Dear Attorneys Lloyd and Mobley,
My name is Robert Pardon and I am the director of the New England Institute of Religious Research. This organization has been in existence for over eight years and is committed to understanding the impact of high control, destructive groups upon member's and former member's lives, To this end we extensively research various groups, visit their headquarters, attend meetings, interview people inside and outside the group, meet with leadership whenever possible, read their printed materials. etc.
This helps us put a "human face" upon the group, giving us a grasp of who they are as a people and how they operate without actually becoming a member. It also allows us a certain level of objectivity because we are removed from the groups influence. Because some groups are highly toxic to the wellbeing of their members due to the groups beliefs and practices, members who leave are often vilified in ways that have a lasting impact upon their emotional, psychological and spiritual wellness. Consequently, we currently host three support groups composed of individuals who have come out of these destructive groups as we help them put their lives back together again.
Unfortunately, some destructive groups are not content to leave the former member alone,. but rather view that person as some sort of threat that needs to be dealt swiftly and harshly, particularly if they speak out against the group or cross them in any way. This only continues the toxic influence upon the former member's life and welfare. I mention all this as an introduction to our involvement with Mr. Thomas Padgett.
We met Mr. Padgett at a conference six months ago. Since that time he has been a consistent, contributing member to one of our support groups.

We have also had the opportunity to spend many, many hours counseling Mr. Padgett relevant to his exiting Scientology, and resulting problems.
Scientology is a group we are very familiar with, and we find Mr.

Padgett doing remarkably well, considering the nature of this group, his length of involvement and what has transpired since he left the group.
Scientology has a proven history of malicious litigation, lies and deception. Former members and critics who speak out are often driven into financial oblivion and ruin. It is difficult to pick up a newspaper today and not read something negative about Scientology, and our society is filled with broken, damaged lives due to involvement with this group.
Unfortunately, Mr. Padgett has had first hand experience of such and continues to be a victim. He has supplied me with a few of the documents relevant to his case with Mrs. Padgett. I would like to take a few moments of your time and comment not upon the merits of the case, but how the lengthy continuance of such fits well within Scientology's stated policy to destroy its detractors.
in my professional opinion this has great bearing upon Mr. Padgett's legitimate concern regarding undue influence by Scientology via his former wife. Hopefully, these comments will be helpful to you in your representation of Mr. Padgett.
1. I was particularly impressed with the thoroughness of Dr. Snider's evaluation of Mr. Padgett as well as his understanding of Scientology's true nature and ability to bring to pass its stated goals via the courts and current members. It has not been my experience that many psychologists will evaluate a client and his/her behavior outside the narrow confines of that person's personal history and psychological makeup. Dr. Snider rightly perceives that Mr. Padgett is not operating under paranoia ("I find that accusations of his being obsessed with Scientology as unfounded... ;) but rather is experiencing a destructive group's policy to "disconnect" family members from non members via the current member.
In the New England Institute we deal with these kind of issues through former members of many groups. For someone on the outside who has never experienced the same it is next to impossible to understand, and it can [falsely] appear to be pure paranoia on the part of the former member. My professional opinion and encouragement to you, Mr. Padgett's attorneys, is to take seriously his concerns regarding Scientology and its influence. This is particularly necessary considering the group's policies and history of litigating its critics into ruin.
I would also concur with Dr. Snider in his recent letter of June 8, 1999 that Mr. Padgett has no criminal intent, nor does he have any inclination to not support his children. During my many hours of counseling Mr. Padgett his love and care for his children has been obvious, but like so many other parents whom we work with he has suffered deeply by being separated from his children. It appears that any attempt of his to resolve the issues has been met by stonewalling and frustration.


2. I have had opportunity to review the book, "Falling off the Bridge"

and found it consistent with both our research into Scientology and conversations with former members and others who are experts in the field.
lt is significant that the bulk of research into this organization by other professionals, journalists, and Governments consistently paints a sinister picture of an organization that will commit its full resources to achieve the destruction of its critics and enemies through litigation, stalling tactics, defamation of character, etc.

What is particularly to be noted is the groups own stated policies for current members to "disconnect" from former member relatives. Sadly, this often involves the destruction of whole family units.
It is also disturbing to read the analysis produced by the Presston Associates, an independent firm, regarding Mr. Padgett's employment income potential (1/13/96). Their conclusion was that an "unfriendly and non-traditional entity" had adversely effected his income. Again, the stated policies of Scientology seem clearly in force.
3. It is very troubling and disturbing that Dr. Donna Nichols testimony regarding child visitation was accepted into court proceedings without her prior exploration into the possible, enormous impact of Scientology upon her clients, Padgett family.
It is understandable that perhaps naivete led her to regard this group as a non-issue. However, in light of the professional opinions of Dr.

Richard Ehnis, psychologist; Dr. David Blondell, minister; Rev. James Klukow; and Rev. Dennis Erlich it seems that the court has grievously erred in continuing to accept the flawed and inadequate evaluation of Dr. Nichols.
If litigation is the only avenue Ms. Padgett is willing to pursue in resolving child visitation and financial support, it is essential the court considers the role of the stated practices of Scientology, and Ms.

Padgett's affiliation in said group. This is not to deny her the right to believe as she so chooses. However, when the practices of such beliefs infringe upon appropriate and necessary child visitation of one or both parents, those practices need to be taken into consideration. We work with other high control groups where members are encouraged to lie in court if it is in the best interests of the group.
Certainly, such practices are reprehensible to a society built upon the foundation of law and truth. People may pursue any belief they desire in our great country. However, when beliefs produce practices that are injurious to the greater good of society and family those same practices can be considered without denying first amendment rights.
4. I have recently read some correspondence to the effect that Ms.

Padgett has left the Church of Scientology to join a local Christian Church. Theologically the two are "light years" apart and completely incompatible in worldview and practices. If Ms. Padgett has truly left Scientology than such would be demonstrated by a quick resolution of the issues of child visitation and support that have dragged on for seven years. It would also be demonstrated by Ms.

Padgett participating in family mediation or counseling with a trained professional to achieve the best interests of the children's connection with their father and his extended family.
In my judgment, Mr. Padgett, has coped exceptionally well with his circumstances. He has faithfully sought out assistance in his journey of healing from the corrosive effects of involvement in Scientology. At every opportunity he has pursued, on a professional level, assistance in dealing with his financial, psychological, and spiritual issues.
It also appears evident, from the complicated and lengthy litigation over essentially simple matters of child visitation and support, there is another "concerned" party operating in the background. This may not be overt, but it certainly is implicit through the belief system that has a long, easily documented, history of destroying its detractors.
If we can do anything to assist you as you represent Mr. Padgett please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Rev. Robert Pardon Transferred from http://padgett.taxexemptchildabuse.ne

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