Scientology In 1997, Vidal was one of thirty-four public intellectuals and celebrities who joined a publicity campaign waged by Scientologists against the German government, signing an open letter addressed to German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, published in the International Herald Tribune, alleging that Scientologists in Germany were treated "in the same way that the Nazi regime persecuted the Jews".Drozdiak, William (January 14, 1997). U.S. Celebrities Defend Scientology in Germany , The Washington Post, p. A-11. Scientologists are free to operate in Germany; the Church of Scientology, however, is not recognized as a religious body but as a business with political goals and thus monitored by the German domestic intelligence service. Despite signing the letter, Vidal was critical of Scientology as a religion.Baker, Russ. April 1997. "Clash of the Titans: Scientology vs. Germany", George magazine.
Scientology In 1997 Vidal was one of thirty-four public intellectuals and celebrities who joined a publicity campaign waged by Scientologists against the German government signing an open letter addressed to German Chancellor Helmut Kohl published in the International Herald Tribune alleging that Scientologists in Germany were treated "in the same way that the Nazi regime persecuted the Jews"Drozdiak William (January 14 1997) US Celebrities Defend Scientology in Germany  The Washington Post p A-11 Scientologists are free to operate in Germany; the Church of Scientology however is not recognized as a religious body but as a business with political goals and thus monitored by the German domestic intelligence service Despite signing the letter Vidal was critical of Scientology as a religionBaker Russ April 1997 "Clash of the Titans Scientology vs Germany" George magazine