Church of Scientology

Founded in 1954 by science-fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology grew from the self-help system 'Dianetics' into a global organisation with extensive internal courts (the 'Sea Org'), confessional 'auditing' that produces dossiers used to discipline members, and the 'Fair Game' policy historically used against critics. Public ex-members and journalists describe disconnection orders that sever relationships, financial demands rising into hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the suppression of internal dissent through the 'Suppressive Person' designation. The organisation has been the subject of extensive court actions, government inquiries, and major works of investigative journalism. Many lifelong members report sincere belief and benefit; the high CLCI reflects the institutional control structure rather than individual experience.