Former member wants money back from Church of Scientology
KAMLOOPS – A former parishioner has filed a notice of civil claim in Kamloops Supreme Court against the Church of Scientology of British Columbia for “negligent misrepresentation” in counselling funds and extra payments.
In her claim filed April 29, Lorna Carleton states during her time as a parishioner for the church from November 1988 to July 2014 she signed up for pre-payments for 'counselling services.' Carleton argues the payments were supposed to be returned to her if she stopped participating in the services but didn't receive a refund after the church advised her she was no longer permitted to participate.
Carleton’s funds towards the church went towards buildings and the International Association of Scientologists. As part of her membership, Carleton said she made “extra payments" to the church by purchasing books, compact disks and promotional materials. She filed the claim after discovering the additional funds were not required but also contrary to pre-payment policy.
The plaintiff is asking for the church to return payments with interest and other relief.
A spokesperson for the Church of Scientology of British Columbia did not return comment by deadline.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
13 responses
-
It’s only your own fault if the sales pitch was honest and above-board.Being deceived and lied to, and unknowingly contributing hard earned monetary funds to something totally different is NOT the fault of the “victim” in this crime.Mike Hinch.
-
Hi Lorna, So nice to hear that you are out as well and doing well; great news!Thanks for the well wishes and support for the court case.I hope I win as well as it will be a good boost for others to get out and regain their sense of dignity; and for others to fight back too.
-
-
HA HA HA HAPPY SAILING THAT THAT ROW POW ROW BOAT I ‘M GUESSING YOU MISSED THE TAPE BLACK DIANETIC’S OUR PRAYER CIRCLE IN OTHER CULTS.
-
Flipping hell. Maybe the former member is brain dead. If you give money to the church then you’re the one doing it. Leave the church of Scientology alone
-
-
Hi Lorna.I don’t know if you remember me but I used to go to the Van Org many years ago.I have been seeing and hearing some terrible things going on in Scientology worldwide.Some have actually shocked the crap out of me. Glad to see you are taking action.I know first hand the ruthless regging techniques used to get money and heard how people leave loved ones in the name of Scientology.What crock of shit. I am now living a happy life the way I see fit and do whatever the f*ck I want.Good luck on your case and I hope you win!
-
-
-
Well done on your escape from the cult of Scientology, Lorna Carleton; may all your dreams (and refunds) come true.
-
-
There are accounts of ex-members getting their money back.Google search it and good luck (start at the Ex Scientology Message Board).More ex-members should get their money back.LRH said you could….
-
It will be interesting to see how BC and Canadian law handle this. Cases similar to this have gone against the plaintiff in the US.Hopefully, BC will actually use their heads and do some justice.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.