I am still a church member because I am afraid to leave because of the disconnect policy and my family members who are active in the church. And that is when I read the recent articles in the St. Petersburg Times. Bottom line: Once Haggis admitted that he lied about his story, he had no credibility. Haggis, also a former church member and now prominent critic of Scientology, has been accused by four women of sexual misconduct and assault. 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. Rathbun revealed that Haggis wrote his ultimate spec script choreographing his exit from the Church to make him seem like a noble do-gooder rather than the cynical opportunist he is. I feel very sorry for him, especially with such an unsupportive mother. ", 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. The sleep deprivation and other abuses. The churchs refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly. Paul Edward Haggis, writer, director, producer (born 10 Mar 1953 in London, Ontario). And that is when I read the recent articles in the St. Petersburg Times. Who you get in bed with is STILL a choice, as is all behavior. But they didnt. A judge ruled on Friday that director Paul Haggis will be allowed to argue at his upcoming civil trial that the Church of Scientology is behind a rape allegation against him. The problem for me extends back to an interpretation of one of the Ethics codes: "Such Suppressive Acts include Public disavowal of Scientology or Scientologists in good standing with Scientology organizations." 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. They left me dumbstruck and horrified. You want to rebut her accusations, do it, and do it in the strongest terms possible but that kind of character assassination is unconscionable. Prob with religion are the people, to much power given to few of them. SCARY - very scary! November 10, 2022, 1:55 PM. We're for civil rights for all people. Marty hopes that the author of the letter will understand that by publishing the letter we mean no disrespect. But what happens when you are an adult - and someone of power like a city council member, senator or other influential entity? And then another: Haggis cites the aforementioned reporting by the St. Petersburg Times, which including some of Scientology's most high-profile defectors in its history, as accurate and astonishing, considering the level of the defectors. October 26, 2009, 8:08 AM 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. "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. Exactly pursuant to Hubbard policy on what you do with enemies. As a former Catholic, I can tell you, Harkus, that once your mind is freed, you can see that the Church had a corrupt history. Stay up to date with what you want to know. You said straight-out there was no such policy, that it did not exist. No action was forthcoming. 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. Here are some of the best resignation letter examples and templates for a variety of circumstances you can use to leave your job, including basic and formal letters, email resignation messages, letters giving two weeks' notice, letters with a reason for leaving, short notice or no notice letters, personal reasons letters, letters announcing a . He told me he was on the run from the Church and that he was afraid for his life. I had my disagreements, but I dealt with them internally. You even felt free to publish secrets from the confessional in Freedom Magazine you just stopped short of labeling them as such, probably because you knew Scientologists would be horrified, knowing you so easily broke a sacred vow of trust with your parishioners. sociopath The Hired guns of Scientology Academic and "experts" paid good money to puff and influence, Scientology trial ~ The 5 crucial points of Danny Mastersons court case, Tom Cruise Complicit In Scientologist Abuse, Scientology is approaching critical mass, 2 criminal cases, 3 civil law suits, all next month, Taking on Scientology in the law courts - with Karen De La Carriere, Scientology poster Boy Tom Cruise and strangest SCN CULT BROMANCE, Miscavige and Cruise - part 2/2, Tom Cruise BILLION DOLLAR shill for the Scientology cult: Look at ME ME ME, The tyrant L. Ron Hubbard & his Sea Organization slaves - with Karen De La Carriere, Valeska Paris, Freewinds "Cruise ship" prisoner for 12 years TRAFFICKING law suit against the CULT, Ron Miscavige and Karen discuss the Scientology misuse of POWER. But a friend from high school, who was with us last night, later moved to San Francisco, where his brother was in Sea Org. abuse abuses Where does the redefining end? I knew Jim Jones, and he also practiced disconnection, confessions, sleep dep, and physical abuse to defend his liturgy. February 20, 2018. Furthermore, Haggis saw Davis' interview on CNN, when Davis denied the existence of a "disconnection" policy in which the church orders members to cut non-members out of their lives, as they pose some kind of negative threat towards the work of the church in members' lives. He's currently filming "The Next Three Days" with former Scientologist actor Jason Beghe, along with Russell Crowe and Liam Neeson. I will always take their calls, as I always took yours. - Now, if he could write a screenplay for it also, perhaps starring Tom Cruise and John Travolta - that's a movie I would pay big money to see! I hope your letter of resignation reaches many people and finally gets the message that this so-called Church is full of the worst kind of misguided teachings. But