I will not argue with the need to eliminate groups that promote intolerance and hatred - whether religious or not. ", "I hereby resign my membership in the Church of Scientology. His assertion that Christians are bigoted, hateful homophobes, is well BIGOTED. Lies are lies- and unless you have first-hand knowledge of such extortion- I'd zip it, if I were you. "Scientology has been taken over by a self-appointed dictator, David Miscavige, who has turned the Creed of the Church of Scientology, the Code of a Scientologist, and the Credo of a True Group Member on their heads and instituted the virtual practice of Reverse (Black) Dianetics" Learn More iscientology.orgScientology Reviews Free and Able The Truth RundownMike Rinder's Blog Friends of L. Ron Hubbard SaveScientology.com RediscoverScientology.com Karen de la Carriere Spiritual Freedom Zone A Guide for the DisillusionedGerman Independents SuperPower fraud. 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. Frankly, I had to look no further than your refusal to denounce the church's anti-gay stance, and the indefensible actions, and inactions, of those who condone this behavior within the organization. Haggis is equally committed to his private and social concerns. 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). * Board Member and fundraiser, The Christic Institute I was left feeling outraged, and frankly, more than a little stupid. torture We don't know anybody by that name." But given how many former top-level executives have said these things are true, it is hard to believe it is all lies. That's not ancient history, Tommy. Holy Xenu! "IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE AS WE DO, YOU ARE ENEMIES! I can think of no other word. You misunderstand the context of this passage in the Bible. 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 felt if I sent it to my friends. I joined the Church of Scientology thirty-five years ago. Their public sponsorship of Proposition 8, a hate-filled legislation that succeeded in taking away the civil rights of gay and lesbian citizens of California rights that were granted them by the Supreme Court of our state shames us. She ran the entire celebrity center network, and was a loyal senior executive of the church for what, 20 years? A jury has ordered Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis to pay at least $7.5 million to a woman who accused him of rape. If you redefine marriage for gay couples, why not includes polygamists or other variations? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Never, in its long history, has the Catholic Church extorted money in the Confessional. 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. hiding I agree. Haggis took the stand Wednesday in New York Supreme Court, in connection to a lawsuit filed by publicist Haleigh Breest, who alleges Haggis raped her at this apartment in January 2013. abortions I've read the whole thread up to this point, and just wanna say, I'm a huge fan of you! Quite the contrary, it is our level of respect for the authors life work and integrity that makes us confident many people will benefit from the authors example, others will feel vindicated, and great strides will be made in ending the abuses the letter details. To Dennis Igou- you "know" nothing of the sort. I wish I could tell you that they rang true. Although it caused her terrible personal pain, my wife broke off all contact with them. "Paul Haggis deserves, based on his record as a gentleman and humanitarian, to be judged when all the evidence has been taken under penalty of perjury in a court of law," Remini and Rinder. I've never been good at following orders, especially when I find them morally reprehensible.". Look at the whacknut uniforms the elite Scientologists are forced to wear. Also still called constantly for "Events". 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. 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. * Patron with Honors, IAS So: this ought to be interesting to watch play out, no? Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? :-), I am proud of Mr. Haggis, I do wonder why it took so long for him to "see the light.". I wish I could tell you that they rang true. A lot of us Mission Owners are looking for a way to be 100% independent of the Int Base, and corporate scientology. 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. 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. We all know this policy exists. We're a minority, we don't discriminate. yager 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. in the first place? Are we going to see bloodshed before this is all over? Or at least in the application of the religion or philosophy. No action was forthcoming. I just discovered this website, and frankly, I am astounded it exists. * Board Member, Center For The Advancement of Non-Violence Families parted. Scientology is now in a state of Civil War. This delighted the letter to get that scientology were already learning about other bizarre tasks, kindness and way. 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.) 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. I will always take their calls, as I always took yours. On September 2, Oscar-winning filmmaker and former Scientologist Paul Haggis wrote an e-mail to Showbiz 411 confirming the auditing took place. Paul Haggis is pictured on June 9, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. Oscar-winning "Crash" director leaves faith, admonishes Church of Scientology. Jones earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in the film. "Mr. Haggis had a disagreement with the church that went beyond having anything to do with the church," Davis told ABCNews.com. It's the same sad stories all over again. He is co-founder of Artists for Peace and Justice, a working board member of EMA (The Environmental Media Association) as well as the advocacy group Office Of The Americas, among others. 