How did Mike Rinder leave Scientology? All we know as Whistleblower dies at 69

Mike Rinder, an ex-Scientologist of the Church of Scientology International and an Emmy winner, passed away at the age of 69 on January 5, 2025. Rinder is significantly known for courageously exposing the Church of Scientology, to which he had dedicated 25 years of his life.

In his book, A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology, Mike Rinder details how he calculated escape after years of deep involvement in the church. In 2007, when he was 52 years old, he decided to leave the Church of Scientology after having reached a point where his faith in the organization began to unravel. In an interview with The Guardian, Rinder detailed how, being a high-ranking official of the church, leaving abruptly was not simple or safe and he needed to plan his exit meticulously.

To escape, Rinder simply walked out of the church’s office in central London, in what he later described as a deliberate and calculated move. He had only £200 in cash, his passport, and a credit card. Knowing that Scientology would try to track him down, Rinder immediately took steps to avoid detection. He removed the batteries from his phones, used only cash, and stayed on the move.

He made his way to a quiet place, where he could calm his nerves and think clearly. After a few days in London, he ditched his professional attire, bought new clothes, and stayed at a B&B near Victoria Station, marking the beginning of his new life outside the church.

Why did Mike Rinder leave Scientology?

According to The Guardian, Mike Rinder’s decision to leave was the culmination of his years of growing disillusionment with Scientology, especially under the leadership of David Miscavige, who took control in 1987 after L. Ron Hubbard’s death.

Rinder's previously unwavering faith in the church and its doctrine started to wane during this time of Miscavige's leadership. He later reportedly received assistance from other ex-Scientologists to leave the world of Scientology he had known for so long.

'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath' is an investigative documentary series that Mike Rinder co-hosted on A&E. The program gave former members a forum to talk about their experiences while exposing alleged injustices and abuses within the Church of Scientology. In each 43-minute episode, former Scientists gave heartfelt and frequently terrifying testimonies about the emotional, financial, and psychological coercion they said they had experienced.

Mike Rinder played a crucial role in Leah Remini's series due to his deep insider knowledge of the church’s operations, structure, and tactics. As a former high-ranking official, Rinder brought credibility and firsthand experience to the show, helping to explain the church’s often opaque policies and the alleged tactics used to intimidate, silence, and control members and critics.

Riner's contributions went beyond simply supporting Remini’s narrative. He provided a bridge between the personal testimonies of former members and the larger organizational strategies employed by the church. His past role in enforcing Scientology's policies, including dealing with external criticism and managing public relations crises, added an additional layer of authority and legitimacy to the series.