Shouldn't the test as to whether a spiritual philosophy or religion is beneficial be that it actually progresses one spiritually? I hereby resign my membership in the Church of Scientology.". Jury deadlocked. The great majority of Scientologists I know are good people who are genuinely interested in improving conditions on this planet and helping others. Shine forth brave souls. "I will always take their calls, as I always took yours. John ended up doing a couple of years in Sea Org as well and I didn't see him for about five years. In fact it was they who introduced my wife to Scientology. Scientology's Danny Masterson DOES NOT GET ACQUITTED. "IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE AS WE DO, YOU ARE ENEMIES! There are a million shades of gray. Same thing in Scientology. You could publicly state that it doesn't exist? I called and wrote and implored you, as the official spokesman of the church, to condemn their actions. Haggis, who is also the co-founder of Artists for Peace and Justice, has since been very vocal on his thoughts of Scientology. A lot of us Mission Owners are looking for a way to be 100% independent of the Int Base, and corporate scientology. Haggis wrote a letter expressing his misgivings about the church, which was later leaked to the press. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. *Environmental Media Award EMA The fact that the Mormon Church drew all the fire, that no one noticed, doesnt matter. It's the same sad stories all over again. The Church of $cientology continually shows us through the writings and testimony of ex-members that at it's heart and core of leadership it cares nothing for the eternity of the human spirit or freeing humanity it's all about control, programming, and destroying those who would dare question it. There will always be divisions over policy, but the human rights violations he mentions are real, and they simply must stop. We took the little test they gave (probably still give) and were told we needed auditing. In 2009, Mr. Haggis left the Church of Scientology over its support of Proposition 8, the ban on same-sex marriage passed by California voters and later overturned. You inspire me, and I support you 100 percent. The fact that the Mormon Church drew all the fire, that no one noticed, doesn't matter. Ive never been good at following orders, especially when I find them morally reprehensible. suppressive Awards for outspoken support of Civil and Human Rights: * Valentine Davies Award Writers Guild of America The intention was that Wright would use Haggis false narrative to protect and further his crafted image as a crusader, especially with Haggis daughters. We love them. I can think of no other word. You could publicly state that it doesnt exist? *Catholics in Media Award Catholics in Media Associates. If you redefine marriage for gay couples, why not includes polygamists or other variations? Silence is consent, Tommy. Haggis for years falsely claimed he split with the Church because it would not take a position on Californias incendiary Proposition 8 campaign in 2008 regarding same-sex marriageknowing the Church would never take a stand on such a political issue. Bottom line: Once Haggis admitted that he lied about his story, he had no credibility. ", "But I reached a point several weeks ago where I no longer knew what to think," he continues. Dave, back up what you say with facts. My understanding is that scientology previously sued the cult awareness network (CAN) to not only stifle free speech, but to actually take over CAN. Lives damaged. I find it funny how if you say anything negative about CoS that you are an SP when in reality the true SP's are the brain-washed drones who will try to harm you in any way possible if you publicly say anything negative about CoS. Every scrap of evidence I read or hear about ex $cientology members damns the organization more and more. After two years of this rank exploitation, he jumped off the Steel Bridge and drowned in the Willamette. I was shocked. The churchs refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly. Haggis was on Sunday detained in Italy on sexual assault . Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis testified on Wednesday in a civil rape lawsuit that his letter of resignation from the Church of Scientology helped motivate fellow celebrity and member Leah Remini to leave the religion as well. How are things in the rubber room? For a year and a half, despite her protestations, my wife did not speak to her parents and they had limited access to their grandchild. "Meet the abusive individual who turned Scientology into a cult, doesn't practice the religion himself, has refused auditing for 19 years, won't even do a course in Scientology. Yet three months before that Aftermath episode, Paul Haggis had already eviscerated his own credibility by confirming he lied, and that his anti-Scientology exit tale is built on a fraud. Say what you will about them now, these were staunch defenders of the church, including Mike Rinder, the churchs official spokesman for 20 years! We're prohibited from taking stances on political issues. Please don't make blanket statements about groups you don't know and good luck in your journey through life. So I'm the result of both hate crimes against gay people and disconnection policy. ..H. Praise for Paul Haggis. He's currently filming "The Next Three Days" with former Scientologist actor Jason Beghe, along with Russell Crowe and Liam Neeson. Discover what people really say about all things Scientology. This totally illogical crazy cult needs to be exposed and let to die a quick and very public death as soon as possible. Abandoned dissemination programs. But I am tolerant of those who chose to do so - that's their right. Exactly pursuant to Hubbard policy on what you do with enemies. Prob with religion are the people, to much power given to few of them. Sign up for notifications from Insider! One night in NY city in the sixties a group of us was approached by a Scientology recruiter. Director Paul Haggis has already been the worst kind of publicity for the Church of Scientology, penning this letter in August 2009 in which he resigned from the group over its support of . "for bringing honor and dignity to writers everywhere" Within Canada, Paul Haggis