Screenwriter . "I can't . ", Auditing should be confidential, we know the xtians (Christians) use confessionals to extort money. I can think of no other word. tommy I would dearly love to be honest with everyone concerned, but I can't. UPDATED with more testimony, 5:09 PM: Back on the witness stand Thursday, Paul Haggis denied sexually assaulting any of the four Jane Does who have testified in support of Haleigh Breest, the New Y 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. I can think of no other word. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis, known for the movies Crash and Million Dollar Baby, is being sued in a civil case for . 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. Oscar winning director/writer Paul Haggis defended Remini in an open letter published in The Hollywood Reporter. ", "But I reached a point several weeks ago where I no longer knew what to think," he continues. And that is when I read the recent articles in the St. Petersburg Times. In his letter, he never makes the generalization that all Christians are bigotted or homophobes. I didnt have to search for verification I didnt have to look any further than my own home. You got to commend Paul for having the guts to stand up and finally say "enough!" 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. I've read the whole thread up to this point, and just wanna say, I'm a huge fan of you! I wondered how the church could, in good conscience, through the action of a few and then the inaction of its leadership, support a bill that strips a group of its civil rights. Say what you will about them now, these were staunch defenders of the church, including Mike Rinder, the churchs official spokesman for 20 years! 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. However - the Bible also states that we are not to judge, that we are to love our neighbor.. and that's how most Christians live their lives. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. I refuse to consent. Mistrial. Representatives for Remini did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. It sounds like a place that takes advantage of its members and doesn't allow for any disagreement. He's currently filming "The Next Three Days" with former Scientologist actor Jason Beghe, along with Russell Crowe and Liam Neeson. management I had my disagreements, but I dealt with them internally. Haggis, whose 2005 film Crash won two Oscars, said that he could no longer remain part "of an organisation where gay-bashing was tolerated". I'm not condemning those who wish to belong to any specific religion. 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. You had allowed our name to be allied with the worst elements of the Christian Right. No matter what I say as a spiritual leader, it is always tested against what I actually do or if it truly of benefit. HBO In the wake of Remini's break from Scientology, Haggis wrote an open letter. I have always considered the current operation a mind control program, with militaristic overtones. You said straight-out there was no such policy, that it did not exist. Here are some powerful and eye-opening quotes from Haggis' letter to Davis: "I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated. 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. The intention was that Wright would use Haggis false narrative to protect and further his crafted image as a crusader, especially with Haggis daughters. Some are to just whip through earth time and get to the end. And I felt sick. 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. His resignation letter has been widely circulated. ", "The church's refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly. It's also sad how when someone is preaching against something the hardest they are usually doing something worse than that which they claim to detest in the background. clear * Member, Citizens Commission on Human Rights Seriously, this doesn't help your credibility when you try to smear with lies that are easily disproved. I joined the Church of Scientology thirty-five years ago. Abandoned dissemination programs. violence Paul Haggis, the Canadian-born writer, director, and producer best known for the Oscar-winning Best Picture Crash, was arrested on Sunday in the southern Italian city of Ostuni.The New York Times . I do hope Tommy Davis sorts himself out. The sleep deprivation and other abuses. Scientology has claimed that their high-profile defectors hold personal grudges against them for demotions and other bureaucratic failings. porn I told you I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated. Names like Tom Cruise and John Travolta have long been attached to Hollywood's connection with Scientology. We Catholics and non-Catholics have grown up with programming of our own. Check the stats. Writer: Crash. 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. Bottom line: Once Haggis admitted that he lied about his story, he had no credibility. How dare you use private information in order to label someone an adulteress? You took Amy Scobees most intimate admissions about her sexual life and passed them onto the press and then smeared them all over the pages your newsletter! But they didnt. attack public These were not the claims made by "outsiders" looking to dig up dirt against us. Contributed to Lisa McPherson's demise. Ten months passed. Once Haggis admitted that he lied about his story, he had no credibility. supporting art and music in public schools And I felt sick. The Dialogue: The best way to get this story out is for you to call your contacts. And so it wentwith Haggis stage managing his surprise exit from the religion. hidden I carefully read all of your rebuttals, I watched every video where you presented the church's position, I listened to all your arguments ever word. 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. "I will always take their calls, as I always took yours. we love the sinner and hate the sin. November 10, 2022, 1:55 PM. On the stand this week, Haggis said the church has tried to make his life a living hell. Paul Haggis testified his resignation letter from Scientology helped Leah Remini leave the church. Correct, however, protestants do not have confessionals. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Stay up to date with what you want to know. While I admire Mr. Haggis' stance against hypocrisy in the Scientology Church, I must "out" some blatant hypocrisy of his own. Steven Hirsch. scientology ), and wanted to add a few thoughts Copyright 2008. Shouldn't the test as to whether a spiritual philosophy or religion is beneficial be that it actually progresses one spiritually? And when I pictured you assuring me that it is all lies, that this is nothing but an unfounded and vicious attack by a group of disgruntled employees, I am afraid that I saw the same face that looked in the camera and denied the policy of disconnection. It's the fundamental human right for someone to decide who they are and are not going to be in communication with.". He registered his distaste for the church's stances on homosexuality via phone calls and letters. On September 2, Oscar-winning filmmaker and former Scientologist Paul Haggis wrote an e-mail to Showbiz 411 confirming the auditing took place. During my twenties and early thirties I studied and received a great deal of counseling. To win at any cost, costs a lot. I have wondered over and over if David Miscavige humiliated and hazed Tommy Davis while Tommy was working with him. Haggis, who is best known for his work on Crash, Million Dollar Baby, and Casino Royale, began his time with Scientology before he was in Hollywood, but had a very public resignation in 2009. Some walk, some fly. Who you get in bed with is STILL a choice, as is all behavior. A lot of us Mission Owners are looking for a way to be 100% independent of the Int Base, and corporate scientology. abuses I noticed. Haggis forwarded his resignation to more than twenty Scientologist friends, including Anne Archer, John Travolta, and Sky Dayton, the founder of EarthLink. However, I have finally come to the conclusion that I can no longer be a part of this group. Oct. 26 2009, Published 3:30 p.m. You could publicly state that it doesnt exist? 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.) 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. Haggis testified the sex act went on for 10 to 20 minutes before . What we have learned about our world and the entire universe, and our insignificant place in it, should tell any "thinking" person highly educated or not, that religions as we know them are all a bunch of crap. People are so attached to their money it would have never lasted this long. Haggis views the church's actions as "cowardly," and thus, after thirty-five years of membership, is resigning. 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. Thank you Paul for standing up for what you believe in. HERE AND NOW is what we have..NOTHING else, so make the best of it to everyone's satisfaction. I wish I could tell you that they rang true. Cult is defined as a group or religion that worships and or follows what a self-appointed leader tells them. My understanding is that scientology previously sued the cult awareness network (CAN) to not only stifle free speech, but to actually take over CAN. family Doing good works, from a Christian perspective, is to be done anonymously, according to the Bible - with no fan fare, no pats on the back.. nothing. For over two decades he has written, directed and produced television shows such as thirtysomething and The Tracey Ullman Show, and also developed credits as a pup writer on many Norman Lear sitcoms. scientologys Director Paul Haggis, who is featured in "Going Clear," publicly praised Leah Remini for leaving Scientology. Just because marriage is defined in the way it's been used historically does not mean that gay couples can't live together or be connected in some other fashion like a civil union. Internationally, he is renowned for a number of film achievements. Silence is consent, Tommy. I hereby resign my membership in the Church of Scientology.". I'm glad Paul finally broke through his personal haze to see the light!!!!!!!!! The deception can continue only so long. I refused to do so. I had my disagreements, but I dealt with them internally. You inspire me, and I support you 100 percent. Silence is consent, Tommy. Prior to Leah Remini's break from Scientology this summer, Paul Haggis was arguably the most high-profile and outspoken celeb to resign from the organization. scientologists Isn't the proof in the pudding? His assertion that Christians are bigoted, hateful homophobes, is well BIGOTED. The organization says Wednesday that Haggis' resignation was accepted on Jan 4, one day before The Associated Press published accounts from three women alleging sexual misconduct by the. Kozlowski added that it was "intended as a private correspondence between [Haggis] and Tom Davis" and that he has no idea how it was leaked. Paul Haggis testified Thursday in graphic detail about the sexual encounter he had with rape accuser Haleigh Breest. Haggis was on Sunday detained in Italy on sexual assault . Power corrupts, even in a kindergarten class room (ever talk to a preschool teacher?) When asked what went wrong with Glenn Gallagher, Portland's Church of Scientology representatives said, "Glenn who? * Board Member, Office of The Americas John ended up doing a couple of years in Sea Org as well and I didn't see him for about five years. To Dennis Igou- you "know" nothing of the sort. Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis wants a jury to hear evidence he claims will prove the Church of Scientology is behind the rape lawsuit he faces at trial next month. Over time, I think you will find a new sense of strength and solidity for having taken such a strong and public stand on your moral convictions, and for having stayed true to yourself. . divorce Haggis says the encounter with Breest was consensual and his lawyers have tried to pin the allegation on a Scientology plot to discredit him. He does liken Scientology's support of Prop 8 to those of "the worst elements of the Christian Right." This website is NOT affiliated with the Church of Scientology, nor with Anonymous. To see you lie so easily, I am afraid I had to ask myself: what else are you lying about? We took the little test they gave (probably still give) and were told we needed auditing. Mon 26 Oct 2009 12.29 EDT. Both sides would be agog, so who knows if it will happen, but such dynamics are seldom as simple as some of these posts. But given how many former top-level executives have said these things are true, it is hard to believe it is all lies. I surprises me that there isn't some legal recourse one could take when trying to leave that "church". I'm not surprised that Harkus would automatically defend the Church. blackmail suppression All Rights Reserved. 1:26. All those years of indoctrination by the priest and nuns in Catholic school took their toll on me. They left me dumbstruck and horrified. I just read that Paul Haggis is writing a book that outs this evil mess - the COS!! I didn't have to search for verification I didn't have to look any further than my own home. 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