Scientology books for Zimbabwe government 02/08/2007 00:00

2 August 2007

Harare (dpa) - As inflation bites and shortages worsen, Zimbabwe's mandarins have been offered help from a highly-controversial source - the Church of Scientology, reports said Thursday.

Government officials, including cabinet ministers have all been given free copies of the book The Problems of Work written by Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard.

The books were handed over by a representative from an international book distributor, state radio said, adding that The Problems of Work tackles issues on how to handle exhaustion and confusion.

Scientology is not recognized as a religion in several European countries including Britain, France and Germany, and the Berlin government considers Scientology a moneymaking enterprise with a history of exploiting the vulnerable.

The creed however has various high-profile adherents who include Hollywood film star Tom Cruise.

It was not clear why President Robert Mugabe's government accepted the books.

Zimbabwe already has its own motivational literature, including three books by respected author and newspaper columnist Milton Kamwendo. Like many Zimbabweans, he is also a Christian.

DPA

Subject: German news