Gen Z raids the Church of Scientology in new viral trend

ALBAWABA - A new 'Gen Z' trend dubbed "Scientology runs" recently flooded social media platforms, capturing individuals filming themselves as they raid several churches across the US. 

The Church has long been a topic of controversy, even before the trend in question erupted on TikTok. 

According to online reports, the new trend stemmed from the Scientology Church's secretive manner and its questionable ethics regarding severe financial exploitation, abusive practices, and cult-like following. 

Gen Z raids the Church of Scientology in new viral trend

However, Scientology remains a secretive religion despite many celebrities, such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, promoting it. According to a Yahoo News report, the first known video of the viral trend appeared on TikTok in late March, posted by a user called "5.0arrodo." 

It was then followed by a plethora of videos of individuals attempting the same trend. The most notable one featured a man dressed as Jesus Christ who forced his way through a church's main door alongside other masked individuals. 

Several others took advantage of the trend and created a map of the church's indoor layout:

In response to the raids, a new video showed that several Scientology Churches are removing their door handles from the outside to prevent further incidents. 

Many found the trending challenge admirable and funny, especially those who are against the church and its controversial nature.