"() () Scientology Mission is the entrance point in Scientology for people of all faiths and walks of life. Here, people become introduced to Dianetics and Scientology technology. () Scientology missions also preside over naming ceremonies, officiate over marriages and funerals and are there to assists those in distress. () To assist missions in these endeavors, Scientology Missions International (SMI) was formed to act as the mother church for all missions. SMI's international offices provide guidance, help and direction for existing missions through a global network of continental offices. Through training manuals, apprenticeships, direct consultation, magazines, newsletters, promotion and a wealth of other materials, SMI provides the wherewithal new and existing missions need to function and expand. ()"〔(About Scientology Missions International, official website of SMI, retrieved on April 27th, 2008 )〕

"() Missions (), nearly 100 in the United States alone and over 250 worldwide, minister the lowest levels of
religious services to parishioners within their localities. Missions are under the ecclesiastical authority of SMI, which in turn is under the ecclesiastical authority of CSI. SMI itself has a staff of approximately 26 individuals and an annual budget of approximately $ 2.6 million, based on its annual disbursements for the most recent year for which financial statements are available.()"