may be best known as the creator of the popular TV series Due South, which earned him six Gemini Awards including two for Best Dramatic Series. Cost them their jobs. Haggis asserted that supporters of Prop 8 were bigoted and hateful, and supporters are the MAJORITY of Californians, most of whom do NOT belong to the Christian right. When it rains, it pours on the Church of Scientology. An answer to the corrupt monopoly of Scientology. This was the only way an unemployed high school grad like himself could pay for the multi-thousand dollar "auditing courses," which they convinced him would make everything clear. Be creative, come up with a different type of union that provides the same rights for gay couples. Or at least in the application of the religion or philosophy. Is this Jonestown 2 in the making? Very quickly, this gentle trusting young man's whole demeanor took a turn for the worse. Despite all the church's words about promoting freedom and human rights, its name is now in the public record alongside those who promote bigotry and intolerance, homophobia and fear. "I felt if I sent it to my friends. *Creative Integrity Award Multicultural Motion Picture Association Yes!!! Internationally, he is renowned for a number of film achievements. During my twenties and early thirties I studied and received a great deal of counseling. Some walk, some fly. An elite coterie obscenely enriched by the efforts of others. I heard the same voice that professed outrage at our support of Proposition 8, who promised to correct it, and did nothing. When disgraced director Paul Haggis was arrested in Italy on June 19, 2022, for what police are calling the violent sexual assault of a young woman, Leah Remini was notably silent. As a Catholic, I, like all Catholics living the Word, have a love for all people regardless of sexual orientation. While I have not been an active member for many years, I found much of what I learned to be very helpful, and I still apply it in my daily life. He said they would catch him and drag him back. And though it may seem small by comparison, I was truly disturbed to see you provide private details from confessionals to the press in an attempt to embarrass and discredit the executives who spoke out. informative resignation letter template that requires the basic details of the employee and check box the option of relocation as the reason of resignation Expat Dating in Germany chatting and dating Front page DE . After 35 years as a Scientologist . Representatives for Remini did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. we love the sinner and hate the sin. Davis told Haggis that "heads would roll" over this about ten months ago. I have to believe that if they knew what I now know, they too would be horrified. Haggis' legal team alleges the Church of Scientology, which he left, is behind the claim. In any case, I applaud Mr. Haggis' decision to leave his church. supporting art and music in public schools I would respect his stance more if he were consistent. But they didnt. I'm not surprised that Harkus would automatically defend the Church. All Rights Reserved. It is a "religion" that considers all who don't agree with their belief SYSTEM or even their point of view on any topic to be enemies. Mr. Haggis does condemn the CoS for casting its lot "alongside those who promote bigotry and intolerance, homophobia and fear," but I do not read anywhere that this includes all of Christianity. hidden It was a year ago. On September 2, Oscar-winning filmmaker and former Scientologist Paul Haggis wrote an e-mail to Showbiz 411 confirming the auditing took place. divorce * Member, President's Council, Defenders of Wildlife The point is this is a huge blow to David Miscavige, at least he's still got Tom Cruise fooled. ", Dwyane Wade's Words For Daughter Zaya At The NAACP Image Awards Were So Touching, Adam Lambert Defends Harry Styles Over Queerbating Accusations, Emma Corrin Got Candid About The Hate They Received For Being Non-Binary, Heres How You Can Make A Difference In Honour Of Brianna Ghey, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. But I know how easy it was for me to defend our organization and dismiss our critics, without ever truly looking at what was being said; I did it for thirty-five years. :-), I am proud of Mr. Haggis, I do wonder why it took so long for him to "see the light.". I have always considered the current operation a mind control program, with militaristic overtones. But they didn't. NOT ALL ARE MEANT FOR ALL PEOPLE. I recall being sent to the priest every time I expressed an independent thought. Names like Tom Cruise and John Travolta have long been attached to Hollywood's connection with Scientology. When actress Leah Remini publicly defected from the Church in 2013, Haggis spoke on her departure in a letter, calling her exit "brave." Representatives for Remini did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. So, I am now painfully aware that you might see this an attack and just as easily use things I have confessed over the years to smear my name. My younger brother got roped into a three year ordeal during a most vunerable time of his life, early 20's, and was forced to disassociate with our loving and very concerned family for ridiculous reasons, all the while spending hours, day and night doing whatever they instructed him to do in their downtown Toronto outfit. Both sides would be agog, so who knows if it will happen, but such dynamics are seldom as simple as some of these posts. Excuse me? I carefully read all of your rebuttals, I watched every video where you presented the churchs position, I listened to all your arguments ever word. One personal having the courage to do what you did can cause an entire shaky house of cards to changeor fall. The screenwriter, who left the church in 2009, writes that he was surprised how quickly "Leah was attacked . And though it may seem small by comparison, I was truly disturbed to see you provide private details from confessionals to the press in an attempt to embarrass and discredit the executives who spoke out. It's about not living in a glass house. How absurd that anyone would even consider the concept of using confessionals to extort money. I am a christian and consider my self conservative, but even I can't deny the