CLEARWATER, Fla. — The leader of the Church of Scientology struck his
subordinates numerous times and set an example for physical violence
among the tightly controlled religion's management team, four former
high-ranking executives told a newspaper for a story published Sunday.

The executives who have since left the organization told The St.
Petersburg Times that they witnessed David Miscavige, chairman of the
board that oversees the church, hit staff members dozens of times.

"It was random and whimsical. It could be the look on your face. Or not
answering a question quickly. But it always was a punishment," said Mike
Rinder, who oversaw the church's legal and media relations operations.
Rinder said he was struck many times by Miscavige and that he also hit
others before leaving in 2007.

In a response to the paper, the church denied the allegations, saying
that the four former executives statements were "absolute and total
lies," and the claims are an effort to tarnish Miscavige, who has led
the church for more than two decades. A spokesman said Sunday the church
provided documentation that the claims the four made were false.

Marty Rathbun, who served on the church's board and was a top lieutenant
of Miscavige's, said he was often ordered by Miscavige to attack others.

Tom De Vocht, who for years oversaw the church's spiritual headquarters
in Clearwater, estimated that during one three-year period, he saw
Miscavige strike staffers as many as 100 times. He left in 2005.

De Vocht also participated, explaining to the newspaper how he
rationalized his actions: "If I don't attack I'm going to be attacked.
It's a survival instinct in a weird situation that no one should be in."

Amy Scobee, a manager in California who helped build the church's
network of Celebrity Centres, said she witnessed numerous attacks before
leaving in 2005 but was never hit herself or saw any other women attacked.
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Ahhhh...organized religion...the mainstay of our society. No wonder we
make war on countries that don't attack us.