Hollywood film-maker Paul Haggis has left the Church of Scientology in protest of its stance on same-sex marriages.
One of the church's most high-profile members, Paul Haggis wrote a letter of resignation, claiming he could no longer "be a member of an organisation where gay-bashing is tolerated." The resignation was later published on a blog by Marty Rathblum, a former Scientology official.
In a letter addressed to spokesman Tommy Davis, Paul Haggis calls for the church to denounce statements made by the San Diego branch in support of Proposition 8, the controversial legislation banning gay marriage in California. Haggis said, "The church's refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly."
It seems that the church's stance on gay rights was the tipping point for Paul Haggis, after an increasing discomfort. He wrote, "I reached a point several weeks ago where I no longer knew what to think. You had allowed your name to be allied with the worst impulses of the Christian Right."
His resignation also makes allegations against the church. Paul Haggis accuses officials of smearing the names of former members by leaking details of their private lives to the press. He also suggests that Davis was lying when he said the church does not practice "disconnection," which is a policy that encourages followers to break off all contact with those who have criticized the church.
Paul Haggis ended his letter with this statement: "I am only ashamed I waited this many months to act. I hereby resign my membership of the Church of Scientology."
Scientology was founded in 1952 by author L. Ron Hubbard. The religion promises its members "spiritual rehabilitation" through a set of counseling sessions called "auditing." Other celebrity members include Lisa-Marie Presley, John Travolta and, perhaps best known, Tom Cruise. Paul Haggis was a member of the Church of Scientology for 35 years. The church has not responded to Paul Haggis's resignation and comments.
Paul Haggis now joins the ranks of high-profile former members of the Church of Scientology, which includes Van Morrison, Jerry Seinfeld, and, most notably, Nicole Kidman, who was married to Tom Cruise.
Paul Haggis is the Oscar-winning writer of Crash and Million Dollar Baby.
Written by Nicole Palmby
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