They have little in common with Scientology. Some even acknowledge contempt for the late L. Ron Hubbard's beliefs. But mainstream religions nevertheless have lined up with Hubbard's church on one issue - money.

But the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), arguing that tax exemption should be denied, says auditing fees are simply payment for services rendered, much like paying a counselor for psychological counseling. The IRS also contends the Church of Scientology of California - which its leaders say is a separate legal entity from the Clearwater organization - should be denied tax-exempt religious status because Hubbard personally took millions of dollars from the organization. A federal court is addressing that on a year-by-year basis.

Some mainstream religious leaders support the idea of Scientology getting the same benefits as other religions even as they take exception to Scientology doctrine. They even acknowledge dislike for the late L. Ron Hubbard, who founded Scientology.