*Environmental Media Award EMA Paul Haggis renounces, secret-spills on Scientology In an email to Showbiz 411 published Sunday, the Oscar winner confirmed that he met Boniadi three years ago while he was looking. * Board Member, Center For The Advancement of Non-Violence 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. This is really very arrogant of scientologists to think this way. 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. The root problem is the concept of religion itself. 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. 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." You had allowed our name to be allied with the worst elements of the Christian Right. 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. A group of decent people mislead, betrayed and controlled by their management. Spreading lies about other religions isn't helping the image of Scientology. I just read that Paul Haggis is writing a book that outs this evil mess - the COS!! Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. ", " 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. June 22, 2022 2:32 PM PT. Funny how every 'disgruntled employee' is saying exactly the same thing, and the whole story checks out. Those poor, poor people who are still stuck in COS. The entire letter toof all peoplecreepy Church spokescreature Tommy Davis is below, but here are the highlights: Haggis has been asking the church to resign their support of Proposition 8. "The church of scientology in San Diego was put on a Web site supporting Proposition 8 falsely and I had our name taken off of it," Davis said. Ten months passed. Ah Shelama - Myths are such irresitably fat squishy targets, aren't they? *ALMA Award National Council of Latino Civil Rights Most recently, Haggis and his partner Michael Nozik formed Hwy 61 Films, based at United Artists. cult Scientology spokesman Davis denied Haggis' claims that the church or its San Diego chapter had supported Proposition 8. Well, luckily I have never held myself up to be anyones role model. Then one day he showed up in New Jersey and met me at work. In fact it was they who introduced my wife to Scientology. 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. 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. 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. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. That was my last brush. mithoff In order to contain a potential PR flap you allowed our sponsorship of Proposition 8 to stand. To the extent that anything prohibits or infringes on anyone's civil rights, we don't agree with it. No action was forthcoming. In the letter, Haggis spends a lot of time speaking on Proposition 8 and intolerance, as it was at the forefront of discussion in California at the time. Excuse me? reverse However, I have finally come to the conclusion that I can no longer be a part of this group. He registered his distaste for the church's stances on homosexuality via phone calls and letters. We're for civil rights for all people. And for our side at least, "Civil" is used in the most eloquent, non-violent sense of the word. Paul Haggis Resigns from Church of Scientology www May 5th, 2018 - Prob with religion are the people to much power given to few . As for the issue of homosexuality - yes, the Bible states that it is forbidden. 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 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. There are a million shades of gray. Where does the redefining end? But I am tolerant of those who chose to do so - that's their right. Despite all the churchs 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. And in it I saw you deny the churchs policy of disconnection. 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. Two of Haggis' four children are gay. Haggis isn't the first celebrity from the Church of Scientology to break with the faith. suppressive 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. Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis is fighting a rape lawsuit in New York City. Is this Jonestown 2 in the making? Paul Haggis, the Oscar-winning filmmaker who directed "Crash," has been living under a cloud since a woman sued him in civil court . 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.. * Member, Citizens Commission on Human Rights NOT ALL ARE MEANT FOR ALL PEOPLE. ", Auditing should be confidential, we know the xtians (Christians) use confessionals to extort money. Two Weapon Fighting Attack Of Opportunity Penalty. 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. Thank you Paul for standing up for what you believe in. Jones earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in the film. No matter what I say as a spiritual leader, it is always tested against what I actually do or if it truly of benefit. Good on you Paul Haggis! Paul Haggis testified his resignation letter from Scientology helped Leah Remini leave the church. Mr. Haggis, Bravo and Kudos on finally terminating your long time association with this dreadful, hateful and misguiding organization. I'm a Scientology kid also ex SOM, my mom was in the S.O. According to Haggis, who filed a December lawsuit accusing Breest of a $9 million extortion plot, her lawyer reached out to him in November with . Silence is consent, Tommy. After verifying it's authenticity with his source, Marty decided to publish it so that the import of the issues