Scientology losing its hold on Packer

[Neo]

Scientology losing its hold on Packer, friends say

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/scientology-losing-its-hold-on-packer-friends-say/2008/05/09/1210131265858.html

THE Church of Scientology has lost its grip on James Packer. The billionaire's closest friends say he has quietly distanced himself from Scientology.

Members of Mr Packer's inner circle have confirmed that the billionaire, Scientology's wealthiest member in the world, was no longer undertaking Scientology courses and had slowly moved away from the religion, telling his closest friends he no longer "needs it".

Mr Packer's office did not respond to reporters' calls yesterday.

Mr Packer was introduced to Scientology by his close friend Tom Cruise in 2002. Friends say they remain close, most recently photographed dining together with their wives in Germany. Scientology entered Mr Packer's realm at one of the lowest points in his personal and business life.

He was overweight and depressed, his first marriage, to Jodhi Meares, had ended and he was reeling from the collapse of One.Tel.

He has only spoken publicly of his involvement in Scientology once, telling The Australian Financial Review Magazine in 2006: "I think it has been very good for me. It has been helpful."

But Scientology caused some discomfort within Mr Packer's old circle of Sydney friends. Some suggest Mr Packer's expanding casino empire has presented him with issues difficult to reconcile with Scientologist beliefs.

[Neo]

And from the Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/see-ya-tom-packer-quits-cruises-church/2008/05/09/1210131257772.html

THE Church of Scientology has lost its grip on James Packer.

The billionaire's closest friends have revealed that he has quietly distanced himself from Scientology, labelled a cult by some former members, as it faces international controversy about its anti-psychiatry stance.

Members of Mr Packer's inner circle have confirmed that the billionaire, who had ranked as Scientology's wealthiest member in the world, was no longer undertaking Scientology courses and had slowly moved away from the religion, telling his closest friends he no longer "needs it".

His office did not respond to the Herald's calls yesterday.

Mr Packer was introduced to Scientology by his friend Tom Cruise in 2002. Friends say they remain close. They were most recently photographed dining together with their wives in Germany.

The religion entered Mr Packer's realm at one of the lowest points in his personal and business life. He was overweight and depressed, his marriage to his first wife, Jodhi Meares, had ended and he was reeling from the humiliating and very public collapse of One.Tel, losing $350 million from the family business on the way.

He has spoken publicly of his involvement in the religion only once, telling The Australian Financial Review Magazine in 2006 that he spent an hour or so "every couple of days" practising Scientology. "I think it has been very good for me," he said. "It has been helpful. I have some friends in Scientology that have been very supportive. But I think it's just helped me have a better outlook on life."

Thanks to his Hollywood confidant Cruise, Mr Packer and his fortune were embraced at Scientology's highest levels.

A video from 2004 shows Mr Packer in the front row with the world's most senior Scientologist at a convention in Los Angeles at which Tom Cruise was awarded a large medal before a roaring crowd.

However, Scientology caused discomfort within Mr Packer's old circle of Sydney friends. When his lifelong friend David Gyngell quit Channel Nine in May 2005, it was Mr Packer who called in Scientologists to counsel the TV executive.

Out of respect for his friend, Mr Gyngell listened to them but politely said he did not need their help. In a blaze of negative publicity, he left the network his father, Bruce, had launched. Mr Gyngell has since returned to Nine and resumed his friendship with Mr Packer.

However, observers suggest Mr Packer's expanding casino empire has presented issues difficult to reconcile with Scientologist beliefs.

Scientology's founder, the science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, denounced gambling. "An obsessive gambler is a psychotic just like a drug addict or an alcoholic," Hubbard wrote in 1977.

[Free to shine]

:happydance: :happydance: :happydance:

[Neo]

:happydance: :happydance: :happydance:

Yeah, thought you'd like that one, FTS :D

[Emma]

Seeing the guy was (per policy) always an illegal PC, I don't know why the gambling industry would halt his progess. I'd say that he has been spoken to by some mentors and shown a few home truths.

I hope so anyway.

[Alanzo]

I would think that it is getting harder and harder to position yourself as a public figure who is supportive of things like enforced abortions, the destruction of families, and deadly blue asbestos.

Not to mention "The Road to Freedom" album.

[Neo]

Seeing the guy was (per policy) always an illegal PC, I don't know why the gambling industry would halt his progess. I'd say that he has been spoken to by some mentors and shown a few home truths.

I hope so anyway.

Yeh, but he was a rich illegal PC. They're different. He has probably only now noticed that Scientology is getting in his way, given that his money comes from gambling.

It's not like the money he paid for the Bridge was a problem for him.

Still, another nail in the coffin.....:coolwink:

[Neo]

Not to mention "The Road to Freedom" album.

I thought we weren't gonna mention that. It's considered torture in some countries. :melodramatic:

[Escalus]

Sydney Morning Herald

See ya, Tom: Packer quits Cruise's church
Andrew Hornery
May 10, 2008

EXCLUSIVE

THE Church of Scientology has lost its grip on James Packer.

