The Church of Scientology has formally apologised after releasing hundreds of balloons during the grand opening of a new California branch of the church.
Local officials – who originally refused persmission for the release – have gone out of their way to enure it never happens again.
The release of the helium balloons took place last Saturday (29 February) and angered city officials, who had previously banned all balloon releases. The church apologised yesterday, Monday 2 March, during a city council meeting.
“This is a community that voraciously defends its natural environment and we will not stand for this type of assault on our environment and animal life,” said mayor Matt LaVere. “It is completely hypocritical for the church to claim environmental bona fides and then turn around and do a balloon release which does incredible harm to this environment they claim to protect.”
As part of the permit for their grand opening, The Church of Scientology had asked for a balloon release.
“The city was very clear with them that we would not approve the balloon release,” said Matt. “The church says they had a permit, but the truth is they knew the city did not want any balloons being released and did not approve the release. That is why church leaders came to city council last Monday and apologised for what they did.”
“There were misunderstandings on both sides about the City’s written approval of a special events permit that allowed the release of biodegradable balloons at the Church’s grand opening on Saturday,” said Church of Scientology spokeswoman Karin Pouw.
