I am following all that you. Leah and your friends are doing. It’s just shocking that Scientology, Hillsong and the like still operate. How?!

I t is a late reply for you Gabi, but my own personal take on this is that Shelley didn’t necessarily do anything wrong. She probably just fell out of favour as his interests moved on.

I think he wanted a new lover, who is still by his side and his legal wife was just in the way. So she had to go.

I assume Dave does not even speak to her, Only the minions would pass on his messages and a strategy employed to ensure she can never leave.

Aquamarine – you made some terrific points. I also have been studying this for over 6 months. I am wondering is if they have did something to her (far as scar’ed her face or something), and she just decided to remain where she is .. this might be why she has not made any public appearances at all. — One would have thought (DM; would have put her out there at-least once) – specially after the police did get involved once.

I just can’t rap my mind around how our own government would allow this to go on in America. Someone on the inside is going to have to get something recorded; so there is real proof. Cause this police department is getting paid off by this organization. They are not going to be much help. I hope and pray; with Leah, Mike etc… more people with get behind them all, and see what can be done.

I had some thoughts as I read your post, Mike, and the comments.

I’ve never been involved in Scientology, directly or indirectly. I just try to educate myself about these kinds of things. Seems to me it’s the best way to avoid getting tangled up in a cult, or with a narcissistic, abusive person.

One thing I’ve read about cults that doesn’t look like it goes on in Scientology is lovebombing in the beginning. Some cults will lavish praise and favors on newcomers, telling them how intelligent, insightful, admirable, and the like, they are, or bestow favors, like a free flat or car or spending money. They get the newcomer feeling like they’re with good, supportive, kind people, and it’s an effective way of pulling people in.

Indie8Million, you mentioned charm. That reminds me of a good book I read by Gavin DeBecker, “The Gift of Fear.” He writes that “charm is not a trait. It’s a verb.” I’ve always remembered that.

I would never judge anyone who has been pulled in by a cult. It could happen to anyone. I was raised in a harsh, fundamentalist strain of a mainstream religion and saw plenty of people completely in its thrall. I have an elderly aunt who is still a deeply true believer.

I think cult leaders are shrewd, shrewd observers of humans and human nature. They know just how to get into people’s heads and they can spot vulnerable people a mile away. I think one kind of person they target is a good, decent person who wants to do good, and they become totally convinced that their work in that group is doing good. They may see things they don’t approve of, but they’ll also see other good people with good intentions doing good things. That may be part of why they stay.

Years ago, in an abusive relationship that thankfully I escaped before too much damage was done, I went through gaslighting. I’m guessing that goes on in Scientology. I’d sit up half the night doubting my own sanity. I know the number that can do on a person’s mind, especially when they’re isolated.

One thing I’ve learned to do with people who make claims of any kind is to ask, “What do you base that on?” I don’t ask it in a hostile, accusatory way. It’s a simple, quiet, straightforward question. Then I expect a direct answer.

Abusing people’s spirituality and their wish to grow, to become a better person, is about as low as anyone can go.

Patty Q.