Portage recognizes controversial Scientology book, spurring debate
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PORTAGE, MI — The Portage City Council recognized a controversial Scientology book at its Tuesday, March 11 meeting, recognizing the 75th anniversary of the book Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health.
Science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard published the book May 1950. It was later incorporated into Scientology, a religion also founded by Hubbard.
Believers claim the text can help people relieve mental and spiritual suffering and overcome physical hardships, help individuals gain greater personal independence and restore honesty and trust to relationships, per city documents.
The church has been criticized by some for having strict, controlling practices, MLive reported previously.
Mayor Patricia Randall received a request for the proclamation from a church of Scientology in Battle Creek, she said. She passed the request on the to clerk and city manager to write up.
A member of the organization must be present to read any proclamation into the meeting record, she said.
The city will not issue a proclamation regarding an international event, she said. Last fall, the council refused to make a proclamation calling for a ceasefire in Gaza after repeated requests.
“The way I look at it, (a proclamation is) a platform of expression of the diversity within our community,” Randall said.
The council has recognized anniversaries of several local churches, she said, as well as various groups raising awareness for lung cancer or skin conditions.
“It doesn’t mean that we are joining them, promoting them or members of them,” Randall said. “It just simply means that they asked to have a proclamation honoring a significant event.”
Three residents spoke against the proclamation during the public comment period of the meeting — which was after it was presented.
“Recognizing Dianetics lends credibility and supports Scientology,” said Richard Hewitt, Portage resident and retired mental health counselor. “We consider Dianetics a threat to community mental health.”
Dianetics makes false claims about the cause of depression and mental illness, said resident and licensed psychologist Jordan Horan.
“People may think that the government is endorsing this book,” Horan said. “People then may choose to read this book instead of seeking adequate mental health treatment.”
Content retrieved from: https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2025/03/portage-recognizes-controversial-scientology-book-spurring-debate.html.
