A recent online trend that involves young people running through Scientology Churches has been called “Scientology speedrun”. 

Stemming from a viral video on TikTok, the prank has taken off across the globe and has gained traction in the US, the UK, and more recently, Australia. 

What is the trend, and why are teenagers doing it?

A ‘Scientology speedrun’ involves someone pushing through the doors of a Scientology building and running as far inside as they can before getting kicked out, often wearing extravagant costumes and Meta glasses to film. These videos have gained widespread attention and are getting millions of views. 

The apparent goal behind the ’speedruns’ is to allegedly uncover the ‘secrets’ of the Church, with some participants even attempting to map out the buildings as though they are navigating a video game. 

The controversial religion is known worldwide for its secrecy, and assertive recruitment techniques.

Social media user “@2Wheels” believes the group is a cult.

“I think we need to spread awareness about what they truly are and drive them out of Perth,” he says.

“When people have been involved in documentaries who have been in Scientology and it comes out what the Scientology beliefs really are and what their purpose is, those people are freaked out.

“They come out and say, “they ruined our lives”, and Scientology obviously wants to keep that a secret because otherwise, no one’s ever going to join them and they’re not going to make their money,”

@2Wheels is known on Instagram and TikTok for posting about the Scientology ‘speedruns’ and has been sharing a plan online to gather around the Church of Scientology in Rivervale on May 30. 

“I think most people are doing it just for the fun of it, and I think that’s probably what most people will do when they come on the 30th of May. But, yeah, my message is take them down,” he says.

“I think with the things that Scientology does to people, it’s more than fair, we could be doing a whole lot worse. And these raids aren’t honestly to gain information. We have the information we need, and this is to wreak havoc.”

Jasky Singh is a social media figure known for his “street interview” posts, and has tried to create content about the church in Perth. He says ‘speedrunning’ might not be smartest way to actually challenge the Church on its views.

“I don’t think you can just cross their private property and start trying to invade their spaces because then you’re violating any sort of, you know, individual rights that we have,” he says.

“The way we did it is to go up to their door, ask to have a conversation, speak to them. I think it showcases a hypocrisy in that manner anyway.

“I don’t think you need to run in and just cause a muck. I think it’s illegal and it’s stupid.”

Jasky Singh

The trend has been growing in popularity over the last few weeks, but Mr Singh says the craze won’t last long.

“Honestly, anything that crosses the line of breaking any laws is obviously going to be suppressed at some point,” he says.

A spokesperson for the Church of Scientology claims the trend has happened repeatedly over recent weeks, which has disrupted religious facilities and endangered staff and visitors.

“During one large-scale incident, dozens of individuals rushed into buildings without permission. Staff members were knocked down in the chaos, and the Church is reviewing all available remedies to protect its personnel, visitors and property.

“Some online have referred to these incidents as “speed running.” In reality, they involve organised trespasses into religious and public information facilities for social media attention,” they say.

The spokesperson says additional security measures have been taken, and they have made reports to police regarding the trespassing. 

“Those measures are not the story. The story is that a house of worship and public information facilities have been repeatedly targeted by people seeking internet attention,” they say.

“The Church welcomes lawful visitors. It does not welcome mobs forcing entry, damaging property, disrupting religious spaces or endangering people for views.”

The Church of Scientology, Perth