Ex-Scientology Kids Against Scientology

Like any religion, Scientology has former members who were brought up in the religion at home but who have since left it as adults. Because Scientology is a relatively young religion, however, the number of such former Scientologists is relatively smaller — but they also may have more insights than average about what really goes on with Scientology outside the public's view. Scientology is more secretive than most religions, which makes reports from former members more valuable.

Ex-Scientology Kids is a new web site offering criticism of Scientology and support for people trying to leave. With the slogan "I was born. I grew up. I escaped." they say:

Ex-Scientology kids is designed, owned, and operated by three young women who grew up in Scientology, and later left the Church. We feel that growing up in the Scientology environment is a unique experience that's almost impossible to comprehend unless you've lived it yourself. For what it's worth, we offer non-judgmental support for those who are still in Scientology, discussion and debate for those who've already left, and a plethora of easy-to-understand references for the curious.

For the record, while the site admins make every effort to be non-judgemental, that doesn't mean we're unbiased. Most of the people that write for this site have had extremely negative experiences in Scientology. Some of us have lost our families due to Scientology's Disconnection Policy, some of us have experienced physical abuse, and some of us were denied a proper education. However, we do welcome pro-Scientology email, comments and forum posts. There's even a "no registration required" forum area where anyone may anonymously post questions, comments and advice.

Sites that are critical of Scientology tend to be far more focused on criticism, leaving little room for responses from pro-Scientology readers. On the other hand, people leaving or outside Scientology arguably need a "safe" place to vent or lean on each other; is that possible when anonymous posts from Scientologists are permitted? Perhaps, I don't know, but it's an important concern and I hope that the site administrators have procedures in place to take care of this.

The credentials of these three women are impeccable. For example, there is Jenna Miscavige Hill:

Jenna is the niece of David Miscavige, current leader of Scientology. She grew up as a member of the Sea Organization, and was disconnected from her parents at a young age. She left in 2005, and is is now happily married, living a fulfilling life outside the church.

Jenna first spoke out in response to Scientology spokeswoman Karin Pouw's denial that disconnection exists within Scientology. Jenna wrote a moving public letter refuting these claims. Since then, Jenna has been an active opponent of Scientology abuses, and hopes that her work can help educate others about the dangers of Scientology and the Sea Org. Jenna was recently featured on Inside Edition, and other scheduled media appearances are currently in the works.

I find it interesting that the Church of Scientology denies that "disconnection" is an official policy. Granted, it's not exactly a policy that produces good public relations moments, but it's also one of their policies which has analogs in many traditional religions. However much they might be criticized for it, then, they can always point out the fact that other groups do it yet those groups don't come in for the same criticism. Denying their disconnection policy ultimately makes the situation worse because it makes them look more secretive and even dishonest than is necessary. As has often been pointed out, the cover-up can be worse than the original problem or crime.