The International Association of Scientologists (IAS) is an English 'non-profit organization', which was formed in October 1984 by a group of Scientologists, who assembled at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, Sussex, England. The stated purpose of the IAS is "To unite, advance, support and protect the Scientology religion and Scientologists in all parts of the world, so as to achieve the aims of Scientology as originated by L. Ron Hubbard." The IAS was formed in 1984 as a response to attacks from church detractors, in order to guarantee the free practice of Scientology and “the freedom of all religions,” writes Eric Roux of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom. Scientologists gathered at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, Sussex, England to form the international body