When the Church of Scientology first recruits you, many feel honored. However, as the years go on the luster begins to fade. You sign a 'billion years' contract with them. It's in keeping with the beliefs of the Church of Scientology that you are immortal and therefore you need to commit indefinitely.
You work seven days a week, many times with little sleep and for the occasional $50 paycheck, if you are lucky. If you complain or worse yet, try to leave, the consequences can be devastating.
One couple recently tried to leave. They were a part of the elite group that helped to keep the Church of Scientology running. When they decided to quit, they were required to sign false confessions about their personal lives and their work. The Church of Scientology required that they pay thousands of dollars it said the couple owed for courses and counseling. They even had to deal with the consequence of losing all communication with their parents, sibling, and friends who were a part of the Church of Scientology.
Science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard founded the Church of Scientology 56 years ago. Hubbard who died in 1986 and his Church have been fighting former members for years. These people who recently left the Church of Scientology have said that members were pressured to have abortions, forced to work without sleep and with little pay, and were forced to stay when they wanted to leave. Of course, the Church of Scientology says they are lying.
The Church of Scientology has many high-profile followers, and apparently a great deal of money. Like all churches, it is considered nonprofit by the federal government, and generally does not pay taxes. As a church, and as part of the separation of church and state, it also does not have to file financial disclosures with the federal government.