Disconnection (Scientology)

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Disconnection is the severance of all ties between a Scientologist and a friend, colleague, or family member deemed to be antagonistic towards Scientology. The practice of disconnection is a form of shunning.[1]: 144  Among Scientologists, disconnection is viewed as an important method of removing obstacles to one's spiritual growth. In some circumstances, disconnection has ended marriages and separated children from their parents.[2][3][4][5][6]

The Church of Scientology has repeatedly denied that such a policy exists,[7][8][9] though as of February 2012 its website acknowledged the practice and described it as a human right.[10] In the United States, the Church has tried to argue in court that disconnection is a constitutionally protected religious practice. However, this argument was rejected because the pressure put on individual Scientologists to disconnect means it is not voluntary.[11]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference wallis was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference yn200801 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Robert Farley (June 24, 2006). "The unperson". St. Petersburg Times. pp. 1A, 14A. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2006.
  4. ^ "Scientology and Me: transcript". BBC News. May 11, 2007. Retrieved December 22, 2009.
  5. ^ "Judge brands Scientology 'sinister' as mother is given custody of children". The Times. July 24, 1987. There had been much evidence as to how Scientology broke up marriages and alienated children from their parents.
  6. ^ "UK officials feared church 'evil'". BBC News. BBC. June 1, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2009.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference grn_haggis was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference ind271009 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference sheridan was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ "What is Disconnection" explanation by Church of Scientology
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference wollersheim_case was invoked but never defined (see the help page).