CNN's 'A History of Violence' Part 1.

Anderson Cooper | BIO
AC360° Anchor

This week we begin a five-part investigation into allegations made by a number of former high ranking members of the Church of Scientology. The allegations are about physical abuse they say took place within the Sea Organization, the international management branch of the church.

These former members, many of whom dedicated their lives to Scientology, allege that the leader of the church, David Miscavige, has used physical violence against a number of Sea Organization members. The church adamantly denies these allegations, and back up their denials with numerous affidavits and testimonials defending Mr. Miscavige and attacking those who are speaking out.

Interestingly, the church spokesman, Tommy Davis, admits there was a history of violence in the Sea Organization, but the people he blames for it are those who are making the allegations against David Miscavige. He says they were demoted by Mr. Miscavige, and are bitter and disgruntled. Some of those making the allegations admit they did engage in violent acts, but say it was at the urging of Mr. Miscavige.


There is no real proof offered by either side, but viewers can make their own assessment. We have spent several months working on this series, and believe it is a fair look at the allegations and the counter claims made by the church.

I have already received a number of emails from church members complaining about the series, and accusing me of attacking the church, its beliefs, its membership, and its activities.

Given that the emails are all very similar in content, I assume this is some sort of organized email campaign. None of those writing the emails have seen the series, but I appreciate hearing from all concerned viewers, and I certainly understand any church member, of any religion, being concerned about the portrayal of their beliefs.

For the record, I just want to point out that this series is not about the beliefs or activities of the Church of Scientology. It is not about the religion or the vast majority of Scientologists. This series simply has to do with what some former high ranking church officials say went on within the upper management of the church, and what happened to them when they left the church.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• CULT
• MANCHESTER
• DISCONNECTION
• SCIENTOLOGY
• RELIGION
• TONY LEIGH
• SAM BUTLER
• GRAEME WILSON
• ANONYMOUS
• TOMMY DAVIS
• FAIRGAME
• ANTHONY BRINKMAN
• DAVID MISCAVIGE
• NARCONON

[yuothineyesasian]

The media is starting to see that they aren't untouchable.

[AnonShawi]

thanks for posting it!

[Rosebunse]

@toribjork10 No, what I mean is that humans are naturally violent animals who like to cause havoc. So, really, they were using religion as an excuse, not really the cause. And most "religious" conflicts usually have some sort of financial or political reason behind them. Religion just seems like a better reason, I guess. Saying that this is all God's fault is saying that humans have no personal responsibility.

[toribjork10]

@Rosebunse the fact of the matter is that religion WAS the cause of wars, murder, and bigotry. to say "how do you know something else wouldn't have caused it" is to ignore what DID cause it. a defense is not "what if". and i didn't say god "let's bad things happen" i said he COMMANDS bad things to happen. of course, i'm going by the holy bible, not what i really believe. and no, it would def be better to have a nice god than a god that causes death and pain lol. what that a serious question?

[Rosebunse]

@toribjork10 How do we know people wouldn't hurt each other either way? Why is this religion's fault? How do we know that if it wasn't religion, it wouldn't have been something else? And yes, I know God let's bad things happen. What I don't get is why people take offense to that. Wouldn't it be better to have a God who let's bad things happen for a reason, rather than some really, really nice God who just let's things happen?

[toribjork10]

@Rosebunse lol yeah not only does "God" allow bad things to happen, but according to the Bible he actually commands bad things to happen. But again it seems that if something good happens, it's because of God. If something bad happens it's because of people. That points to a bizarre mistrust and hatred of people, and asserts that people are evil at heart. This is why religion is dangerous, as it pits human against human.

[Rosebunse]

@Domzdream Wow, that does sound incredible LOL Hope it was awesome.

[Domzdream]

@Rosebunse

Well, obviously incredible thnigs happen. I'm about to get laid tonight.

[Rosebunse]

@Domzdream I know God does and allows very bad things to happen. Yes, God isn't always good. But that doesn't mean that good, incredible things don't happen.

[Domzdream]

@Rosebunse

-morals straight away are questionable. Somehow, they're fine with rape and destruction and torture of people for the smallest of sins, because if god does it, it's ok.

Google the bad deeds og god. They're all there, and then get back to me and tell me it's not evil.

ALL religions are just plain wrong. But the biggies are islam and christianity currently.

[Domzdream]

@Rosebunse

Faith itself isn't evil obviously. It's hopeful ignorance, but not evil. But religions are. And I can prove it to you in MANY examples.

God condones slavery. Rape. Murder. Even infanticide. Mass destruction. It's all there, and more!

I agree with you that people are ones who are the evil fucks. But they also wrote the bible (which is evil). I used to know people who are truely sweet, and intelligent. But bring things up like god being OK with rape, and their ethics and morals-

[Rosebunse]

@Domzdream Religions and faith aren't evil. People are the ones who twist those into something wrong.