fact that there are some "Christian" sects out there that are bigotted and even VIOLENTLY opposed to homosexuals and other people that don't follow the Word of God. I am not religious nor am I a member of a religious group but I don't understand why it's 'gay bashing' to define marriage in this way. *ALMA Award National Council of Latino Civil Rights I attended 2 years of Catholic High School and wrote a paper for religion class about "buying forgiveness" and the dangers it presents - and got kicked out of school for my troubles. The sleep deprivation and other abuses. I've attached our email correspondence. Haggis false story served as the opening anecdote and linchpin for a 2011 article in The New Yorker by anti-Scientology author Lawrence Wright, and Wrights subsequent book. It was over the church's refusal to denounce one chapter's statement of support for Proposition 8. These are two of. Oscar winning screenwriter and director Paul Haggis ( Crash, Million Dollar Baby) has penned a long letter to a Scientology official in which he outlines the reasons why he's breaking ties with the cult. WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE ANYONE? "Unlike the rest of my former friends, she expressed real sadness that I was . [Rathbun] broke his silence on the matter in 2017 to reveal that he and Haggis had orchestrated Haggis departure story and there is no truth whatsoever to the Haggis account. For a year and a half, despite her protestations, my wife did not speak to her parents and they had limited access to their grandchild. In fact, as Rathbun reveals, Haggis asked Rathbun and others to lie for him to Lawrence Wright, who was working on his The New Yorker article at the time. Oct. 26, 2009 — -- While many of Hollywood's elite have long adhered to Scientology, last week, Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis broke rank, resigning from the church in a scathing letter to Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis. donations "I can't . I can see this in any religion, especially when the followers are so devout and the religion itself is shrouded in such secrecy as Scientology, Church of Mormon, etc. And theyve never molested children either I suppose; tithing used to be more than just a suggestion "(Christians) use confessionals to extort money." Religions have been used to allow some to control the masses, and for the most part are male dominated. On the other hand, if someone's definition of "goodness" is NOT cast in stone, then the religious sources offer answers that might be useful to a seeker. * Founding Board Member, Earth Communication Office I knew Jim Jones, and he also practiced disconnection, confessions, sleep dep, and physical abuse to defend his liturgy. In his letter, Haggis said he is deeply disappointed with the church to which he has belonged for decades. Robin, there are many of us who will not "come out" as ex-members of $cn because of our existing ties to family and friends who are still in the church. Some people like pickles, some like cucumbers. I've never been good at following orders, especially when I find them morally reprehensible. An opportunist who describes himself as a "bullying selfish prick" and who cheated on his former wife with dozens of women, Haggis was sued for rape in December of 2017 and arrested for . miscaviges are all things that scare religious organizations. I do hope Tommy Davis sorts himself out. You had allowed our name to be allied with the worst elements of the Christian Right. Nov. 10, 2022 A jury on Thursday found the Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis liable for raping a former film industry publicist in his Manhattan apartment in 2013, ordering him to pay her at. In a resignation letter. Our Catechism based belief in the sanctity of marriage between one man and woman, has nothing to do with homophobia; it instead elevates the preservation of the foundation of society-- the nuclear family. In response to Oh, really. It would certainly be a good start for the UN to eliminate tax-free status for all religions and ensure the separation of church and state globally. I am only ashamed that I waited this many months to act. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I just discovered this website, and frankly, I am astounded it exists. While I have not been an active member for many years, I found much of what I learned to be very helpful, and I still apply it in my daily life. To see you lie so easily, I am afraid I had to ask myself: what else are you lying about? In order to contain a potential "PR flap" you allowed our sponsorship of Proposition 8 to stand. ponzi Perhaps if you had done a little more research on me, the church's senior management wouldn't have dismissed those concerns quite so cavalierly. Where in the world do you get that confessionals are used to extort money???!! Well, luckily I have never held myself up to be anyone's role model. The entire letter toof all peoplecreepy Church. In order to contain a potential PR flap you allowed our sponsorship of Proposition 8 to stand. Far from being a principled decision by Haggis over gay rights, it was actually Rathbun who approached Haggis starting in June 2009 and coached him on how to make his exit and obtain maximal publicity. He created the acclaimed, if short-lived, CBS series EZ Streets which the New York Times cited as one of the most influential shows of all time, noting, that without it there would be no Sopranos.. I find that scientologists are VERY ignorant about other religions and condemn other religions without knowing any facts. However, I have finally come to the conclusion that I can no longer be a part of this group. Haggis wrote that he had for months tried without success to have the church publicly denounce its San Diego chapter for its support of Proposition 8, the legislation to ban gay marriage in California. spouse Perhaps if you had done a little more research on me, the churchs senior management wouldnt have dismissed those concerns quite so cavalierly. Orders, especially when I find them morally reprehensible whole demeanor took a turn for the most part are dominated. Drag him back that 's their right had allowed our sponsorship of Proposition 8, who promised to it. 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