RELIGIOUS FREEDOM | APRIL 13, 2023

Guest Contributor | Ryan Glover

A U.S. Coast Guard veteran and proud graduate of Illinois College, Ryan Glover is a Chicago-based actor, writer, journalist and interviewer.

I’m Not a Scientologist. But Here’s Why I’ll Keep Fighting Anti-Scientology Hate.

I’ve always looked at all religions with respect, but it wasn’t until I came across this quote by Edmund Burke that I became passionate about religious freedom: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing.”

I wanted to do something.

I’ve heard false rumors about the Church of Scientology and witnessed the ways that former members try to “clout chase” after they have been expelled from the Church, and I recently decided to write a blog defending the Church of Scientology—which has caused some people to deem me “courageous” for simply detailing the false claims that Leah Remini has repeated for more than a decade. (Keep in mind the LAPD issued a news release in 2022 demonstrating that the claim Remini keeps repeating for harassment purposes is completely false.)

Whatever comes, I will continue to fight for religious freedom.

The anti-Scientologist crowd is full of individuals who are clearly bitter and vindictive. When you provide facts that contradict the narrative they are pushing, these anti-Scientologists attack you on social media and malign your character. I’ve experienced it firsthand. I have no affiliation with the Church of Scientology, but the bigotry that has been directed at Scientology from the entertainment community, via social media, and the public at large is unacceptable.

While no institution is perfect, the Church of Scientology’s work to make the world a better place can’t be denied. My work as an interviewer has brought me into contact with a number of people who have been affected positively by the Church. From a recent interview with Stic.man of the legendary hip-hop group Dead Prez—where he claimed L. Ron Hubbard’s Dianetics, which he discovered in a county prison, was a helpful book in his journey—to an artist who told me that the Church contributed to her having a much happier life.

Whatever comes, I will continue to fight for religious freedom and stand up against anti-Semitism and anti-Scientology hate. And I appreciate the support that Scientologists all over the globe have shown me, letting me know that I’m not alone in this fight against religious bigotry. I will continue fighting for you and love you all!

Respectfully,

Ryan Glover

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