Cult refuses to cooperate
The family of a soldier who killed himself after being bombarded with calls and texts from fellow Scientologists have backed calls for an inquiry into the group.
Edward McBride took his own life in 2007. His family believe the Church of Scientology played a major role in his death, and have spent the past two years trying to find answers.
The un-funny Truth about ScientologyNow they have urged the federal government to initiate an inquiry into the controversial religious group, under fire following recent allegations of blackmail, sanctioned beatings, forced abortions and financial fraud.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon last week made a scathing parliamentary attack on scientology, accusing it of using religion as a front for criminal activities.
[…]Senator Xenophon and Greens leader Bob Brown on Monday flanked Mr McBride’s brother Stephen as he appealed directly to the prime minister to support a formal inquiry.
Police investigating his younger brother’s death in 2007 had been repeatedly stymied by the church, which failed to provide personal audit files as requested, Stephen McBride said.
“Every time I think of scientology I still get a real bad aftertaste in my mouth,” he told reporters in Canberra.
“There’s something just not right about it.”
Mr McBride is adamant the church contributed to his brother’s suicide, with the coroner reporting the telephone messages contained intimidating statements, such as “this behaviour is unacceptable” and “you have missed your interview”.
He had spent $25,000 on scientology courses in his time with the church.
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See Also
• Why are they dead, Scientology?
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