Ep 5. Ideal Orgs
- TV-14
- January 1, 2019
- 44 min
-
8.9 (77)
In Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath season 3 episode 5, Ideal Orgs, Leah and Mike investigate the Church of Scientology's practice of opening new "Ideal" churches or facilities around the world at great expense. The episode delves into the reasons behind the Church's emphasis on building these new facilities even as it faces financial and legal challenges.
Leah and Mike explore the origins of the Ideal Orgs program and how it was used to sell memberships and maintain dominance over members. They speak to former members who have left the Church and reveal the pressure and coercion that is used to get members to donate large sums of money to fund new Ideal Orgs.
The duo also looks into the construction and renovation process of these Ideal Orgs, revealing that much of the work is done by members without proper training or experience, leading to unsafe and shoddy construction. They also speak to contractors and local officials who share their concerns about the Church's practices and the manipulation of zoning laws and building regulations.
Throughout the episode, Leah and Mike examine the impact that the Ideal Orgs program has on the Church and its members. Former members share their experiences of being pressured to donate money to fund new facilities and how it led to financial ruin and disconnection from friends and family who were not part of the Church.
The episode also highlights the Church's response to criticism of the Ideal Orgs program and how it has attempted to downplay negative press coverage. Through interviews with former executives of the Church, Leah and Mike uncover the inner workings of the Church's public relations efforts and the tactics used to silence critics.
Overall, Ideal Orgs is a fascinating look into one of the Church of Scientology's flagship programs and the impact it has had on its members and the wider community. Leah Remini and Mike Rinder's investigations provide an in-depth examination of the Church's practices and the toll they take on those who are caught up in its web.
