Ex-Scientologists Speak Out at LA Press Conference

2/15/2010

(Page 2 of 2)

going psychotic."

KABC, KTLA, KCAL/KCBS, KNBC and KTTV (Fox) all carried stories about the over two-hour press conference during their Friday evening news cycle, which also included a rebuttal by Scientology spokesman, Tommy Davis. Davis dismissed the statements as coming from angry former members who fabricated these stories.

Catholic Online contacted Davis� office for a comment and is still awaiting a response.

One observer at the event stated, "The media was at the press conference in force and showed a high level of interest. Mark Bunker did an absolutely superb job as the moderator. The event was emotional at times. One can read the internet, but when you see the people who actually lived the stories talk about it, it is almost overwhelming."

"It is hard to hear a woman fighting back tears as she speaks about being pressured to abort her first child for the �greatest good� by Scientology. Laura Decrescenzo was only seventeen years old when this happened. She was powerless and was told by Scientology that her baby was only tissue. She was broke, young, lacked a formal education, and was a stat in some production graph."

A question and answer time by the media present followed the presentation. Questions regarding the speaker�s stories were offered but some of the reporters preferred to focus more attention on the two lawsuits and the work of Anonymous.

-----

Randy Sly is the Associate Editor of Catholic Online. He is a former Archbishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church who laid aside that ministry to enter into the full communion of the Catholic Church in 2006. His reporting on the Church of Scientology has received global attention as the group�s activities come under increasing scrutiny.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords:

NEWSLETTERS »

Previous Page 1 | 2

Rate This Article

Was this helpful to you? Very Helpful Somewhat Helpful Not Helpful at All

Would you be interested in more articles like this? Yes, I am Interested No, I am not Interested

Rate Article

1 - 10 of 29 Comments

Joy
3 years ago
And this is the main reason I read www.catholic.org. Unbelievable posts.
DrivenToTears
3 years ago
former Sea Org member.
left in Jan 2000.
now a liberty activist.
all of this that is coming out is connecting a lot of dots for me.
thanks and continue.
we are winning on all fronts.
DebbieC
3 years ago
It's heartbreaking watching those videos. A church did this to it's members? Forced abortions? This is disgusting.
Salvatore90
3 years ago
Hello Mr. Sly:

I see you are still posting comments (as of 19 Feb).

But mine have not made it past your filter. Why? Because I disagree?

By the way, as I have said in my posts, I am a Scientologist. But here is something you may find interesting. One of my good friends who is a Catholic and NOT a Scientologist, made a post under one of your columns, attempting to correct some facts. She was promptly assaulted by your loyal "Anonymous" legionaires, accusing her of "lying" about not being a Scientologist. Nice crowd of admirers you have.

You have my e-mail address. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in some actual discourse.

Needless to say, I am pretty disappointed in your willingness to publish false information as long as it serves your purpose. "The end justifies the means" is not a concept I endorse, and from my Catholic friends I believe it is not something you should support either.

Over to you.
katienoel
3 years ago
Dear Mr. Sly,
Thank you and Catholic Online for this continuing series of articles. The more light that can be shed on these abuses the better.
I have been protesting for two years because, as a Catholic, I just can't stand by and watch people continue to be abused.
alena volk
3 years ago
John Davis, Jeff Hawkins answered your question at the press conference. Watch his video for the answer. http://www.youtube.com/user/ScilonTV
Randall Forrester
3 years ago
May the Lord give those who witness wrongdoing the strength to take a stand. May He give those who live in fear and misery the courage to try a new direction. Dear Lord, please look kindly upon those who have been disconnected from their families, and help them to seek restitution. In the knowledge that You will grant Your mercy to those who have strayed, and are lost in dark places and in bitterness. Keep them safe, and bring them home. Amen.
Tim
3 years ago
Remember that the RPF (labour camps), sec-checks and the harassment of critics is all part of Scientology scripture.
randy S
3 years ago
I don't pay any attention to the scientologist but their compound in Hemet is CREEPY!
former scientologist
3 years ago
It is well-documented that L Ron Hubbard cloaked his organization in "religion" for 4 reasons:

to be afforded tax-exempt status.
as a shield when his pseudo-scientific "theories" kill or injure.
so that the organization can scream "bigot" when anyone questions the abuses.
to avoid fair labor laws.

That this organization is allowed to still operate in this country is shocking.

Prev12 3 Next

Comments submitted must be civil, remain on-topic and not violate any laws including copyright. We reserve the right to delete any comments which are abusive, inappropriate or not constructive to the discussion.

Though we invite robust discussion, we reserve the right to not publish any comment which denigrates the human person, undermines marriage and the family, or advocates for positions which openly oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church.

This is a supervised forum and the Editors of Catholic Online retain the right to direct it.

We also reserve the right to block any commenter for repeated violations. Your email address is required to post, but it will not be published on the site.

We ask that you NOT post your comment more than once. Catholic Online is growing and our ability to review all comments sometimes results in a delay in their publication.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

Send me important information from Catholic Online and it's partners. See Sample

Post Comment