The Church of Scientology, long a subject of great debate–is it a church or merely a cult masquerading as religion?–may be about to face its greatest challenge yet. A challenge which could shake the organization to its core and even threaten to destroy it.
Scientology leader David Miscavige is at the center of the latest controversy. Miscavige’s father, Ron Miscavige, will release a memoir on May 3 which will detail his work as the musical director of the hardcore Sea Org sect of Scientology and his strained relationship with his son. He’s also scheduled to appear April 29 on a “20/20” episode devoted to solely to Scientology.
Ron Miscavige escaped about four years ago from the church’s International Base near Hemet, California. Since then, he has been repeatedly trailed by private investigators working for the church.
One of the things the elder Miscavige will supposedly talk about in the soon-to-be released book and appearance on “20/20” is Scientology’s use of something called “The Hole,” a type of private prison where the church officials have been known to send those who disagree with or criticize the church.
Also involved in the effort is former Scientologist Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the late Elvis Presley, who has had doubts about Miscavige and his methods for years. Presley has been trying to convince her mother, Priscilla to leave the church.
Might this spell the beginning of the end for Scientology? Several European nations have already designated the church as a cult and do not allow it to practice in their countries. But the United States has always been the true power base of Scientology, whose most famous adherent is actor Tom Cruise.
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