Scientology Conspiracy: US Religion Gaining Too Much Power in Southern Germany, Officials Warn

German intelligence officials have been summoned to investigate the influence of the Church of Scientology over an iconic art museum in Munich, prompting concerns about the extent of the church's power in a country already deeply distrustful of Scientology.

The German government, which does not recognize the Church of Scientology as a religion, has long maintained a suspicious attitude toward the ideology of Scientology and has routinely monitored its activities in the country. The church, which German officials have accused of attempting to undermine freedom and democracy, is estimated to have about 1,200 members in the southern state of Bavaria alone.

In Germany's most recent Scientology scandal, rumors have reportedly arisen since at least 2014 accusing the human resources chief at the Haus der Kunst or "House of Art," of being an avowed Scientologist. The employee in question, who worked externally as head of the human resources department, has reportedly been involved with the museum for over 20 years. He exercised control over recruitment and wages. Despite not working directly for the museum, he was reportedly assigned an usually substantial amount of responsibilities.

“Everything passes through his desk, almost all of us were hired by him,” a museum employee told German newspaper Sueddeutsche Monday.

Haus der Kunst staff administrator Okwui Enwezor announced Wednesday that the institution "terminated" its relationship with the human resources chief once the allegations became public and after he had consulted with the museum's legal team. He also suggested the museum would "reorganize its workspace," according to a follow-up article by Sueddeutsche.

Zacharias went on to accuse Scientologists of trying to impose a "totalitarian" grip on the famous museum, which was built by the Nazis in the 1930s. She likened the U.S.-based church to the fascist ideology of Germany's World War Two ruling party and said the church's involvement in the state-funded institution was "a no-go," according to Germany's The Local.