Rumors are swirling around Tom Cruise's possible departure from Scientology, with reports suggesting he has stopped visiting the UK headquarters in East Grinstead, sparking speculation that he may have left the controversial religion.
The Mission Impossible star has not been seen at the headquarters for around three years, as his filming commitments for 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One' have kept him mainly in the UK, seen in places such as Birmingham and the Cotswolds.
Scientology, conceptualized by American author L. Ron Hubbard, has become a global church with a unique set of beliefs and practices.
At the center of the doctrine of the Church of Scientology is the notion that a person is an immortal, spiritual being, called a thetan, who temporarily resides in a physical body.
Speculation about Tom's possible distancing from Scientology began in 2021, after years of being a prominent figure in the religion.
The recent revelation of his absence from one of his notable bases in the United Kingdom for the past three years has intensified discussions about his ties to the church.
Cruise has yet to comment on the reports
However, it's worth noting that the Church of Scientology also operates in central London, leaving open the possibility of Tom attending that branch instead.
The West Sussex seat was acquired by L. Ron Hubbard in 1959. Previously, Tom was known to use his helicopter to reach the area and visit the church. The actor's representatives have yet to comment on the reports.
As a recognized ambassador of the church, Tom Cruise is one of the most recognized members.
Along with him, other celebrities such as John Travolta, Nancy Cartwright, and Elisabeth Moss are well-known followers.
There have been claims that Tom's steadfast support of the church has earned him an 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 about his perspective.
He mentioned that his ex-wife, Katie Holmes, filed for divorce in part because of her reservations about her daughter Suri's involvement in Scientology.
In 2008, Tom elaborated: "If you're a Scientologist, you see life, things, as they are, in all their splendor, in all their perplexity, and the more you know as a Scientologist, the more overwhelmed you become by this."
