Cult News

Greta Van Susteren is the queen at Fox News and regularly wins the ratings wars against her old employer CNN reports the Kansas City Star.

The Midwest newspaper gushed about Van Susteren’s success and quoted a source parenthetically about how “she and her husband are heavily into the Church of Scientology.”

But Greta and hubby John Coale, both lawyers, seem to have been more than just “into” Scientology. They did some rather interesting legal work reportedly linked to their church.

It is often said that suing is something like a religious rite for Scientology. Maybe this explains why Van Susteren and Coale once appeared together to figuratively sing “hallelujah” from a court pew in Ohio.

The two devout Scientologists represented an apparent puppet plaintiff in what appears to have been a harassment lawsuit filed against Wellspring Retreat, a nonprofit licensed mental health facility for former cultists.

The suit was eventually dropped and never went to trial. But not before the noted rehab was bled considerably defending itself.

Some time later Van Susteren experienced her first makeover into a credible journalist for CNN. Then came her literal physical transformation through plastic surgery to look good for Fox.

A controversial group called a “cult” by local residents suffered a serious setback in New York federal court yesterday reports the Albany Times-Union.

NXIVM (pronounced Nexium) also known as “Executive Success Programs” has filed lawsuits against John Hochman, MD and Paul Martin, Ph.D. regarding their written analysis of the group and its programs.

The Ross Institute (TRI) was also sued for publishing those reports.

The group founded by Keith Raniere, a failed multi-level marketing guru, wants $9 million dollars in damages.

Raniere’s lawyers claim that because NXIVM material is quoted within the reports Hochman, Martin and TRI are guilty of “trade secret” and “copyright” violations.

However, a federal judge once again denied NXIVM’s requests for temporary injunctions, aimed at removing the critical articles from the Internet.

This is the third time the court has turned down Raniere’s efforts to suppress the information.

Interestingly, NXIVM’s recent defeat comes not long after The Hague gutted Scientology’s last hope of removing its own trade secrets and copyright protected material from view on the Internet.

Scientology, the controversial church that Time Magazine dubbed the “Cult of Greed,” has a long history of legal defeats. Observers have often claimed the organization simply uses litigation as a vehicle to target its perceived enemies.

In an ironic twist, a well-known Scientology operative Nancy O’Meara claimed that she is cooperating with NXIVM regarding its current New York litigation.

“I am working on two cases right now where [The Ross Institute] is being sued for copyright trademark violation (filed in July 2003),” stated O’Meara in an email dated August 22nd.

It appears that Raniere is being coached by Scientology, arguably the most litigious “cult” in the world.

And judging by his recent court setbacks, the man NXIVM devotees call “Vanguard” may be losing his edge by following in Scientology’s dubious legal footsteps.

In a precedent setting decision The Court of Appeal in the Hague overturned lower court rulings and cleared the way for an Internet database in Holland to continue to make public “secret Scientology documents” reports The Register.

Karin Spaink of Amsterdam was sued by Scientology for allegedly violating its copyright by posting supposedly protected material on her website.

But Spaink’s site is now “legally approved” and beyond the grasp of Scientology’s lawyers.

This represents a major defeat for Scientology.

Historically, the controversial church has experienced many setbacks in Europe.

So anyone interested in reading the so-called “secret” teachings of Scientology need not pay the church for the privilege, nor endure its often long, tedious and expensive process of instruction.

Instead of paying for pricey courses like Tom Cruise or John Travolta you can find out about Scientology’s basic beliefs for free, by simply visiting Spaink’s website.

Apparently Scientology wanted to keep its basic foundational religious beliefs behind closed doors.

This does seem a bit strange for a purported “religion,” and appears to be the equivalent of Christians hiding the New Testament and refusing to disclose the role of Jesus within Christianity.

Spaink says, “Scientology does not want their followers to know what’s in store for them.”

Why would Scientology want to keep its salvation plan a secret?

Doesn’t the truth set you free?

Revelations about Scientology stars potentially signing away their basic human rights for religious rites at their church is spreading.

Now NBC News in the “Windy City” has picked up the story.

