14 DAY TRIAL // The church of Scientology is getting closer to its official recognition as Britain's first couple to get married under the faith's label was approved by UK's highest court.
Louisa Hodkin and Alessandro Calcioli are ready to get married in a Scientology chapel after the woman legally battled the Registrar General that refused to officiate their bound under the Places of Worship Registration Act from 1855.
The female follower argued in court that the act was outdated and that Scientology had evolved in time, making it fit to be placed on the same rank as Buddhism or Jainism, according to London Evening Standard. A similar case dating back to 1970 was rejected by the Court after concluding that Scientology doesn't venerate a God or a Supreme Being like other religions.
Scientology was developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1952 and is described as a religion that “offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one's true spiritual nature and one's relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being,” according to the Church's official website.
The main difference between Scientology and other religions is that this particular faith is not dogmatic and it allows individuals to discover by themselves the true principles and experience the result of their beliefs. Most people consider it an atheistic cult, but this particular religion has gathered many followers in time, being represented by famous figures like John Travolta or Tom Cruise.
The previous cases concerning the recognition of Scientology as an official faith were considered to be filled with religious discrimination that is not accepted in today's society. Also, the Supreme Court decided that the Registrar General of Births, Marriages and Deaths is not fit to rule on cases concerning theological or religious matters like the one concerning Scientology.
After the Court ruled in her favor, Miss Hodkin said “I am really excited, glad we are finally being treated equally. I think the court's definition of religion is excellent. I'm ecstatic,” notes London Evening Standard. The Scientology couple can now officiate their marriage in their religion of choice without concerns of legal barriers.