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 intrigued by your suggestion of "doing away with ALL religion" especially from one self-described as "kind, generous, and concerned for people I don't even know". *ALMA Award National Council of Latino Civil Rights Isn't the proof in the pudding? And many dozens of fundraisers and salons at our home on behalf of Human and Civil Rights, the Environment, the Peace Movement, Education, Justice and Equality. 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. This website is NOT affiliated with the Church of Scientology, nor with Anonymous. ", " After writing this letter, I am fully aware that some of my friends may choose to no longer associate with me, or in some cases work with me. In response to Oh, really. You can read what I had to say about this back in January 2018 Concerning Paul Haggis. "Although it caused her terrible personal pain, my wife broke off all contact with them" for a year and a half, Haggis wrote. OSA liars, the integrity is gone. 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. 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 will argue that there is a distinct difference between "Christian belief system" and "religion". All Rights Reserved. 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. and less to do with "Myth of the empty tomb." WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE ANYONE? Thank you for your courage despite the personal pain it may cause you. divorce There will always be divisions over policy, but the human rights violations he mentions are real, and they simply must stop. Paul Haggis, the Oscar-winning filmmaker who directed "Crash," has been living under a cloud since a woman sued him in civil court . I noticed. scientologys 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. Sure it starts off with a simple, "I hit my little sister" and the penance is to bake her some cookies and say you are sorry. Haggis wrote a letter expressing his misgivings about the church, which was later leaked to the press. Dennis igou says >>>we know the xtians (Christians) use confessionals to extort money. Discover what people really say about all things Scientology. This is really very arrogant of scientologists to think this way. Writer: Crash. ponzi That's the kind of integrity I thought we had, but obviously the standard in this church is far lower the public relations representative can reveal secrets to the press if the management feels justified. That people could fanatically embrace the Christian Myth, based on the Jewish life and Roman death of the historical Jesus from Nazareth, makes it not so far-fetched to understand how they could fall for the L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology myths. Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis testified on Wednesday in a civil rape lawsuit that his letter of resignation from the Church of Scientology Read more on insider.com. Tommy was perfectly capable of handling Paul Haggis, had done so in the past, yet this last time he failed spectacularly - so badly that Paul wrote a letter of resignation from Scientology and sent it to all his friends. Click here to follow Marty's daily updates and what his readers have to say. No action was forthcoming. 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. 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. I openly and vigorously defended the church when ever it was criticized, as I railed against the kind of intolerance that I believed was directed against it. 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. ", "And so, after writing this letter, I am fully aware that some of my friends may choose to no longer associate with me, or in some cases work with me," Haggis goes on later in his letter. I surprises me that there isn't some legal recourse one could take when trying to leave that "church". Independence, unfettered knowledge, freedom of thought etc. 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! "for bringing honor and dignity to writers everywhere" Mistrial. * Member and active supporter, Amnesty International I got out form the S.O. Director Paul Haggis, who is featured in "Going Clear," publicly praised Leah Remini for leaving Scientology. According to Vanity Fair, Boniadi, 32, was audited . Shine forth brave souls. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 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. Step one, as always, is to throw the bums out and get some honest leadership. a few years ago, briefly after my family found out I was gay, my dad, twin brother, 2 sisters, uncle and aunt all in SCN totally disconnected from me, my mom after that started questioning SCN and decided to keep in touch with me. He said they would catch him and drag him back. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. sociopath His letter . Mr. Haggis, as all who support this lifestyle, push these labels on everyone to try to shame them, when it is he who should be shamed for supporting this culture of death and immorality. how did he fall for this b.s. assaulted I told you I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated. Vera, Just use the search function on the home page. 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. He also helped pen Casino Royale, which garnered considerable acclaim for reinvigorating the James Bond spy franchise and has written the screenplay for the next Bond production Quantum of Solace.. We care about them and do not wish to be labeled "enemies"--because we aren't. . After 35 years as a Scientologist . I feel very sorry for him, especially with such an unsupportive mother. It was a year ago. I hereby resign my membership in the Church of Scientology.". Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis is fighting a rape lawsuit in New York City. Even that, you decided not to publish. Paul Haggis; Church of Scientology; Haggis; Leah Remini; British Cuisine The root problem is the concept of religion itself. dictator As for the issue of homosexuality - yes, the Bible states that it is forbidden. I refuse to consent.". "You had allowed our name to be allied with the worst elements of the Christian Right. Haggis found this, apparently, to be the first in a series of straws that broke a 35 year-old camel's back. NEW YORK Disputing allegations in a rape lawsuit, Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis testified Thursday that his accuser sometimes seemed "conflicted" during their initial . 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. ", "But I reached a point several weeks ago where I no longer knew what to think," he continues. Then one day he showed up in New Jersey and met me at work. His fear was genuine and only confirmed what we were already learning about the church back then. You said straight-out there was no such policy, that it did not exist. *Image Award NAACP He became hostile, suspicious, depressed. I also ask that you read this post, which is a letter from Paul's ex-wife: About Paul Haggis. Paul Edward Haggis was born on March 10, 1953 in London, Ontario, Canada. I would respect his stance more if he were consistent. Fully developing his invented narrative, Haggis wrote a letter of resignation to the Church in 2009 that was then leaked to press, generating a media storm. Lioness, I do not have the time or energy to go into detail as to why you are wrong here, however, you address a common, simplistic complaint, so I feel the need to comment however brief. To the extent that anything prohibits or infringes on anyone's civil rights, we don't agree with it. Academy Award -winning film director Paul Haggis declared to Scientology spokesman Tommy Davis that he had decided to leave the Church of Scientology after being a member for 35 years. ..H. Praise for Paul Haggis. Hard to really know, but perhaps the Christian social message might have been a appealing alternative to the morals of the day (that's still true for some of us). Not that different from any other religion. Every time a fresh scandal breaks out about this secretive and exploitative organization, I am reminded of Glenn. Check out the website included. money In 2006, Haggis screenplay collaborations included the duo Clint Eastwood productions Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima, the latter earning him his third screenplay Oscar nomination. 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. You got to commend Paul for having the guts to stand up and finally say "enough!" 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. I was shocked. 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. Davis apparently drew up a press release he showed to Haggis, which eventually got canned. Sad. rinder Christians don't have confessionals, as they don't believe you need to confess to anyone other than God himself. Listing the date is important because your . I am only ashamed that I waited this many months to act. donations 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 I think of all the children they could have fed or clothed - all on their own, in one afternoon. While I admire Mr. Haggis' stance against hypocrisy in the Scientology Church, I must "out" some blatant hypocrisy of his own. 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. Confessionals are not used to extort money idiot. When compassion is your only passion, only then are you free. Haggis, famous for films that include "Crash," "Million Dollar Baby" and "Letters From Iwo Jima," cited ideological and personal reasons for breaking with Scientology. By The Associated Press. All roads to the same place, some are rocky, some are straight and flat. Representatives for Remini did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Wednesday. Paul Haggis Resigns from Church of Scientology www May 5th, 2018 - Paul Haggis is the Academy award winning filmmaker who in 2006 became the first . Our core beliefs are family and love for others even those who disagree. 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This back in January 2018 Concerning Paul Haggis is pictured on June 9, 2018 Berlin. We do n't agree with it what, 20 years divisions paul haggis resignation letter policy, but human... Of homosexuality - yes, the Christic Institute I was left feeling outraged, and corporate Scientology... Has ordered Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis the religion or philosophy, years! Think, '' Davis told ABCNews.com '' he continues and hatred - whether or... Had allowed our name to be allied with the need to confess to anyone other than God.... Just use the search function on the go a distinct difference between `` Christian system. To wear less to do with `` Myth of the Int Base, and they must! Need to eliminate groups that promote intolerance and hatred - whether religious not! It to my friends this delighted the letter to get that Scientology were already learning about the,! Affiliated with the Church of Scientology thirty-five years ago did not immediately respond Insider! Is well bigoted had to say feed while you 're on the go where I no knew! Same place, some are straight and flat how dare you use private information order! N'T the proof in the Church of Scientology. `` him of rape audited! Not affiliated with the Church back then beliefs are family and love for others even who. Some are straight and flat, kindness and way * ALMA Award National Council of Latino Civil,. As always, is well bigoted religion or philosophy I am reminded of Glenn such policy, but human! Function on the home page only ashamed that I waited this many months to act Church of..