Mike Rinder, a former high-ranking Scientology leader turned whistleblower, died on Jan. 5 at the age of 69 after a battle with advanced esophageal cancer. His passing marks the end of a crusade against the church he once served, but his final message was a rallying cry to his supporters: “Never give up the fight.”
Rinder, an Australian native who spent decades in Scientology, rose to prominence within the organization, eventually leading its Office of Special Affairs, a division often described as the church’s intelligence arm. Once disillusioned, he defected in 2009 and dedicated the rest of his life to exposing what he described as the organization’s abusive practices.
“My only real regret is not having achieved what I said I wanted to — ending the abuses of Scientology,” Rinder wrote in his final social media post. “If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses, please keep the flag flying.”
From Insider to Critic: Rinder’s Journey
Rinder’s high-ranking position in Scientology made him a valuable and credible critic. He had an insider’s understanding of the organization’s operations, including its controversial “Fair Game” policy, which allegedly targeted critics and defectors with intimidation tactics.
Tony Ortega, a journalist known for investigating Scientology, highlighted Rinder’s importance in the fight against the organization. “What made Mike Rinder such an important figure was not just that he defected, but that he had been so high up,” Ortega said. “He could anticipate what [Scientology leader] David Miscavige would do, which made him invaluable as a critic.”
Scientology, led by Miscavige, has consistently denied allegations of harassment or abuse. The organization labeled Rinder’s claims as “false reports and harassment,” dismissing his narrative as “bald-faced lies.”
Leah Remini Honors a Trusted Ally
Actress Leah Remini, another prominent Scientology defector and critic, paid a heartfelt tribute to Rinder. The two collaborated on documentaries and podcasts aimed at exposing the church’s alleged abuses.
“When I left Scientology, Mike was one of the first people I turned to,” Remini shared on X, formerly Twitter. “He stood by me through battles that felt insurmountable, giving me strength when I had none left. It’s impossible to imagine the last 13 years of my life without Mike Rinder.”
Remini and Rinder’s joint efforts shone a light on Scientology’s inner workings and tactics, amplifying the voices of other defectors and critics.
A Final Call to Action
Rinder’s passing leaves a void in the movement against Scientology, but his legacy of courage and resilience continues to inspire others. His final words reflect his commitment to accountability: “Never give up.”
As tributes pour in, Rinder’s message resonates with those determined to continue his mission of exposing abuses and advocating for justice.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.