 "Photo: Sean Gruber/The Daily Gamecock")
Anne, known as Ether Cat on Internet message boards, didn't care about Scientology until her friend became a member in the 80s.
Twenty years later, she's giving a speech under an assumed name to a group of protesters wearing suits, surgical masks and sunglasses. Through the years, her purpose hasn't changed - she just wants her friend back.
"I would ask him, if they had all the answers, why aren't they just giving them away," Anne said as she spoke to the assembled group. "He would get angry, angry to the point that he was on the edge of violence."
Anne said this was when she became a public critic of Scientology.
"He told me that he could be my friend if [I] stopped my criticizing. I told him I just couldn't turn around around and shut up, she said. "My letter of disconnection arrived a week later."
Anne would never talk to her friend again.
"I'm saying this in the hopes that you'll hear this, even though I don't think you will," Anne said. "I just want you to come back."
Anne was one of the 200 protesters that gathered in front of the Church of Scientology in DeKalb County, just outside Atlanta.
The protest centered around Scientology's policy of "disconnection," where Scientologists are separated from family members and friends that are critical or distrustful of the church.
The protest was organized by the Internet based group "Anonymous," which originated on several message boards and chat rooms.
Most of the protesters, fearing harassment from Scientologists, wore masks, face paint and wigs to disguise themselves, and referred to themselves with nicknames.
The Church of Scientology branded "Anonymous" a "cyber terrorist" group and has described the protests as "religious bigotry." The Church of Scientology was founded in 1953 by L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction author. The group has been declared unconstitutional in Germany.
Protesters dispute these claims, saying that their protests have been peaceful and that they have no problem with the belief system, but with the church's practices.
Amy Camp, a fourth-year criminal justice student at USC, attended the protests with a small group of USC students.
"Being a criminal justice major, I am shocked about the amount of things that the Church of Scientology gets away with," Camp said. "It's disgusting. The only way to call attention to this is through protesting."
Camp said the Church and some of Scientology's policies are the main reason for her attending the protest.
"Take the 'fair game policy.' It authorizes members of Scientology to lie, cheat, slander and harass someone that speaks out against them," Camp said. "Or their policy of 'disconnection.' It's absolutely horrid."
Others said Scientology's practice of making members pay to hear the core beliefs as the reason they attended.
"They make you pay somewhere in the range of $300,000 to reach the rank where you can learn the core beliefs," said Joreal, a third-year criminal justice student at the University of Georgia.
"It's like making someone pay $300,000 before you can tell them about Jesus," he said.
Other protesters attended out of curiosity.
"I came to see how the movement was coming," said David, a third-year computer science student at the University of Georgia. "I wanted to see how things like the Internet affects how people protest. This is the tip of the iceberg. These protests are all about getting the word out."
After reciting two speeches, protesters served cake and danced to Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" and the theme song to the Fresh Price of Bel-Air. Others cheered at cars that honked as they went by.
"It's all a big party," David said. "If it's wasn't fun, some of these people wouldn't be here."
The Church of Scientology was cordoned off by police during the protest, and the building was sealed. Some Scientologists stared at the protest as they walked out to their cars, and one apparently filmed the protesters as he stood on at the entrance to the building.
Back at USC, students have mixed views on the protests.
Randy Gaines, a third-year sports student, said he doesn't think either side is right.
"If you expect to not take criticism just because you are a church, then you're wrong. As for everyone else, I don't think it's right try and tear down someone's beliefs," Gaines said. "If you don't like it, don't sign up."
Other student said they disagree.
Erica Smith, a second-year English and biology student, said she thinks the Church ruins lives and they hurt people.
"It's like telling Catholics you can't get confirmed until you pay me $20," said Erica Smith, a second-year English and biology student. "And then you have the 'disconnection' policy and 'fair game' policy."
Ultimately, the protesters said they want others to make up their own mind.
"Just go online and do the research for yourself," Camp said. "Just like you would do with any religion, research and find the holes in it before you go to a service."
The Church of Scientology would not comment.
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