Call for Congressional Hearings on Scientology and an IRS Review of Its Tax-Exempt Status

Open Letter Request for Congressional Hearings on the Church of Scientology To: Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (119th Congress) We, the undersigned, respectfully request that your committees hold formal hearings on the Church of Scientology’s tax-exempt status, alleged human rights abuses, and financial misconduct. These hearings should include testimony from former members, victims, legal experts, cult specialists, and investigative journalists. For decades, the Church of Scientology has operated under the protections of religious tax exemption while facing credible allegations of: Forced labor and trafficking, particularly in the “Sea Organization,” where even minors are subjected to harsh, unpaid labor under coercion. Psychological and financial exploitation, including coercing members into massive debt and isolating individuals through practices like the Introspection Rundown. Harassment and retaliation against critics, defectors, and journalists—through smear campaigns, surveillance, and legal intimidation, in accordance with the “Fair Game” policy. Abuse of tax-exempt status, accumulating vast real estate holdings, many of which sit empty as “Potempkin Villages” with no public benefit, while avoiding property taxes. Civil and human rights violations, such as coerced abortions for Sea Org members and forced family separation/shunning through its disconnection policy. Scientology has a documented history of subversion. During Operation Snow White in the 1970s, operatives infiltrated federal agencies including the IRS and FBI, stealing documents in one of the largest domestic espionage operations in U.S. history. Eleven officials were convicted. The IRS revoked Scientology’s exemption in 1967 after determining it operated more like a business than a religion, benefiting founder L. Ron Hubbard personally. It regained the exemption in 1993 after a secret settlement, following more than 2,400 lawsuits filed by the Church against the IRS. Given its documented history of subversion, abuse, and financial secrecy, there is serious concern that the Church of Scientology may still be violating federal law under the leadership of David Miscavige and no longer qualifies for nonprofit religious status. Revoking its IRS exemption would compel Scientology to publicly disclose its finances and expose it to overdue property tax obligations. We urge your committees to: Launch a formal inquiry and hold public hearings Investigate Scientology’s compliance with federal law Refer the organization to the IRS for a full review of its 501(c)(3) eligibility No entity—religious or otherwise—should be above the law. (In memory of Lisa Marie Presley 1968–2023 and Lisa McPherson 1959–1995.)