Cultic Studies Association receives donation on behalf of Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise recently sent a plaque to several journalists with a note saying he also made a donation in their name to the International Association of Scientologists.

Apr. 26, 2005 Update

There has been an apparent misunderstanding between the ICSA and the people behind the “Cruise Project.” In an email to the project’s organizer, the ICSA explained why – on second thought – it has declined to accept a donation made on behalf of Tom Cruise:

“Dear Valerie,

I’m afraid that the directors are uncomfortable accepting a donation in the name of somebody who obviously would not approve. Although we appreciate your interest in donating to us, they believe it is inappropriate for ICSA to be part of what is described in various correspondences circulating on the Web. We would be happy to apply the donation to ex-member conference/workshop scholarships, if it is made in the name of the true donors, but not if it is made in the name of somebody who does not approve of the donation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of ICSA,

Carol Giambalvo

Carol Giambalvo, Director”
Posted at Scientology Kills

A group of anti-cult activists involved in educating the public about the teachings and practices of the Church of Scientology has now responded with a similar gesture of their own. They have made a $1000 donation to a cult information organization on behalf of Tom Cruise.

The donation was made to the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), formerly known as the American Family Foundation.

Cruise, who actively proselytizes for Scientology, last December also sent a Christmas card to David and Victoria Beckham. He included a copy of Scientology’s so-called ‘Code of Honour,’ and told the couple he had made a donation to the church on their behalf.

The journalists received a plaque listing the 12 rules of Scientology.

In turn, the cult information activists are sending Tom Cruise a certificate listing the ‘Marks of a Destructive Cult,’ and informing him that a donation has been made on his behalf to the ICSA.

The certificate reads as follows:

Marks of a Destructive Cult

1) Mind control (undue influence): Manipulation by use of coercive persuasion or behavior modification techniques without informed consent.

2) Charismatic leadership: claiming divinity or special knowledge and demanding unquestioning obedience with power and privilege.

3) Deception: recruiting and fund raising with hidden objectives and without full disclosure of the use of mind controlling techniques; use of front groups.

4) Exclusivity: Secretiveness or vagueness by followers regarding activities and beliefs.

5) Alienation: Separation from family, friends and society, a change in values and substitution of the cult as the new family; evidence of subtle or abrupt personality changes.

6) Exploitation: Can be financial, physical, or psychological.

7) Totalitarian World view (we/they syndrome): Effecting dependence, promoting goals of the group over the individual and approving unethical behavior while claiming goodness.

The Church of Scientology is widely recognized as a destructive cult.

The note sent along with the certificate has the following text:

‘Dear Mr. Cruise, We’ve read of your recent donations to charity on behalf of others and felt you would appreciate our effort. We are happy, therefore, to send you this certificate entitled ‘Marks of a Destructive Cult’ and inform you that a donation has been made in your name to the International Cultic Studies Association.

Barb alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

Tam Best alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

Biscuit alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

Cerridwen alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

Valerie Emanuel www.scientology-kills.org

Feisty alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

Mike Gormez www.whyaretheydead.net

Tilman Hausherr www.xenu.de

Andreas Heldal-Lund www.xenu.net

Arnaldo Lerma www.lermanet.com

Moontaco alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

Tom Padgett alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

Quaoar alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

David Rice alt.religion.scientology newsgroup poster

Tigger civil rights advocate

Prof. David S. Touretzky free speech activist

and seven donors who wish to remain anonymous.

Celebrities and Scientology

“The Church of Scientology uses celebrity spokesmen to endorse L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings and give Scientology greater acceptability in mainstream America. As far back as 1955, Hubbard recognized the value of famous people to his fledgling, off-beat church when he inaugurated ‘Project Celebrity.’ According to Hubbard, Scientologists should target prominent individuals as their “quarry” and bring them back like trophies for Scientology. […] Celebrities are considered so important to the movement’s expansion that the church created a special office to guide their careers and ensure their ‘correct utilization’ for Scientology. The church has a special branch that ministers to prominent individuals, providing them with first-class treatment. Its headquarters, called Celebrity Centre International, is housed in a magnificent old turreted mansion on Franklin Avenue, overlooking the Hollywood Freeway.
The Selling of a Church: The Courting of Celebrities

Alt.religion.scientology is a Usenet discussion group about Scientology. In January, 1995, the Church of Scientology – which has engaged in a number of censorship and spamming efforts – has attempted to remove the discussion group.

The International Cultic Studies Association is an interdisciplinary network of academicians, professionals, former group members, and families who study and educate the public about social-psychological influence and control, authoritarianism, and zealotry in cultic groups, alternative movements, and other environments.

ICSA, the leading professional organization concerned about cultic groups and psychological manipulation, is known for its professionalism and capacity to respond effectively to families, former and current group members, helping professionals, and scholars.

Source

(Listed if other than Religion News Blog, or if not shown above)
Religion News Blog, Netherlands
Apr. 22, 2005
www.religionnewsblog.com
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Religion News Blog posted this on Friday April 22, 2005.
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