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The Truth Rundown

High-ranking defectors tell of violence in Scientology’s top ranks. This three-part series also reveals new information about the Lisa McPherson death case and details the degrading rituals that keep church staffers in line.

  1. Part 1 — Scientology: The Truth Rundown
    June 21, 2009• Long Reads
    After L. Ron Hubbard died, David Miscavige became Scientology’s leader. Former church executives say Miscavige beat his staff. Church officials say the defectors are lying.
    High-ranking defectors provide an unprecedented inside look at Scientology, its leader and the Lisa McPherson case.
  2. The Truth Rundown, Part 2 — Death in slow motion
    June 22, 2009• Long Reads
    At a ceremony at the Fort Harrison Hotel in September 1995, Lisa McPherson was designated “clear,” meaning that through Scientology counseling, she had rid herself of all interference from troubling memories buried in her subconscious. Two months later she had a nervous breakdown. After 17 days in Scientology’s care, she was dead.
    New details about the case of Lisa McPherson, who died in the care of Scientologists, from the executive who directed the Church of Scientology’s handling of the case. He admits he ordered the...
  3. The Truth Rundown, Part 3 — Ecclesiastical justice
    June 23, 2009• Long Reads
    Mike Rinder, left, said he remembers a group confession early in 2004 because his longtime friend Marty Rathbun, right, ended up attacking him. Rinder and Rathbun have both defected.
    Four high-ranking defectors describe bizarre behavior and physical beatings inflicted by Scientology leader David Miscavige. They say his behavior grew more erratic in the wake of the Lisa McPherson...
  4. David Miscavige bio, and bios of Scientology officials who defected
    June 21, 2009• Long Reads
    A 1998 photo of David Miscavige (Times files)
  5. Scientology’s response to church defectors: ‘Total lies’
    June 21, 2009• Long Reads
    Downtown Clearwater Church of Scientology property taken in 2006.
  6. A letter from David Miscavige
    June 21, 2009• Long Reads
    In a 1998 photograph, Scientology leader David Miscavige talks about ending the church's long running battles in Clearwater.
  7. Events leading to the death of Scientologist Lisa McPherson
    June 22, 2009• Long Reads
    A family photograph of Lisa McPherson.
  8. Scientology, a smiling storefront, a darker interior: Opinion
    June 23, 2009• Long Reads
    In this 2009 photograph, the Church of Scientology campus stand prominently in downtown Clearwater.
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