After Following Church of Scientology Faithfully for 35 Years, Oscar Winning Director Paul Haggis Resigns

Oscar winning director Paul HaggisPaul Haggis has written a bitter letter to the Church of Scientology head, Tommy Davis, outlining anger towards the church he followed faithfully for 35 years.

His letter was published in full on the blog of another former member, Mark Rathburn. The first issue Haggis has with the church is its refusal to denounce the Church of Scientology of San Deigo for supporting Proposition 8.

Haggis writes in the blog: "I called and wrote and implored you, as the official spokesman of the church, to condemn their actions. I told you I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated. In that first conversation, back at the end of October of last year, you told me you were horrified, that you would get to the bottom of it and heads would roll. You promised action. Ten months passed. No action was forthcoming."

Haggis says his wife was forced to disconnect from her own parents after they resigned from the church. He stated, "Although it caused her terrible personal pain, my wife broke off all contact with them. I refused to do so. I've never been good at following orders, especially when I find them morally reprehensible."

He continues on saying, "I carefully read all of your rebuttals, I watched every video where you presented the church's position, I listened to all your arguments – every word. I wish I could tell you that they rang true. But they didn't. I was left feeling outraged, and frankly, more than a little stupid."

In his conclusion, he writes, "I am only ashamed that I waited this many months to act. I hereby resign my membership in the Church of Scientology."

He called some of the churches actions "morally reprehensible."