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indication of how the State’s charges affect the religion and its members as a whole, is what protesters were saying on video, but out of earshot of the media;

The conduct of the anti-Scientologists does not reflect “protest”, it reflects “hatred.” Although I am sure you do not condone this conduct, when an entire church is charged, that tends to send a message that such conduct is acceptable since no distinction is drawn as to who has been charged — every member has.

And let there be no question, these protesters are not, and were not friends. The Church and its members were. When alive, these anti-Scientologists treated in the same manner they now treat the rest of the Church and its members.

But put those concerns aside. What does this do for the City of Clearwater and what image does it create? The City is engaged in a serious program of redevelopment and rejuvenation under the banner of “One City, One Future.” We are a prominent part of that City. But the image generated by the State’s indictment and commensurate anti-Scientology activity is very harmful to the City. Certainly it does not help bring tourists or students on spring break.

Please understand, the majority of these “protesters” are not dissident ex-Scientologists and most were never members of the Scientology religion. They truly are anti-Scientologists. And, let there be no mistake, we had to do more than ignore the assault. Given their outrageously abusive conduct toward our members, the Church showed great restraint, as even the City Manager acknowledged, even implementing measures to bus parishioners between buildings so as to avoid these people while they occupied the entire sidewalk and front door of our building.

At our meeting you indicated you were aware of the 11th Circuit decision and acknowledged my description of it as setting forth “a history of illegally attempting to destroy the Church in Clearwater.” The circumstances surrounding the case cannot be taken in isolation and are inextricably tied to the history of Clearwater and its Police Department. I am convinced you are not fully aware of the details of this history and because the purpose of this letter is to bring about a resolution to avoid further conflict, I have not set forth those details. However, if you remain unconvinced of the pervasiveness of that prejudicial treatment or its relationship to this investigation,