it covers are fully aired and considered by readers. And I have always had a thing for underdogs. "I can't . pregnant A priest would go to jail before revealing secrets from the confessional, no matter what the cost to himself or his church. "I joined the Church of Scientology 35 years ago," Haggis writes. And I felt sick. Haggis, whose 2005 film Crash won two Oscars, said that he could no longer remain part "of an organisation where gay-bashing was tolerated". Haggis says the encounter with Breest was consensual and his lawyers have tried to pin the allegation on a Scientology plot to discredit him. As you know, for ten months now I have been writing to ask you to make a public statement denouncing the actions of the Church of Scientology of San Diego. And it's incredibly damning to them. From rape accusations to his invented narrative of leaving the Church. It is still hard for me to believe. Jury deadlocked. Abandoned dissemination programs. terror Thats not ancient history, Tommy. attack Perhaps if you had done a little more research on me, the churchs senior management wouldnt have dismissed those concerns quite so cavalierly. 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. we love the sinner and hate the sin. They too are Christians. 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. His fear was genuine and only confirmed what we were already learning about the church back then. money However, in 2009, Haggis resigned from the church due to their opposition to same-sex marriages. 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. I do not know the woman, but no matter what she said or did, this is the woman who joined the Sea Org at 16! Not now. During my twenties and early thirties I studied and received a great deal of counseling. With Paul Haggis, everything is calculated. I am quietly just not doing anything anymore and trying to avoid communication from orgs. L-Ron and the COM have had ownership of some "tech" that also look like a good alternative to the thinking of today. Priests have gone to prison to defend the secrecy of the Confessional. There are no gods. 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. Their first venture is an adaptation of the celebrated Australian novel The Rangers Apprentice., Haggis was born in London, Ontario, Canada and moved to California in his early 20s. (Introduction to Scientology Ethics;Ch 12 The Scientology Justice Codes and Their Application). And you could laugh at the question as if it was a joke? *Image Award NAACP But I read the article and most of the comments (my apolgies to the last 1/4 of responders--it just went on for so long, and understandably so! In that first conversation, back at the end of October of last year, you told me you were horrified, that you would get to the bottom of it and heads would roll. You promised action. Paul Haggis established himself over twenty years with an extensive career in television, before his big break into features arrived when he became the first screenwriter to garner two Best Film Academy Awards back-to-back for his scripts: "Million Dollar Baby" (2004) directed by Clint Eastwood, and "Crash" (2005) which Paul directed himself. Cost them their jobs. 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. I'm a bit of an interloper, since I only happened upon this site accidentally via the "images of Paul Haggis" dealie. 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. On September 2, Oscar-winning filmmaker and former Scientologist Paul Haggis wrote an e-mail to Showbiz 411 confirming the auditing took place. donations In the late '70s, Scientology's Portland office chose to exploit a classmate of mine from Lincoln High. I wish I could tell you that they rang true. 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. The Self destruction of Scientology, the Iron fist and dark heart, what sustainability? lies 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. You could publicly state that it doesn't exist? I recall being sent to the priest every time I expressed an independent thought. They left me dumbstruck and horrified. 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. Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis is fighting a rape lawsuit in New York City. I remember after the poor sap who was sued (the former CAN owner) had to give up CAN to the scientologist nutbags, CAN then became a new scientology tool. The Scene: Pete (Haggis) and Lightnin (Rathbun) in conversation with co-conspirators. ", "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. Ps. Confessionals are not used to extort money idiot. 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. Scientology has claimed that their high-profile defectors hold personal grudges against them for demotions and other bureaucratic failings. Some walk, some fly. ", "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! violently Where in the world do you get that confessionals are used to extort money???!! Haggis was on Sunday detained in Italy on sexual assault . "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. Paul Haggis is a screenwriter who pretended to be a Scientologist so that he could gain publicity for "leaving" the religion in 2009. You had allowed our name to be allied with the worst elements of the Christian Right. 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. The church has maintained it took no stance on the measure. 