Church of Scientology Has Cash Reserve of More Than $1 Billion, Says Former Member

Debra cook, a former Church of Scientology executive, sent out more than 12,000 emails to current and former church members criticizing the current leaders of the church for “heavy-handed” fundraising practices.

Cook, who was a top Scientology executive in Clearwater, Florida, urges current members to stop giving money to the church unless it can be justified specifically by the writings of L. Ron Hubbard. Cook says that after Hubbard’s death, current leader David Miscavige has abused the church’s fundraising policies.

Cook says that the church is hoarding “well in excess of a billion dollars” but still continues to encourage people to donate money. Cook says that the church uses aggressive tactics, like telling members that their “spiritual progress” will be slowed if they do not donate.

The Church of Scientology said in a statement:

“Ms. Cook’s opinions reflect a small, ignorant and unenlightened view of the world of Scientology today. They are not shared by the thousands of Scientologists who are overjoyed by our 27 new Churches and what they mean to the communities they serve.”

Spokeswoman Karin Pouw also said that Mrs. Cook was not a “prominent Scientology insider.” According to Pouw, Cook is a “disgruntled defector” who hasn’t been involved with the church since she left in 2007.

Pouw also brought out the heavy-handed insults and called Cook a squirrel.

Pouw told USA Today:

“The Church refers to individuals such as Ms. Cook as a squirrel. A squirrel is someone who alters the Scripture; a heretic.”

Do you think Mrs. Cook is a squirrel? Or is the Church of Scientology truly a money making machine?