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Paul Haggis' Break With Scientology Over Gay Rights
In what may prove to be an earth-shaking rupture for the organization, Oscar-winning writer and director Paul Haggis has broken publicly with the Church of Scientology, the Hollywood-centric religion that has recently come under renewed scrutiny for its political positions.
In a scathing letter to the church's celebrity contact, Tommy Davis, Haggis accused the church of hypocrisy and lies, especially regarding its decision to support the anti-gay-marriage proposition on the California ballot last year, Proposition 8.
"I told you I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated," Haggis wrote, referring to support for Prop. 8 in the church's San Diego branch. "You promised action. Ten months passed. No action was forthcoming."
He added: "The church's refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly. I can think of no other word. Silence is consent, Tommy. I refuse to consent."
Haggis, who won the Oscar for co-writing "Crash" in 2006, is one of the most prominent Hollywood members of the church, whose most famous public figures are Tom Cruise and John Travolta.
But the always controversial church has come under pressure recently after the death of Travolta's son, Jett, who was believed to be autistic. The church does not believe in recognizing autism nor in treating it. The church also considers mental illness to be psychosomatic and argues that it should be treated through spiritual healing.
Travolta has said his son, who died at 16 of a seizure, had Kawasaki syndrome, a disease of the lymph nodes, and that he had been treated through the church's detoxification programs.Travolta reportedly has been distraught over his son's death and is questioning his decisions to follow church doctrine.
Scientology is a belief system created in 1952 by a charismatic leader L. Ron Hubbard, who wrote the self-help system, Dianetics. It espouses the belief that souls ("thetans") have lived on other planets before living on Earth. The church has long reached out to celebrities as privileged representatives of its beliefs.
In his letter, the director wrote that he had been a member of the church for 35 years. Though he was no longer an active member, he said he had continued to support the church, "as I railed against the intolerance that I believed was directed against it."
But with the church's refusal to distance itself from support from Prop. 8, "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."
The Associated Press spoke to Davis, who denied the church was anti-gay. Davis said the San Diego chapter of the Church of Scientology was incorrectly characterized as supportive of Prop 8.
"We're all for civil rights and the rights of minorities," Davis told the AP. "We know what it is to be a minority and have your rights curtailed. We're very vocal and consistent in our stance on discrimination against anybody. We take it very seriously."
The Prop. 8 support was not Haggis's only complaint about the church, however.
He accused Davis of lying in a CNN interview about church policy regarding the requirement that members distance themselves from any family members who oppose Scientology.
"I saw you deny the church's policy of disconnection," he said. "I was shocked. We all know this policy exists."
Haggis said his own wife "was ordered" to break relations with her parents because of the policy, "because of something absolutely trivial they supposedly did 25 years ago when they resigned from the church. ... 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. It was a terrible time.
"To see you lie so easily, I am afraid I had to ask myself: What else are you lying about?" Haggis wrote.
He concluded: "I am only ashamed that I waited this many months to act. I hereby resign my membership in the Church of Scientology."
Attempts to reach the church were unsuccessful; on its central website, the "contact us" page did not function.
The letter appears to first have been published by a small website, http://markrathbun.wordpress.com/. A spokesman for Haggis later confirmed that it was written by the director.
(Photo by Alexandra Gibson)
Comments
Christopher Nickens Says
All religions are smug,judgmental and often hateful, but the Scientologists are the most hypocritical. Here in Hollywood it is a very badly kept secret that John Travolta leads a double life regarding his sexual interests. He, like Cruise, sold his soul to the L. Ron Hubbard devil to retain his stardom. Travolta is a nice guy and people like him, so his secret interests are not publicized. But, anyone who has workde on one of his movies knows the truth.
michael Says
Haggis' judgment is in question just for being a member of that pseudo-religion Scientology in the first place - but for 35 years ?!! Can anyone argue with a straight face that he has seen the light after 35 years? It's not as if Scientology changed recently - it just took Haggis this long to realize something was amiss. So much for perceptiveness.