The billionaire's closest friends have revealed that he has quietly distanced himself from Scientology, labelled a cult by some former members, as it faces international controversy about its anti-psychiatry stance.

Members of Mr Packer's inner circle have confirmed that the billionaire, who had ranked as Scientology's wealthiest member in the world, was no longer undertaking Scientology courses and had slowly moved away from the religion, telling his closest friends he no longer "needs it".

His office did not respond to the Herald's calls yesterday.

Mr Packer was introduced to Scientology by his friend Tom Cruise in 2002. Friends say they remain close. They were most recently photographed dining together with their wives in Germany.

The religion entered Mr Packer's realm at one of the lowest points in his personal and business life. He was overweight and depressed, his marriage to his first wife, Jodhi Meares, had ended and he was reeling from the humiliating and very public collapse of One.Tel, losing $350 million from the family business on the way.

He has spoken publicly of his involvement in the religion only once, telling The Australian Financial Review Magazine in 2006 that he spent an hour or so "every couple of days" practising Scientology. "I think it has been very good for me," he said. "It has been helpful. I have some friends in Scientology that have been very supportive. But I think it's just helped me have a better outlook on life."

Thanks to his Hollywood confidant Cruise, Mr Packer and his fortune were embraced at Scientology's highest levels.

A video from 2004 shows Mr Packer in the front row with the world's most senior Scientologist at a convention in Los Angeles at which Tom Cruise was awarded a large medal before a roaring crowd.

However, Scientology caused discomfort within Mr Packer's old circle of Sydney friends. When his lifelong friend David Gyngell quit Channel Nine in May 2005, it was Mr Packer who called in Scientologists to counsel the TV executive.

Out of respect for his friend, Mr Gyngell listened to them but politely said he did not need their help. In a blaze of negative publicity, he left the network his father, Bruce, had launched. Mr Gyngell has since returned to Nine and resumed his friendship with Mr Packer.

However, observers suggest Mr Packer's expanding casino empire has presented issues difficult to reconcile with Scientologist beliefs.

Scientology's founder, the science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, denounced gambling. "An obsessive gambler is a psychotic just like a drug addict or an alcoholic," Hubbard wrote in 1977.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/see-ya-tom-packer-quits-cruises-church/2008/05/09/1210131257772.html

[Tom of Helatrobus]

Great, another one bites the dust (in a manner of speaking). I wonder what kind of financial loss Scientology is going to face because of this.

[OHTEEATE]

Sydney Morning Herald

See ya, Tom: Packer quits Cruise's church
Andrew Hornery
May 10, 2008

EXCLUSIVE

THE Church of Scientology has lost its grip on James Packer.

The billionaire's closest friends have revealed that he has quietly distanced himself from Scientology, labelled a cult by some former members, as it faces international controversy about its anti-psychiatry stance.

Members of Mr Packer's inner circle have confirmed that the billionaire, who had ranked as Scientology's wealthiest member in the world, was no longer undertaking Scientology courses and had slowly moved away from the religion, telling his closest friends he no longer "needs it".

His office did not respond to the Herald's calls yesterday.

Mr Packer was introduced to Scientology by his friend Tom Cruise in 2002. Friends say they remain close. They were most recently photographed dining together with their wives in Germany.

The religion entered Mr Packer's realm at one of the lowest points in his personal and business life. He was overweight and depressed, his marriage to his first wife, Jodhi Meares, had ended and he was reeling from the humiliating and very public collapse of One.Tel, losing $350 million from the family business on the way.

He has spoken publicly of his involvement in the religion only once, telling The Australian Financial Review Magazine in 2006 that he spent an hour or so "every couple of days" practising Scientology. "I think it has been very good for me," he said. "It has been helpful. I have some friends in Scientology that have been very supportive. But I think it's just helped me have a better outlook on life."

Thanks to his Hollywood confidant Cruise, Mr Packer and his fortune were embraced at Scientology's highest levels.

A video from 2004 shows Mr Packer in the front row with the world's most senior Scientologist at a convention in Los Angeles at which Tom Cruise was awarded a large medal before a roaring crowd.

However, Scientology caused discomfort within Mr Packer's old circle of Sydney friends. When his lifelong friend David Gyngell quit Channel Nine in May 2005, it was Mr Packer who called in Scientologists to counsel the TV executive.

Out of respect for his friend, Mr Gyngell listened to them but politely said he did not need their help. In a blaze of negative publicity, he left the network his father, Bruce, had launched. Mr Gyngell has since returned to Nine and resumed his friendship with Mr Packer.

However, observers suggest Mr Packer's expanding casino empire has presented issues difficult to reconcile with Scientologist beliefs.

Scientology's founder, the science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, denounced gambling. "An obsessive gambler is a psychotic just like a drug addict or an alcoholic," Hubbard wrote in 1977.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/see-ya-tom-packer-quits-cruises-church/2008/05/09/1210131257772.html

The sale of alcohol, either in bottles or individual drinks, even one beer, is a big no/no for Scientologists. No Scientologist may have anything to do with the sale of any alcoholic beverage, either in their store, restaurant or any other venue. This is rigidly enforced at Flag. I don't know about lower level orgs. James Packer owns casinos? Then he would be ineligible for Flag services.