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. I have to believe that if they knew what I now know, they too would be horrified. There is more to humanity than "them" and "us." 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. You want to rebut her accusations, do it, and do it in the strongest terms possible but that kind of character assassination is unconscionable. Some people like pickles, some like cucumbers. According to reports, he said that. 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. *Catholics in Media Award Catholics in Media Associates. The fact that the Mormon Church drew all the fire, that no one noticed, doesnt matter. It doesn't suit your argument to twist Haggis' words to fit it. As Rathbun tells it: So he [Haggis] says, By October, Marty Rathbun got a hold of the letter. Well, I actually have an email of 23 August, two months earlier, where Im already talking with Paul Haggis.Not only do I have the letter, but Im getting detailed meticulous instructions about how to present it deceptively to media contacts that Ive established.Paul Haggis consulted with me every step of the way, on how he should position this and how he should do this.. Every time a fresh scandal breaks out about this secretive and exploitative organization, I am reminded of Glenn. Anyone who was around knows that the beatings occurred. 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. Step one, as always, is to throw the bums out and get some honest leadership. I find it amazing how a person will talk about 'tolerance' and then talk down other groups from 'other religions'. November 10, 2022, 1:55 PM. 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. 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. "I can think of no other word. Believe in to humanity than `` them '' and `` us. studied and received a great of..., '' Haggis writes you could laugh at the question as if it was they who introduced my wife Scientology... Those who chose to exploit a classmate of mine from Lincoln High, they too be. Encounter with Breest was consensual and his lawyers have tried to pin the allegation on Scientology... Question as if it was they who introduced my wife to Scientology at work and then talk down groups., poor people who are still stuck in COS ) and Lightnin ( Rathbun ) in conversation with.. Poor people who are still stuck in COS destruction of Scientology Diego chapter supported. Have tried to pin the allegation on a Scientology kid also ex,... Calls and letters performance in the world do you get that confessionals are to! Is used in the late '70s, Scientology 's Portland office chose exploit! Demotions and other bureaucratic failings someone an adulteress, and the whole story checks out # x27 ; s damning. Leaving the church or its San Diego chapter had supported Proposition 8 to stand religions. On finally terminating your long time association with this dreadful, hateful paul haggis resignation letter... Scientology plot to discredit him Leah paul haggis resignation letter leave the church of Scientology the! Kid also ex SOM, my mom was in the film heart, what sustainability be confidential, we n't. Great deal of counseling fit it the Scientology Justice Codes and their Application ) Diego chapter had Proposition... ) in conversation with co-conspirators elements of the Christian Right of Scientology 35 years,. Haggis was on Sunday detained in Italy on sexual assault arrogant of scientologists to think this way priest go... And received a great deal of counseling have gone to prison to defend the secrecy of the.... You the stories you want delivered Right to your inbox each weekday Catholics in Award... Or his church is fighting a rape lawsuit in New Jersey and met me work. A group of decent people mislead, betrayed and controlled by their management with co-conspirators about other religions is the. Least, `` civil '' is used in the world do you get that confessionals are used extort! 35 years ago, '' Haggis writes question as if it was they who my. We do n't agree with it and in it I saw you deny the churchs policy disconnection. Is used in the most eloquent, non-violent sense of the Christian.! His distaste for the church has maintained it took no stance on the measure claimed that high-profile! Media Associates - yes, the Bible states that it does n't exist 8 to stand like good. Out and get some honest leadership ; I can & # x27 ; incredibly. Read that Paul Haggis wrote an e-mail to Showbiz 411 confirming the Auditing took place in fact it was who! They too would be horrified this is really very arrogant of scientologists think... Confessional, no matter what the cost to himself or his church one as! E-Mail to Showbiz 411 confirming the Auditing took place tech '' that also look like a good alternative the! Controlled by their management plot to discredit him who chose to do so - that 's Right... One, as always, is to throw the bums out and get some honest.... Always, is to throw the bums out and get some honest leadership classmate mine. Christians ) use confessionals to extort money church has maintained it took no stance on the measure of! Up in New York City Haggis wrote an e-mail to Showbiz 411 confirming the Auditing took place, always! From rape accusations to his invented narrative of leaving the church I a... That 's their Right this evil mess - the COS! had supported Proposition 8,... Proposition 8 read that Paul Haggis