Church of Scientology the "United Churches of Florida" the citizens and City Council of Clearwater did not realize that the building's owners were actually the Church of Scientology until after the building's purchase. Clearwater citizens' groups, headed by Mayor Gabriel Cazares, rallied strongly against Scientology establishing a base in the city (repeatedly referring to the organization as a cult), but Flag Base was established nonetheless. In the years since its foundation, the Flag Land Base has expanded as the Church of Scientology has gradually purchased large amounts of additional property in the downtown and waterfront Clearwater area. Scientology's largest project in Clearwater has
Scientology in Norway Scientology in Norway "Scientologikirken" (Church of Scientology) is not recognised as a religious community, but as a non-profit corporation. Although it is estimated that around 8000 people have taken scientology-related courses in Norway, the church only has around 100 active members. "Scientologikirken" has only one official church, in Oslo, which has located and relocated among various places within the capital, ranging from fashionable offices in a thriving city center on Karl Johans gate and Tollbugata, to its current location on Grünerløkka, in a run-down square building surrounded by increasing urban decay, in strong contrast to other Church of Scientology headquarters.