As with many of the Church of Scientology 's programs , the Volunteer Ministers have generated controversy and criticism . The organization provides " spiritual relief " parallel with medical treatment , but also does simple tasks such as helping cleanup or fetch food and generally assist the disaster effort as seems indicated . They have been accused of attempting to take advantage of disasters in order to promote Scientology to a grief-stricken populace . Church of Scientology insists that assists are given parallel to medical treatment , not in place of it ; the Handbook for Scientology Assists stresses in its basic guidelines : " Always seek first aid and medical attention when needed . An assist is not a substitute for medical attention or treatment by a qualified doctor . First , call the doctor . Then assist the person as you can . " The Volunteer Minister program most heavily promoted by Scientology took place in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks . Critics of Scientology accused the organization of attempting to take advantage of the disaster in order to promote Scientology to the grief-stricken populace in the area . The National Mental Health Association issued a public warning in response to the conduct of Scientologists in the immediate aftermath of September 11 , claiming that Scientologists were " Intentionally confusing the public " by presenting themselves as mental health service providers . According to NMHA President Michael M. Faenza , " The public needs to understand that the Scientologists are using this tragedy to recruit new members . They are not providing mental health assistance . " In Russia , after the Beslan school hostage crisis tragedy in 2004 , the Health Ministry ordered Scientologists out of the area , saying " that various psychological tactics the groups use , including what it called hypnosis , may be harmful not only for adults , but for children that have already suffered severe mental shock . " In the United Kingdom , Volunteer Ministers played a similar role in the aftermath of the 7 July 2005 London bombings , targeting the families of victims and emergency workers . As in the United States in 2001 , this resulted in controversy , and it was reported that Volunteer Ministers had been removed from the vicinity of survivors of the bus bombing in Tavistock Square . It later emerged that the Metropolitan Police had agreed to give the Church of Scientology privileged access to the Police Message Broadcasting System , enabling the Church to dispatch Volunteer Minister rapid-response teams in the event of future emergencies in the capital
7 July 2005 London bombings
7 July 2005 London bombings
Volunteer Ministers