then again, Remini also proudly boasted that she refused to vet the credibility of her subjects, and that A&Es attorneys let her get away with it. We all know this policy exists. Writer: Crash. Back it up. Haggis testified the sex act went on for 10 to 20 minutes before . Another name Hollywood name, who was with Scientology for 35 years, is Paul Haggis, a screenwriter, director, and producer. "Say what you will about them now," writes Haggis, "[but] these were staunch defenders of the church, including Mike Rinder, the church's official spokesman for 20 years!" We're prohibited from taking stances on political issues. Not that any of that would matter to Leah Remini, who featured Paul Haggis and his discredited, false narrative on, Mark Rathbun Calls Out Paul Haggis False Tale, as Told by Alex Gibney, Church of Scientology International. I agree. Sorry, but you do not have the right to post comments. Independence, unfettered knowledge, freedom of thought etc. According to reports, he said that. *Humanitas Prize (2) Humanitas That's the trouble with sending lay people around to collect money for the Church - they totally misrepresented the building of St Peter's by adding their own 'Donate to the fund and get to Heaven'; that was not sanctioned by the Church. we love the sinner and hate the sin. I've never been good at following orders, especially when I find them morally reprehensible. He said they would catch him and drag him back. Thousands of years ago out of fear we invented gods to explain various diseases, weather events, earthquakes and volcanoes. events * Fundraiser, PAVA Aid and Human Rights in Guatemala. This was my state of mind when I was online doing research and chanced upon an interview clip with you on CNN. If you redefine marriage for gay couples, why not includes polygamists or other variations? Listing the date is important because your . assaulted I just choose to not 'follow the rules' of any religious group. [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. The film, which starred Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron and Susan Sarandon, was a suspense drama of a fathers search for his missing son, who is reported AWOL after returning from Iraq. reverse Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Correct, however, protestants do not have confessionals. That was my last brush. Frankly, I had to look no further than your refusal to denounce the churchs anti-gay stance, and the indefensible actions, and inactions, of those who condone this behavior within the organization. Vera, Just use the search function on the home page. Paul Haggis testified his resignation letter from Scientology helped Leah Remini leave the church. Good on you Paul Haggis! spouse Perhaps 2000 yrs ago, the embracing of the Christ had more to do with his social gospel (love one another, do not judge, golden rule, etc.) Davis apparently drew up a press release he showed to Haggis, which eventually got canned. I am only ashamed that I waited this many months to act. I didnt have to search for verification I didnt have to look any further than my own home. Dave, back up what you say with facts. tommy 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. Say what you will about them now, these were staunch defenders of the church, including Mike Rinder, the churchs official spokesman for 20 years! "I refused to do so. "I can't . And I felt sick. And I have always had a thing for underdogs. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Ten months passed. In the late '70s, Scientology's Portland office chose to exploit a classmate of mine from Lincoln High. How absurd that anyone would even consider the concept of using confessionals to extort money. She ran the entire celebrity center network, and was a loyal senior executive of the church for what, 20 years? Haggis was on Sunday detained in Italy on sexual assault . *Catholics in Media Award Catholics in Media Associates. Holy Xenu! It is a example of total greed and nuttiness. 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. The screenwriter, who left the church in 2009, writes that he was surprised how quickly "Leah was attacked . As a former zombie, I would welcome that. How dare you use private information in order to label someone an "adulteress?" 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. I am quietly just not doing anything anymore and trying to avoid communication from orgs. I would respect his stance more if he were consistent. I don't have any problems with gay people or their life style. While I am no great believer in resumes and awards, this is what you would have discovered: * Founder, Artists For Peace and Justice, - sponsoring schools, an orphanage and a childrens hospital in the slums of Haiti * Co-Founder, BrandAid Foundation and BrandAid Project - marketing the work of artisans from the poorest countries in the world, * Board Member, Office of The Americas - supporting peace and justice initiatives around the world * Board Member, Center For The Advancement of Non-Violence * Member and active supporter, Amnesty International * Member, Presidents Council, Defenders of Wildlife * Member and fundraiser, Environment California and CalPirg * Member and Award Recipient, American Civil Liberties Union * Member and supporter, Death Penalty Focus * Member and supporter, Equality For All * Fundraiser, NPH (Our Little Brothers) for the children of the slums of Haiti * Member, Citizens Commission on Human Rights * Patron with Honors, IAS And formerly: * Trustee, Religious Freedom Trust * Board Member and fundraiser, Hollywood Education and Literacy Project * Board Member and fundraiser, For The Arts, For Every Child supporting art and music in public schools * Board Member and fundraiser, The Christic Institute - supporting Human Rights in Central America * Founding Board Member, Earth Communication Office * Working Board Member, Environmental Media Association * Fundraiser, El Rescate Human Rights for El Salvador * Fundraiser, PAVA Aid and Human Rights in Guatemala. I do hope Tommy Davis sorts himself out. Even that, you decided not to publish. These were not the claims made by "outsiders" looking to dig up dirt against us. The fact that the Mormon Church drew all the fire, that no one noticed, doesn't matter. We're a minority, we don't discriminate. Paul Haggis Writes Letter Of Support For Leah Remini After Scientology Departure Jul 31, 2013, 11:19 AM EDT BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JULY 27: Actress Leah Remini speaks onstage at the 'Family Tools' panel during the Disney/ABC Television Group portion of the 2012 Summer TCA Tour on July 27, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. The point is this is a huge blow to David Miscavige, at least he's still got Tom Cruise fooled. I called and wrote and implored you, as the official spokesman of the church, to condemn their actions. I joined the Church of Scientology thirty-five years ago. Haggis' publicist, Ziggy Kozlowski, confirmed to ABCNews.com today that the letter posted on scientology-cult.com Friday was indeed written by the director in August. How gullible can people be? Anyone who was around knows that the beatings occurred. By Christie D'Zurilla Staff Writer. (Introduction to Scientology Ethics;Ch 12 The Scientology Justice Codes and Their Application). lies abortions With his resignation from Scientology, Haggis wrote an open letter to Tommy Davis, the former head of the Church of Scientology's Celebrity Centre International. One night in NY city in the sixties a group of us was approached by a Scientology recruiter. "Although it caused her terrible personal pain, my wife broke off all contact with them" for a year and a half, Haggis wrote. HERE AND NOW is what we have..NOTHING else, so make the best of it to everyone's satisfaction. Perhaps Mr. Haggis would do well to remember that those of us on the "Christian right" have been fighting for his and many other $cientologists' rights in outing the cult, and that many of us are proud gay rights supporters. Ten months passed. 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. Accusing the Roman Catholic Church to "use confessionals to extort money" is crazy. All religions lead to spiritual enlightenment. * Board Member and fundraiser, For The Arts, For Every Child for 34 years. I have never pretended to be the best Scientologist, but I openly and vigorously defended the church whenever it was criticized, as I railed against the kind of intolerance that I believed was directed against it. My understanding is that scientology previously sued the cult awareness network (CAN) to not only stifle free speech, but to actually take over CAN. During my twenties and early thirties I studied and received a great deal of counseling. You might recall that my wife was ordered to disconnect from her parents because of something absolutely trivial they supposedly did twenty-five years ago when they resigned from the church. 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. . What a tragedy to see current and/or former members of CoS wasting decades of their lives (ironic to see how much they detest the LDS church, given they both exist because of the teachings of a modern-day man). Scientology cult Core Secrets and the Bait and Switch into Exorcism, Scientology, celebrities, & children: why people stay, & why they leave - with Karen De La Carriere, The Life and Death of Alexander Jentzsch, 27, born in the cult of Scientology. "The church's refusal to denounce the action of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly," Haggis wrote. The fact that the "spiritual" leaders lie, abuse, engage in unethical practices, seek to "disconnect" people from the ones they love and that love them -- doesn't that tell you that something in the philosophy or religion doesn't work? Paul Edward Haggis was born on March 10, 1953 in London, Ontario, Canada. *Ethel Levitt Award for Humanitarian Service Levitt & Quinn Those who do cut off gay family members or friends are detestable, and not doing so because of God. The church's refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly. Then comes another bomb: Haggis' wife cut off contact with her parents when they defected from the church. Haggis claimed that he was unhappy with the fact the Church would not take a stand, because two of his daughters are gay, and thus he independently reviewed negative articles on the Internet about the Church and decided to leave. The Catholic church is consistent, and failures in society do not change truth. for whatever the reason. 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. To condemn their actions senator or other variations fact that the Mormon church drew all the,. Of any religious group doing research and chanced upon an interview clip with you on.... From Scientology helped Leah Remini leave the church in 2009, writes he. Greed and nuttiness act went on for 10 to 20 minutes before Catholic is. These were not the claims made by `` outsiders '' looking to dig up dirt against us,,... 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