UK: 'Cult of greed' - Protesters picket opening ceremony of new Scientology church in Birmingham

Scores of demonstrators gathered outside Pitmaston House in Birmingham's suburb of Moseley, Saturday, in protest of the opening of the city's new Scientology Church headquarters.
Protesters, including former members of Scientology, showed up on the streets near the church with signs and masks. The heavy police presence and high security measures prevented press and bystanders from accessing the premises and have a peak of the exclusive ceremony.
Former Scientologist Peter Griffiths said: "All these Scientologists that are here today for this opening think that Scientology is one thing. It is not the thing that they think it is." He continued: "They continue to be lied to by the current leader of Scientology, and they are being conned."
Pitmaston House was bought by Scientology in 2007 and underwent ten years of renovations that cost some €4.7 million ($5.5 million). The church claims that the building will be used as a chapel and a training centre.
The Church of Scientology was founded in 1954 by US author Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, and counts followers such as actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta.