Mike Rinder — a former higher-up in Scientology who grew to become an outspoken critic of the faith — has died … in accordance with an Instagram submit from his spouse.
Christie King Collbran revealed the information in an emotional Instagram submit Sunday … saying she feels disappointment and ache at his passing although his braveness and integrity will proceed to encourage many for years to come back.
Collbran says Rinder was a steady power within the lives of those that knew him … earlier than including the “world will remember you.”
Christie didn’t touch upon a explanation for dying … although final 12 months Rinder introduced he was combating esophageal most cancers.
Included within the submit is a message Christie says Mike gave her earlier than he died. It reads, partly, “I have been lucky — living two lives in one lifetime. The second one the most wonderful years anyone could wish for with all of you and my new family!”
He provides, “My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to — ending the abuses of Scientology, especially disconnection, and seeing [my son] Jack into adulthood. If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses please keep the flag flying — never give up.”
If you do not know, Rinder was raised as a Scientologist in Australia … and, after highschool, he says he signed a “billion-year” contract with the org. to enter its interior circle.
Rinder was the worldwide spokesperson and the pinnacle of its Workplace of Particular Affairs for Scientology … although he started blowing the whistle on the group’s alleged abuses in 2007.
He penned the e-book “A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology” … wherein he claimed the church grew involved about Tom Cruise‘s loyalty throughout his marriage to Nicole Kidman.
Later, Rinder cohosted “Scientology and the Aftermath” — the Emmy-winning sequence all about Scientology — with Leah Remini which aired its first season 2016.
On their web site, the Church of Scientology has posted, “Mike Rinder is not a credible source concerning Scientology. He has not stepped inside a Church in nearly a decade. The Church expelled him for malfeasance and has had nothing to do with him since.”
We have reached out to the Church of Scientology … thus far, no phrase again.