That Hollywood deems Haggis a respected member speaks volumes about the intellectual credentials of Hollywood celebrity types.
Haggis is properly in the same company as the likes of John Travolta and Tommy Cruise.
testington Says
RCB - Our position in life is not to judge other people, which you are very clearly doing. God will judge all people on all their sins, it is not your place to call out what you don't personally agree with and makes claims of what God commands. The Bible makes much more clear and statements about where to graze cattle and what types of robes to where than it does about homosexuality, and people ignore those sections of the Bible now. So why do you focus on the one part that you think gives you a right to judge others? Anybody who understands even the most basic of Jesus's teachings can pretty clearly see he wouldn't want you to judge other people and would encourage you to love your fellow man, regardless of his sins.
Sean Says
The article fails to mention that when you join Scientology, in order to go up a "level" you have to pay to learn more.
It truly astounds me why celebrities join Scientology in the first place. Have they no common sense and conscience? Any so called religion that has you pay to learn is not legit and won't have you spiritual interests at heart (only your money.)
For those curious about Scientology and it's strange beginnings, do a google search on Operation Snow White.
Jen Says
Our laws are not based on the Bible. Our laws are based on rational thought by rational men. Our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were written primarily by Deists, not Christians. They were men who believed in a higher deity but did not believe the Bible was the word of God. In fact, many of them believed religion was a cancer to democracy. If you would like to live in a theocracy move to Iran where their holy scripture is placed above rational thought and see how you like it.
And you are welcome to think homosexuality is a sin. But it is unconstitutional for the government to impose your belief system to deny same sex couples equal rights.
I'm not even going to respond to the person who said if same sex marriage was enforced everywhere humans would become extinct because I can't possibly believe that person was being serious. I don't want to...it's just shockingly dumb.
Also, to the people saying Scientology is no different than the other Judeo-Christian religions, I can see where you are getting that parallel on a surface level. However, there is an important distinction to make. If you go to a Mosque or Temple or Church and ask for spiritual guidance and help it will be given to you, no questions asked. If you go to a CoS center and ask for help you will be asked for a check first.
Thomas Says
I am by no means religious, but I believe in God and I believe in love and grace. I don't believe in gay marriage. However, I don't march around with signs and shit saying that I'm pissed off at the world and God is going to smite some sinners. I think churches that do that are missing the point entirely.
I think that I live in a free country where I can say that I believe in God, and you can say that you don't believe in God, and I'm not going to hand you a Bible and sit down with you and tell you to stop living your life of sin. I just love people too much to do that anyway. And if I don't hit you over the head with a Bible, I'm hoping you won't hit me over the head with your atheist doctrine or Hindu doctrine or whatever.
Maybe that makes me less of a "Christian person" but like John Mayer once said...
"Is there anyone who
Ever remembers changing there mind from
The paint on a sign?
Is there anyone who really recalls
Ever breaking rank at all
For something someone yelled real loud one time..."
Malcolm Says
Yeah, I betcha old Paul is also outraged by the fact that Roman Polanski is sitting in prison where his rapist butt belongs too.
Diana Says
I don't believe 10 year olds should marry either so does that make me a racist of kids...I don't think so.
First, gay is not a race so there is no racism when referring to gays.
Second, gays will never change only the straights will change. Even now actors are being called racists because they refuse to kiss another actor of the same sex. What happened to "it's no bodies business what goes on in a person's bedroom" and that wonderful word...TOLERANCE? Funny how is it only meant for straight people and not gays.
Go right ahead and say there is no God and the Bible is a lie, I really don't care. One day we all will know what the truth is. As for now, I beleive there is a God and the Bible is the word of God. Laws are based upon the Bible and without laws what kind of society would we all be living in...well no society.
Rick D Says
Timothy Leary said it so well even if he was in an acid-induced state. "If the Lord is your shepherd, then what does that make you? BaaaaBaaaa!"
Ann H Says
Its not religion that this world needs. Its a relationship they don't have with Christ the Saviour. Eyes are blinded and they can't see the truth. Only the truth and Christ can set them free from sexual immortality and such. God had revealed himself but they still live their ways, and so we aren't to judge. We pray for them
Because God is coming and he will judge.
