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Rumors are swirling around Tom Cruise's possible departure from Scientology, with reports suggesting he's ceased visits to the UK headquarters in East Grinstead, sparking speculation that he might have quit the controversial religion.
The Mission Impossible star hasn't been spotted at the headquarters for roughly three years, as his filming commitments for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One have kept him primarily based in the UK, seen in locales like Birmingham and the Cotswolds.
Scientology, conceptualized by American author L. Ron Hubbard, has evolved into a global church with a unique set of beliefs and practices. Central to the Church of Scientology's doctrine is the notion that a person is a spiritual, immortal being - termed a thetan - temporarily residing in a physical body.
Speculation around Tom's potential distancing from Scientology began in 2021, after years of his being a prominent figure for the religion. The recent revelation of his absence from one of their notable UK bases for the past three years has intensified discussions regarding his ties with the church.
Cruise have not yet commented on the reports
Yet, it's worth noting that the Church of Scientology also operates in central London, leaving open the possibility that Tom could be attending that branch instead. The West Sussex headquarters was acquired by L. Ron Hubbard in 1959. Previously, Tom was known to use his helicopter to reach the area and visit the church. Tom's representatives have not yet commented on the reports.
As a recognized ambassador for the church, Tom Cruise is one of the most recognizable members. Alongside him, other celebrities such as John Travolta, Nancy Cartwright, and Elisabeth Moss are known followers. There have been claims that Tom's steadfast support for the church has earned him almost deity-like reverence from members. He even campaigned for Scientology to gain religious recognition in Europe.
Reflecting on his religious affiliation, Tom previously shared insights into his perspective. He mentioned that his ex-wife, Katie Holmes, filed for divorce partly due to her reservations about their daughter Suri's involvement in Scientology. In 2008, Tom elaborated, "If you're a Scientologist, you see life, things, the way they are, in all its glory, in all of its perplexity, and the more you know as a Scientologist, the more you become overwhelmed by it."