[Alanzo]

The sale of alcohol, either in bottles or individual drinks, even one beer, is a big no/no for Scientologists. No Scientologist may have anything to do with the sale of any alcoholic beverage, either in their store, restaurant or any other venue. This is rigidly enforced at Flag. I don't know about lower level orgs. James Packer owns casinos? Then he would be ineligible for Flag services.

When I was on staff in Peoria, IL in the late 1980's our richest public (the guy who kept us afloat) was Ray Cassano. He was the owner of "Big Al's" a famous strip joint downtown, about 4 blocks from the mission.

Nobody ever had any problems with Ray.

[Smitty]

When I was on staff in Peoria, IL in the late 1980's our richest public (the guy who kept us afloat) was Ray Cassano. He was the owner of "Big Al's" a famous strip joint downtown, about 4 blocks from the mission.

Nobody ever had any problems with Ray.

Perhaps Ray kept his nose clean up there. Down here in Clearwater, that was definitely NOT the case. Rather poor business ethics.
Smitty

[Zinjifar]

Any guesses?

The middle people are James Packer, Katie and Tom

I think it's a good bet that the hidden girl is Jessica Rodriguez/Feshbach

But, who's the guy on the left, with the SO tattoo?

I might think Tommy Davis, if he didn't have a crewcut, while tommy has greasy jerry curls...

Zinj

[ThisFenceHurts]

When I was on staff in Peoria, IL in the late 1980's our richest public (the guy who kept us afloat) was Ray Cassano. He was the owner of "Big Al's" a famous strip joint downtown, about 4 blocks from the mission.

Nobody ever had any problems with Ray.

I assume this is the same Ray Cassano who owns a bunch of property in Clw. Ha. I can believe it. His look and attitude make me believe he could have owned a strip club!

[Zinjifar]

I forgot the picture:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc197/Zinjifar/who01.jpg

Zinj

[Boldgirl]

Hey the 'Packer' coverage is off Drudge report now....10:30 pm EST....where did it go?:confused2:

[Tom of Helatrobus]

The sale of alcohol, either in bottles or individual drinks, even one beer, is a big no/no for Scientologists. No Scientologist may have anything to do with the sale of any alcoholic beverage, either in their store, restaurant or any other venue. This is rigidly enforced at Flag. I don't know about lower level orgs. James Packer owns casinos? Then he would be ineligible for Flag services.

I don't know about that... he does have MONEY right? LOTS AND LOTS of MONEY!!! And his stats are up right - so there you have it ETHICS PROTECTION.

[Emma]

I forgot the picture:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc197/Zinjifar/who01.jpg

Zinj

You might be right about it being Tommy Davis.

This from ESK, http://www.exscientologykids.com/eskforums/viewtopic.php?t=1033



So since Tommy has taken it on himself to work on destroying my family behind my back, yet refuses to confront or even talk to me or Jenna I have decided to entice him to talk to us since he does read all our posts and takes out parts to send to my parents.

See, I started my SO career at CCI and straight off the EPF I was posted as Snr HCO Cope Off CCNW. So basically I was put onto lines dealing with staff problems. At my mess (assigned table for meals) was Myself the LC CCNW, Snr HAS CCNW and Security Chf CCI, James Richardson. Well James was always full of stories so one meal somehow Tommy's tattoo came up. See this was before tattoo's were forbidden in the SO and kids were getting them on their days off, James just got his of the Tazmanian Devil.

But Tommy did not have just any tattoo, he had the Sea Org symbol on his bicep. He was dedicated to this group. Back then I thought that was the most brilliant tattoo as you weren't going to get tired of that on your arm, hell it would still be appropriate in a Billion years.

Now since Tommy was the Senior Vice-Pres CCI at the time he went everywhere celebs were, every Maiden Voyage and he and Susan (Pres CCI) were there. Well the story goes from James, and confirmed by Tommy; one day Tommy was up with his shirt off on the Sun deck of the Freewinds and Dave is doing his rounds with the public and he sees Tommy there with this new tattoo. Let's just say he was not too happy with little Tommy and asked him, "Did you get IA (Issue Authority) for that?" See Tommy forgot that symbol was trademarked by RTC, oops!

Well the next few months Tommy was on the cans with RTC for that little mistake and up came a few others.

Best,
Dallas T. Hill


(Emphasis mine)

[Neo]

Now since Tommy was the Senior Vice-Pres CCI at the time he went everywhere celebs were, every Maiden Voyage and he and Susan (Pres CCI) were there. Well the story goes from James, and confirmed by Tommy; one day Tommy was up with his shirt off on the Sun deck of the Freewinds and Dave is doing his rounds with the public and he sees Tommy there with this new tattoo. Let's just say he was not too happy with little Tommy and asked him, "Did you get IA (Issue Authority) for that?" See Tommy forgot that symbol was trademarked by RTC, oops!

So if he did get IA for that, would he also have had to tattoo the permission notice. It would have been a sleeve tattoo by the time he was done with that.

:p