Alan Says
Most of the comments on here are perfect examples of why religion is such a joke: look at all the comments from people about "The little soft voice inside you" and that rant from the looney Christian about "The gays needing to get religion before it's too late."
Man wrote the bible. He wrote it so that he could control other people and "keep them in line."
It IS not "God's Word." I believe in god and know that god must be pretty mad that man took the concept of "Love thy neighbor as you would thyself" and turned it into the nonsense that you see on this comment board.
To those of you who think they're better than others because you have bought into the scam that is religion, I can't wait for the day that you get your comuppance.
By the way: Scientology, Catholicism, Methodist, Islam, IT'S ALL THE SAME SCAM.
People use religion to conform to their own ideas: don't like the gays, go Fundie. Want to be told EXACTLY what to do? Go Catholic.
Religion Ruled the Dark Ages. NEVER AGAIN.
Kevin Johnson Says
"If everybody left all religion, the bigotry level on this planet would diminish to near-nothing."
Oh, yeah, nobody'll ever spout blanket statements against large groups of people with competing viewpoints ever again. (in other words, "At least I know I'm a bigot.")
"Christianity, Islam, Scientology...it's all a morass of superstition and a cult of 'I'm better than you!'"
God, I wish I could live another two hundred years to see which of our scientific advancements will be looked back upon as ridiculous superstitions. Vaccines? Antibiotics? Shock therapy? Lobotomies? The all-too-common view that there was only one species of pre-human that evolved linearly into us, as opposed to multiple species in different regions and one prevailing over the others (or merging with them)? A hundred years from now, we'll seem just as stupid as the Puritans. Get over yourself.
Troll Says
I believe the Unitarian Universalist church supports gay marriage.
Mark Says
dadav: There is no god. Gods were created by ancient man to explain the universe and our place in it. They are stories, mythology, not reality. Take a look at the Hubble telescope pictures. We are a dot in the cosmos. Religion is the human response to being alive and having to die.
R C B Says
1. Gay marriage is an oxymoron - marriage is the union of one man and one woman.
2. Homosexuality is a sin. No amount of liberal chest thumping will change that. God has strictly prohibited sexual union between persons of the sex.
3. Opposing gay marriages is probably the first real accurate spiritual thing Scientology has ever done.
4. This guys is right to leave that cult, but he is doing so for the wrong reasons, because he still supports the right for people of the same sex to be joined together.
5. And to the write who says that religion has outlived its usefulness - you are right when you say "religion" - However, the need to serve God is needed more now than ever before in history. Unless mankind returns to his rightful God designed purpose (to love and serve God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength and then to love his neighbor as himself)there will be no hope for this planet.
Hear the word of God, believe, repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive God's indwelling Holy Spirit.
To all the gays - God still loves you but He hates the sin in your life. Find a christian church and be saved before it is too late.
Mark Says
This is a religion based on a hack sci-fi writer. How stupid would you have to be to buy into this sort of crap? It beggars belief. Travolta should follow Haggis's lead and get out now. Tommy Davis is one of the most sinister people on the planet.
dadav Says
J,
There is great evil that has been done in the world in the name of God. The Roman Catholic Church persecuted, tortured and killed dissenters for centuries. In the American Civil War both sides truly believed the Almighty was on their side. This point can be illustrated time and time again throughout history. However, do not de-value faith because of the wrongs done in the world by churches and their agents. Churches contain men and men can pervert things to their purposes.
In almost every system of faith in the world, members must do something, perform a ritual, recite a litany, make a journey or make a scrifice to justify them to God. In Christianity, GOD made the sacrifice for you. Christ accepted responsibility for all the sin in the world to purchase your redemption. This gift is given to you by the grace of God. All you have to do is recognize it, accept it and believe. The Holy Spirit is another gift given to you and lives within the very breath of your body to gently remind you of God's will in your life. Regardless of your personal attitudes and beliefs, the Holy Spirit is still within you. There is nothing you can do to seperate yourself from the love of God. God is constantly seeking to include you in his plans and bring you to him. Kinda like Gravity. If you can't see the beauty in that, then you have fallen victim to a bigger Sham; that old It's Hip to be Cynical bugaboo.