The Chicago station cited controversial contracts that reportedly prohibit “‘any psychiatrist, medical person, designated member of the state or family member'” from placing any stars that may sign in a hospital or psychiatric facility.”

Instead Scientologists that sign the documents “subject themselves to church rituals that may prohibit them from visiting family members and friends.”

Should this be considered the ultimate “cult” contract?

The story about Scientology and its rather scary documents or release forms, that members are apparently expected to sign, has hit New York.

The New York Post headline reads “Scientology: No Rights Please.”

The Post examines the content of Scientology’s recently revised and exposed contracts, which appear to trade civil rights for religious rites, or what the controversial church often called a “cult” prefers to label “spiritual assistance.”

Dr. David Touretzky of Carnegie Mellon University first exposed this paperwork on the Internet. And now everyone can see what Scientology celebs like Tom Cruise and John Travolta may be giving up for their faith.

Today Fox News picked up the story about bizarre new release forms Scientology has started using in an apparent effort to stave off future lawsuits and liability.

“Tom Cruise claims to have been dyslexic…Let’s hope that he can read the fine print…” quips Fox reporter Roger Freidman.

It seems Scientology expects its members to relinquish some of their civil rights and rights to privacy in exchange for “spiritual assistance.”

Rights for rites?

A Scientology spokesperson offered few details to Fox News other than the usual polemic about the practice of psychiatry, which the group attacks religiously.

However, it is important to note that the designated spokesperson also made no denial about the purpose of the reported “contract[s]” and/or their specific provisions.

So does this mean that Travolta, Cruise and other Scientology celebs are routinely signing off on such papers to afford their church a legal prophylactic before it has intercourse with them?

Or is this just something that grunts and common members sign off on before the church possibly screws them up, like it allegedly did Lisa McPherson?

No comment yet from either the Travolta or Cruise camps.

Potentially embarrassing documents from within Scientology have found their way onto the Internet.

Recently revised release forms offer a startling look at how those involved in Scientology may be signing away basic human rights to obtain “spiritual assistance” from the controversial church often called a “cult.”

A form that must be signed by Scientologists seeking advanced training states they are “not eligible for spiritual assistance unless [they] sign [a] contract…[and]…forever [give] up [the] right to sue the church, its staff…for any injury or damage suffered in any way connected with…Scientology.”

So it seems that Scientologist superstars like Tom Cruise, John Travolta and wealthy patrons such as Lisa Marie Presley may be signing away rights most citizens within free countries take for granted.

A document titled “Agreement and General Release Regarding Spiritual Assistance” states; “Others may think that I need psychiatric treatment…I instead desire to receive Scientology spiritual assistance…”

The same release form prohibits “any psychiatrist, medical person, designated member of the state or family member” from placing the Scientologist that signs into a hospital or facility for psychiatric treatment under any circumstances. And explicitly authorizes Scientology to “intercede” if they do.

So if Cruise, Travolta or Presley crack up or have a breakdown Scientology is apparently their only hope for comfort and/or care. And of course this would seemingly apply to regular members too.

What “spiritual assistance” would Scientology likely provide to replace professional psychiatric care under such circumstances? They have something called “The Introspection Rundown.”

According to Scientology the “rundown” is “an intensive, rigorous Religious Service that includes being isolated from all sources of potential spiritual upset, including but not limited to family members, friends or others…” The subject is then [surrounded and supervised by] “Church members…24 hours a day at the direction of [a] Case Supervisor [who will]…determine the time period [the subject]…will remain isolated.”

Each Scientologist who signs the newly revised release form now accepts “without reservation, and without condition…all known and unknown risks of injury, loss, or damage…and specifically absolve[s] all persons and entities from all liabilities of any kind, without limitation, associated with…participation or their participation in [the] Introspection Rundown.”

Sounds like Scientology has found a pretty good legal prophylactic for having intercourse with its members.

Presently Scientology is now being sued for the wrongful death of Lisa McPherson, who allegedly died in the midst of an “Introspection Rundown,” after an apparent mental breakdown.

