The recent trend of “speed running” in churches tied to Scientology is making waves. What started in late March in Los Angeles has sparked similar antics in cities across the U.S. and beyond. Groups of young people, sometimes in costumes, race through church buildings, sharing their escapades on social media.
Initially, these speed runs took root along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where participants attempted to dash through Scientology properties, dodging staff to see how long they could stay inside before being asked to leave. This prankish behavior is viewed by some as a protest against the Church of Scientology’s troubled history, with allegations of abuse and other misconduct.
On April 25, a notable incident occurred when a crowd led by someone dressed as Jesus rushed into the church’s Hollywood Guaranty Building. This space features an exhibit about church founder L. Ron Hubbard. Videos capture the chaos as speed runners encounter security guards, leading to claims of injuries.
Scientology calls these events “hate crimes,” asserting that one of their members needed medical care after an altercation during the Hollywood incident. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating, with a focus on the rise in trespassing incidents tied to these events.
While speed running seems to have slowed down in L.A. due to the church’s security measures, cities like San Francisco and San Diego have witnessed similar episodes. Police in San Francisco responded to break-in attempts near Chinatown, resulting in two arrests. Officials in Vancouver and New York faced their own speed-running challenges, showing how this fad is spreading.
The Church of Scientology is trying to control the narrative. They’ve faced backlash on social media, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram suspending or flagging accounts that share related content. A lawyer for the church cited a post offering a $1,000 prize for completing a speed run, claiming it incited dangerous behavior. The app’s founder argues that the trend began independently and is not encouraged by their platform.
In an interesting twist, this trend reflects a larger cultural movement. Social media platforms are increasingly scrutinizing content, with TikTok stating that it prohibits any promotion of violent or illegal behavior. This echoes broader trends in online discourse, where platforms struggle to balance user expression with safety.
The conversation around speed running and Scientology raises questions about youth-led protests, the far-reaching influence of social media, and how organizations respond to acts they deem threatening or defamatory. How these incidents unfold will be significant, not just for Scientology but for cultural expression and digital interaction as a whole.
For further details on the Church of Scientology’s controversies, you can read more here on NBC News.
