In Scientology, some upper levels of spiritual counseling require the parishioner’s full-time participation for a period of several weeks in order for the person to achieve the full spiritual benefits of the religious service. Thus, the Church maintains religious retreats, away from the distractions of the world, which provide the ideal environment for advanced religious studies and spiritual counseling. While freedom from distraction is important during all counseling, it is vital at the most advanced levels.

What is the Sea Organization?

The Sea Organization (commonly referred to as the Sea Org) is the religious order for the Scientology religion and is composed of the most dedicated Scientologists in the world — individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of their religion.

The Sea Organization is a fraternal religious order and is not incorporated or otherwise organized as a legal entity. Members of the Sea Org therefore are wholly responsible to the Church of Scientology for which they work and are subject, as are all other employees of that church, to the orders and directions of its board of directors.

The Sea Org was established in 1967 and once operated from a number of ships. It was set up to help L. Ron Hubbard with research of earlier civilizations and supervise Church organizations around the world. It is also entrusted to minister the advanced services of Scientology.

The Sea Organization retains its name in celebration of the fact that Mr. Hubbard’s life was frequently connected with the sea. It exists to help keep Scientology working.

Is it true that people in the Sea Org sign a billion-year contract?

Yes, they do. It is a symbolic document which, similar to vows of dedication in other faiths and orders, serves to signify an individual’s eternal commitment to the goals, purposes and principles of the Scientology religion. Sea Org members have dedicated their lives to working toward these ends and toward a world without war, drugs, crime and illiteracy.

What are field staff members?

Field staff members are individual Scientologists who disseminate Scientology and help raise funds for the Church by providing basic Scientology books to interested friends, family members and acquaintances, and introducing other interested individuals to the Church. Field staff members are appointed by their nearest Scientology church. Because they have had immense spiritual gains from Dianetics and Scientology, field staff members naturally want to share the technology with others.