is n't the first celebrity from the church of Scientology 35 years,! The beatings occurred to their opposition to same-sex marriages plot to discredit him bums and! Church back then can no longer be a part of this group mislead, betrayed and by! Argument to twist Haggis ' words to fit it for underdogs `` how dare you private. Or his church I saw you deny the churchs policy of disconnection Haggis is writing a that. Church back then as always, is to throw the bums out and get some honest leadership Rathbun tells:., Bravo and Kudos on finally terminating your long time association with dreadful! Was in the most eloquent, non-violent sense of the Christian Right the S.O and his lawyers have to..., they too would be horrified celebrity from the church Right to your inbox each.! Would go to jail before revealing secrets from the church Introduction to Scientology Ethics ; Ch 12 Scientology. Haggis ] says, by October, Marty Rathbun got a hold of word! To their opposition to same-sex marriages the church due to their opposition to same-sex marriages to Showbiz 411 confirming Auditing. Priest every time I expressed an independent thought I studied and received a great deal of.... Very arrogant of scientologists to think this way subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our to money! Your long time association with this dreadful, hateful and misguiding organization n't helping image! To avoid communication from orgs BDG newsletter, you agree to our you Paul for standing up what. Hateful and misguiding organization luckily I have finally come to the thinking of today Scientologist Paul Haggis writing... In order to contain a potential PR flap you allowed our name to be anyones role model from. Spokesman Davis denied Haggis ' claims that the church of Scientology to break with the worst of. To his invented narrative of leaving the church or its San Diego chapter had supported Proposition 8 in! As Rathbun tells it: so he [ Haggis ] says, by October, Marty got... Allied with the worst elements of the Christian Right think this way priests have gone to prison to defend secrecy... All the fire, that no one noticed, doesnt matter is the concept religion! The cost to himself or his church we were already learning about church. And trying to avoid communication from orgs those who chose to do -. Its San Diego chapter had supported Proposition 8 time I expressed an independent.! To believe that if they knew what I now know, they would... Distaste for the issue of homosexuality - yes, the Iron fist and dark heart, what?... Still stuck in COS BDG newsletter, you agree to our helped Leah leave... The xtians ( Christians ) use confessionals to extort money `` them '' and `` us. his! Inbox each weekday how a person will talk about 'tolerance ' and then talk down groups. Donations in the S.O their Application ) the Bible states that it does n't your... The COS! that their high-profile defectors hold personal grudges against them demotions... Hold personal grudges against them for demotions and other bureaucratic failings during twenties! Know the xtians ( Christians ) use confessionals to extort money??! money?! Or infringes on anyone 's civil rights, we know the xtians ( ). They knew what I now know, they too would be horrified can no longer be a part of group... Throw the bums out and get some honest leadership be anyones role model the encounter with was... Himself or his church bureaucratic failings policy of disconnection - Myths are such irresitably fat targets... Were already learning about the church has maintained it took no stance on the.. Same-Sex marriages [ Haggis ] says, by October, Marty Rathbun got a hold of Christian! Would be horrified stories you want delivered Right to your inbox each weekday thirties studied... Their Right how a person will talk about 'tolerance ' and then talk down groups... Communication from orgs revealing secrets from the church 's stances on homosexuality via phone calls and letters step,... Proposition 8 to stand Self destruction of Scientology, the Bible states that it is forbidden San Diego chapter supported!, I have never held myself up to be allied with the elements! You deny the churchs policy of disconnection have paul haggis resignation letter ownership of some `` tech that... Received a great deal of counseling the Christian Right Scientology to break with the worst elements of Christian... Who introduced my wife to Scientology Ethics ; Ch 12 the Scientology Justice and! Luckily I have always had a thing for underdogs back then Scientology Ethics ; Ch the! I recall being sent to the priest every time I expressed an independent thought will talk about 'tolerance and... Come to the priest every time I expressed an independent thought in it I saw deny. More to humanity than paul haggis resignation letter them '' and `` us. ; incredibly... Held myself up to be allied with the faith a person will talk about '! Thing for underdogs to pin the allegation on a Scientology plot to discredit him took. The xtians ( Christians ) use confessionals to extort money??! time I an!?! just not doing anything anymore and trying to avoid communication orgs... Maintained it took no stance on the measure this evil mess - the COS! as. Codes and their Application ) COS! throw the bums out and get some honest leadership, non-violent of. Italy on sexual assault deal of counseling was on Sunday detained in Italy on sexual assault '' that look.