Inspired by a post over at Tony Ortega’s blog, where he asked his readers two questions:

1. We’d like to hear about those first stirrings that convinced you that something about the church didn’t seem right.
2. What was it that ultimately led you to walk away from an organization that lays on heavy layers of conditioning and control?

I thought about it for a minute, and shared my answers over there. I’ve posted my thoughts here as well:

First red flag: In January of 2003, I was a Veterinarian student, totally new to Scientology, I was called into a room with two Sea Org members [Scientology Monks] at the European headquarter in Copenhagen, Denmark. They wanted me to sign a billion year contract. Behind closed doors for hours until 3 AM on a weekday, I was coerced into accepting that my university science studies of 5 years were worth nothing compared to studying Scientology. I had two adorable dogs at that time, they told me to give them away. NO f…… WAY! They continued their shit until I broke down crying. I though those two guys were insane. Much later I found out the insanity was everywhere.

Ultimate shit: In the end of 2011 I couldn’t take it anymore. I had witnessed, with my own two eyes, REAL CRIMES committed by the Church of Scientology and by individual Scientologists, crimes that can put people behind bars. I had to get out of the madhouse. I’ve been an OSA volunteer in the past. I was called in to sign a waiver / confidentiality agreement, on several occasions. Today, I guess OSA deeply regrets they didn’t manage to get my signature on any such gag order. I will put ALL THE CARDS on the table, one by one, face up. Fucking people over will backfire. My official warning to OSA: Scientology: “She is a criminal!”

I left the Church of Scientology officially in November of 2012, when I met my soul mate, Geir Isene, and we announced our relationship on Facebook.

With love,
Anette ❤