It is just such legal fallout from its “spiritual assistance” that seems worry Scientology.

The controversial church also keeps files on all its members, which can be a nuisance when lawyers are in the process of discovery or officials conduct investigations. These files include every member from John Travolta to its full-time workers in what is called the “Sea Org.”

In another document recently made public titled “Agreement Regarding Confidential Religious Files” Scientology once again seems concerned with covering its backside regarding potential legal problems.

This revised release form pertains to “folders containing its notations [regarding]…spiritual progress, known as a ‘Preclear Folder’ or ‘PC folder.'”

Scientologists are now apparently obliged to “specifically acknowledge and agree that…PC Folders…are the sole and exclusive property of Church of Scientology International.”

Each person that signs this release further acknowledges that their “PC folder,” which often contains deeply personal and otherwise private information obtained through counseling sessions Scientology calls “auditing,” is ” not mine.” And that they subsequently “…have no legal, ecclesiastical or other rights whatsoever with respect to them.”

According to Scientology the “disclosure” of what is written up within these “folders and files…would be spiritually damaging” to the subject “not only in this lifetime, but in future lifetimes as well.’

Historically, Scientology’s Sea Org members have signed “billion year contracts,” obligating them beyond this life and for future incarnations to the organization. A strange twist combining a belief in reincarnation with Scientology’s own rather rigid work ethic.

The issue of the files is so important that the controversial church expects its members to “forever abandon, surrender, waive, and relinquish without limitation any and all rights of ownership, possession, custody, control, access, copying, and viewing of my PC folder or Folders.”

That “abandonment…is unconditional and irrevocable and applies equally to anyone acting or purporting to be acting on my behalf or for my benefit, whether…alive or dead [like Lisa McPherson]…disabled or incapacitated, and under any and all circumstances foreseen or unforeseen, in perpetuity, without exception or limitation.”

This comprehensive document appears designed to preempt any lawyer or public official from meaningful discovery regarding its member’s files, even posthumously.

The form states; “Anyone acting or purporting to be acting on my behalf or for my benefit ever seek access to any of my PC Folders…this Contract…a complete and sufficient basis for the immediate denial of whatever access is being sought…”

Watch out Tom Cruise. Anything you say to Scientology may be used against you. And if you sign this form it becomes the exclusive property of Scientology forever.

These revealing release forms have come to light through Dr. David Touretzky, a research professor in the Computer Science Department and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition at Carnegie Mellon University.

Touretzky’s area of expertise is computational neuroscience, which means he uses computers to study how the brain works.

But since 1995 the professor has also devoted considerable time to the issue of free speech on the Internet and often focused upon efforts by Scientology to squelch such freedoms.

Touretzky maintains a website filled with information about Scientology.

What rights does Scientology now want to squelch regarding its own membership?

What basic rights have Scientology stars and celebrities signed away?

Have Scientologists around the world relinquished human rights as a requirement for membership in Scientology?

CultNews reported last month how Scientology seemed to be using the plight of New York firemen to promote its own agenda through a so-called “clinic” in downtown Manhattan.

Well it seems Scientology is now taking its show on the road and soliciting donations with NY firemen as featured guests.

Firefighters from New York flew to Colorado apparently as promotional props for the Scientology related project “Downtown Medical” reported the Vail Daily.

Some funding was solicited through “The New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Fund.”

James Woodworth, who heads another Scientology related program called HealthMed in California, was on hand in Vail as the director of operations for the “New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project.”

Doctors at the California Department of Health Services have accused HealthMed of making “false medical claims” and of “taking advantage of the fears of workers and the public about toxic chemicals and their potential health effects.”

A retired New York fireman appeared in Vail and claimed that the Scientology ritual of cleansing called the “purification rundown” “miraculously reversed [his] health.”

However, a source recently told CultNews that some New York firemen and their families are not happy with the “Downtown Clinic” and feel their union should identify its programs as Scientology related and investigate any related health risks.

The “purification rundown” used by the clinic is based upon the teachings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The “rundown” includes sweating out toxins in a sauna and large doses of niacin.