Finally, if you truly do not believe in God, then I challenge you. And, it's a big challenge. Tour a Shriners Hospital for Children. Solomon said; "I have seen the business God has given man to be about and it is good." As you walk out of the Shriners Hospital doors look inside yourself and listen to that sweet, soft voice inside you. Then tell that voice there is no God and that the men who support and run the Shriners Hospitals are not concerned with God's business on earth. You'll get an answer, I guarantee it!
fut Says
Whilst I agree that most organised religions have outlived their usefulness in terms of their original purpose - to corale and shepherd the masses in a time of lawlessness and ignorance, I do believe that belief is still important.
Belief - the predicate that all organised religions now shout about has to be a personal and deep felt thing. Haggis, it seems has come to the place in the road where he diverges from Scientology, many others will still find safety in its walls.
Basically all I'm trying to say is that these public articles denouncing or endorsing organised religions can't be met with simple black and white diatribe such as "Religion is for the insane and stupid of society" or "they are a bunch of hateful homophobic myth pedallers".
It is a story about one man, with hundreds of reasons, reaching the end of his tether with his own beliefs that he had held strong to with the idea that he would become "better".
Anyway, just passing through ...
Chris Says
Yes, the question here is why he waited 35 years to leave. All religions are the work of con-artists; the difference with Scientology is that it was specifically set up as a con trick - Hubbard is on record as saying in 1948 that the way to make serious money was to start a religion. In 1953 he set up the 'Church' of Scientology.
It would be funny if it didn't ruin so many lives. In fact it's probably funny anyway.
Lassie Says
After 35 years of supporting this looney scam and pouring who knows how many dollars into it, this dude sees the light! Slow but steady! Wonder what 'opened his eyes'? We can only hope ALL the crazies propping up this idiocy will wake up and find a better use of their spirituality.
Overgaard Says
It took Haggis only 35 years to find something compelling enough to get him to leave a completely whacked-out religion.
Kevin M Says
If everybody left all religion, the bigotry level on this planet would diminish to near-nothing.
Christianity, Islam, Scientology...it's all a morass of superstition and a cult of "I'm better than you!"
Mike Says
Gay marriage is such a great idea that if we enforced it planet-wide, we would soon become extinct.
Scientology blows and so does all this Hollywood gay-focus.
Sidne Says
1st of all
there is only one Church - the Roman Catholic
2nd Abrahanic Religion (aka Islam/Muslin - Judaism & Christianism developed monogamy and marriage as we know today)
3rd there are plenty of religious groups beside them supporting gay anything
john Says
I don't understand why he joined in the first place. Religion is for the insane and stupid of society. Unless, as I believe, scientology is one big tax fraud.
ben a Says
wonder what kind of a church is that
; really devilish. but Paul should not just withdraw from lies; he should embrace the TRUTH by looking for a true sound Bible-believing church.
leafsfan68 Says
The United Church supports gay marriage, and has since 2005, I believe.
Pete Says
I really tried to find the good press and/or honest treatment of this topic within the religion or among the caring members, but I found only intolerance and hate.
J. Russell Says
Clarke, correct
J Says
Any religion is a sham - however - this one is as bad as christianity.
Paul Norris Says
Paul Haggis has been a member of this 'so-called church' for 35 years and only now realises they are a bunch of hateful homophobic myth pedallers? Only in America as the saying goes! Or most sane people would certainly wish this were true.
Thomas H. Says
"Church!" What a crock. This cult is little more than the ramblings of a second-rate sci-fi author. The popularity of it among the Hollywood crowd only serves to demonstrate their totla disconnect with reality. Hats off to Paul Haggis for calling a spade a spade.
ps Says
What else is the church lying about? If you don't know then you really are naive.
Lawrence Says
Agreed!
clark Says
good luck finding any church that supports gay marriage