The secretive world of Scientology has been thrust into the spotlight with a growing trend among teenagers, who are "speedrunning" into Church of Scientology buildings in the US.
The trend, which has been gaining momentum on social media, sees users attempting to navigate through the buildings as quickly as possible, often involving elaborate stunts and dodging security guards.
The trend is believed to have originated on TikTok with a user who posted a video of a teen artfully dodging church guards, and has since spread to other platforms.
In one instance, an 18-year-old content creator uploaded a clip of himself jogging past security, managing to get down to the stairs before ducking under a woman's arm and pushing through an exit door.
The trend has sparked concerns about the safety and legality of the actions, with at least one police investigation underway as a potential hate crime.
Some users have reported being banned from entering the buildings, and three Scientology buildings in the Hollywood area have removed their door handles in response to the trend.
A former Scientologist and vocal critic of the church has urged people not to carry out the raids, warning that they could push those who are already indoctrinated further into the church.
Scientology, which has been dogged by accusations that it is a cult, is an infamously secretive religion that counts actor Tom Cruise as a church-goer.
Believers say that the church's teachings can help followers reach a state known as "clear," where they can think clearly and realize that humanity is immortal.
However, former members have described being mistreated by senior church officials, and the church has been embroiled in controversies around human trafficking and embezzlement.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the Church of Scientology have been approached for comment, and the trend is set to continue with more teenagers attempting to navigate through the buildings.
The safety and legality of the actions remain a concern, and it remains to be seen how the church will respond to the trend.
As the trend continues to gain momentum, it is clear that the world of Scientology is one that is shrouded in secrecy and controversy.
The actions of the teenagers may be seen as a form of protest or a way to expose the church's practices, but they also raise questions about the safety and well-being of those involved.
The trend is a reminder that the world of Scientology is one that is complex and multifaceted, and that the actions of the teenagers are just one small part of a much larger story.