A Swedish medical expert concluded, “There is no documentation to show that the Hubbard method of detoxification…conforms to scientific standards and medical experience.” And that “the risks and side effects of the treatment method have also not been evaluated in a serious way.”

It seems like Scientology is shilling Hubbard’s “rundown” frantically lately.

John Travolta’s wife and fellow Scientologist Kelly Preston promoted another “purification rundown” program on Montel to expel environmental toxins like carpet cleaner.

The “rundown” is also an essential component of Narconon; a Scientology related drug rehab program.

So why has the New York Fireman’s Union remained silent about all this?

Shouldn’t union officials protect firemen by investigating such controversial programs before they become involved to avoid any potential health risks?

Scientology related programs might prove to be a “toxin” difficult to purge from within the New York Fire Department.

Goldie Hawn has been hired to speak at an event sponsored by a group called a “cult.”

The actress is being paid by “NXIVM” (pronounced Nexium), formerly known as Executive Success Programs (ESP), to speak at its “Vanguard Week” celebration.

NXIVM was recently criticized by residents of Albany, New York and labeled a “cult.”

Ms. Hawn will speak about “the importance of seeking joy in one’s life,” reports MSNBC.

But what the star doesn’t know is she is actually featured entertainment for the group leader’s birthday party.

“Vanguard Week,” the event Hawn has been hired for is named for the NXIVM founder Keith Raniere, called “Vanguard” by his devoted students.

Raniere formerly ran a multi level marketing (MLM) scheme “Consumer Buyline,” which tanked after State Attorney Generals took action against it. The MLM was also the subject of a class action lawsuit.

Some years later Raniere started up ESP with the help of Nancy Salzman, a registered nurse.

ESP seems to borrow heavily upon the teachings, philosophy, seminar structure and/or terminology of Scientology, EST, Landmark Education, the Forum and Ayn Rand.

An ESP “Intensive” can cost thousands of dollars and take 10 hours a day for 16 consecutive days.

One clinical psychologist has compared ESP training to “thought reform,” often called “brainwashing.”

Complaints associated with ESP range from strained relationships, estranged families and at least one breakdown during an “intensive” that led to a hospital stay.

Hawn is not the first star to be seemingly used by a purported “cult” to promote an event.

Both Bill Cosby and Whitney Houston were once booked as entertainment for events associated with Rev. Moon’s Unification Church.

Scientology routinely uses celebrity members to promote its associated programs, such as Tom Cruise and his recent round of appearances related to “Applied Scholastics.”

Goldie Hawn is probably picking up a hefty honorarium for her professional appearance at Raniere’s birthday bash. But the Oscar winner, who first became widely known through the television show Laugh In, should realize that this is no joke.

Raniere and his group are using her name to promote NXIVM, a group that has allegedly hurt families and students.

Note: Goldie Hawn later cancelled the engagement.

According to one news web page in England purported “cult leader,” “liar” and “crazy” L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, was really a “humanitarian, world-renowned photographer and author.”

Well, he did write.

Liz Nygaard a reporter for the web page “This is Kent” gushes these posthumous titles within an article about photography workshops held annually within Hubbard’s old mansion in England.

The event, which has been run for seven summers, was organized Gray Levett an English camera dealer.

Levett a Scientologist is ranked by the organization as one of its top 100 International Patrons. This essentially means he gives a lot of money to Scientology.

Levett apparently managed to get Nikon UK LTD, Kodak professional films and the Nikon Owners Club International as sponsors for the Hubbard house workshops.

The stately stone Saint Hill manor house was once a kind of royal residence for L. Ron Hubbard. It was from this manse that he ruled over a burgeoning Sci-fi religious empire through much of the 1960s.

And it was there that Hubbard often instructed his disciples in Dianetics and offered them other Scientology courses and training.

But maybe Ms. Nygaard should have dug deeper and done a little research about the history of this place.

Saint Hill was also where one former member of what he called an “evil cult” testified that “subconscious duress following a period of processing” took place.

Some critics call this process “brainwashing.”

However, now instead of “processing” people it appears film is the preference at Hubbard’s old haunt.