’s gathering of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) have been leaked to Scientology Business after an invitation email was forwarded to us by an inside source.
The email, sent by Liz Ostermann, a Public Relations official from Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs (OSA), outlines what Scientologists can expect from the ‘Charity Gala Concert’ at their UK headquarters, Saint Hill, on Sunday 5th November. The concert forms part of a three-day celebration Scientology has marketed as “the greatest gathering of Scientologists” and is the first time an event of this scale has been held by the Church in 4 years.
Scientology’s international events program has been on hiatus since 2019 and its return acts as a bold statement from church leader David Miscavige, who is currently evading process servers in the US. With several human trafficking, intimidation and harassment lawsuits filed against him, Miscavige has rarely been seen in public in recent years and is expected to make the trip to the United Kingdom to host the IAS event next month.
The leaked email tells us Sunday’s spectacle will be headlined by British Scientology band the Jive Aces, who rose to fame as semi-finalists on hit TV show Britain’s Got Talent in 2012. The band comprises of vocalist Ian Clarkson, drummer Peter Howell, bassist Ken Smith and saxophonist “Big” John Fordham, all of whom are members of the Sea Organization and have dedicated their lives to working full time for the Church. They are also expected to perform at one of London’s most well-known jazz clubs, Ronnie Scotts, later this year. We contacted the venue to ask whether they knew about their links to Scientology, but they did not respond.
Also performing at the gala will be Grammy-Award winning film composer Mark Isham, whose credits include Black Mirror, A River Runs Through It and Mechanic:Resurrection, and Scientology favourite, rapper Chill E.B.
The leaked email asks guests to “donate generously on the night”, with money raised for local charities such as the Mayor of East Grinstead’s Charity, Age UK, East Grinstead & District Lions Club, Access2Adventure and Friends of Crowborough Hospital… that is, if they have any money left after being ‘regged to death’ the night before at the Patrons Ball.
Liz Ostermann, who sent the email, is a senior Public Affairs official in Scientology’s Office of Special Affairs (OSA). She is a veteran Scientologist, having worked for the group for over 30 years and is responsible for maintaining good PR links with local authorities and community groups. In a video om David Miscavige’s website, she talks of how the leader’s personal interactions with staff shows “that he really cares about them,” despite accusations of intimidation, harassment and human trafficking by former staff members.
Our source who leaked the email explains “she’s more public facing and deals with such things as the annual arts festival to try and be more accepted around East Grinstead.”
The charity gala plays a key role in Scientology’s PR strategy, with money from ticket sales and donations made by parishioners sent to local charities in an attempt to maintain a good public image. Our source tells us “the money raised for the tickets funded the charity donations and therefore the Church never donated anything, it all came from the public and staff.”
A protest has been planned to coincide with the event, which is due to take place 3rd – 5th November. Former Scientologists and members of the public are encouraged to register to take part on the IAS Protest website, or join the demonstration online through a live stream.
You can read the text of the leaked email in full below.
I would like to cordially invite you and your guests to this year’s
SAINT HILL GALA CHARITY CONCERT
Sunday 5th November, 2023
Doors open: 6.00 pmConcert commences: 7.00 pmVenue: Grand Marquee at Saint Hill Castle, Saint Hill Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4JYDress Code: Smart
The entertainment for the evening includes:
UK’s No. 1 swing jive band The Jive Aces with special guest performers
followed by
Grammy Award winning trumpeter & film composer Mark Isham
Legendary Latin American star Alberto Plaza
Virtuoso pianist and composer Cyprien Katsaris
and award-winning humanitarian and rap artist Chill E.B.
and more…
To acquire guest tickets, please RSVP myself Liz Ostermann in reply to this email
We are raising money for local charities so please donate generously on the night. Donation boxes will be available at the door for contributions.
This year’s chosen charities are:
a) Mayor of East Grinstead’s Charity
b) Age UK East Grinstead & District
c) East Grinstead & District Lions Club
d) Access2Adventure, making adventure accessible to all
e) Friends of Crowborough Hospital
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Liz
