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David Miscavige (born May 6, 1991 page 50 (convenience link by Xenu.net) As RTC Chairman, Miscavige is the highest ecclesiastical official of the Scientology religion, a position he assumed over a year after Hubbard died in 1986.Religious Technology Center An Index of David Miscavige sites (accessed 4/21/06) Although Religious Technology Center is a separate corporation from the , December 18, 2005 BIOGRAPHY David Miscavige was born in Philadelphia to Loretta and Ron Miscavige Sr. The family was of Polish/Italian extraction and he was their youngest son. The family was Roman Catholic , but not observant. David suffered from childhood ailments, including Allergies , which kept him from accomplishing athletic and academic goals. During this time his father, a Trumpet player, became interested in Scientology. Ron Miscavige Sr.'s interest in Scientology led him to have the boy sent to a Scientologist. According to him and his son, the 45 minute Dianetic session cured his ailments. The family was impressed enough by Scientology to Convert and move to the world headquarters in Saint Hill Manor , England. Miscavige dropped out of high school in 1976 and joined the Church of Scientology's Sea Org and Commodore's Messenger Organization , where, while still a teenager, he became one of L. Ron Hubbard's assistants, first as Video in-charge, then as Cameraman, in the production of Scientology training films. After this, he became Action Chief Commodore's Messenger Organization Int. He was later appointed Special Projects Operations of the CMO Int, which disbanded the Guardian's Office and reworked the corporate structure of the Scientology network. In the early 1980s, he became Chairman of the Board of Author Services, Incorporated (ASI). SCIENTOLOGY CAREER His importance to the organization is said to have come at a relatively young age. In 1981 October 25, 1998 In 1993 after lengthy negotiations an agreement with the IRS was reached on this issue. Miscavige went to IRS headquarters to meet with the Commissioner, which led to a two year review process and ultimately full tax exemption. Outside of this he has played an active role in expanding the religion's clout. He encouraged the rise of their Celebrity Centre International and other churches. He also increased the profile of the group by working with professionals in Public Relations , as well as increasing visibility of Scientology's many branches such as Narconon and Downtown Medical . Miscavige was interviewed at length by Ted Koppel of ABC television in 1992. In the interview he attempted to dispel what he claimed were misconceptions about the faith. He states that extraterrestrial beliefs (see Space Opera In Scientology Doctrine ) are not as important as people believe or not important at all.Koppel, Ted '' Nightline '' David Miscavige interview of February 14, 1992. Transcripts: Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Video: Video Aside from that interview, he has rarely spoken to the press. However, he often is a speaker at major Scientology openings, award ceremonies and related events.Church of Scientology International Thousands Celebrate Grand Opening of the New Church of Scientology in Madrid (accessed 4/21/06) PERSONAL LIFE Miscavige's s, Snorkeling , Underwater Photography and Target Shooting . Miscavige has been married to Shelly (Michelle) Miscavige, née Barnett, since 1981, who also serves as his official assistant. They have no children. He has a brother, Ronnie Jr., a twin sister, Denise and a younger sister, Lori. Ronnie Miscavige, his brother, now sells real estate in Virginia . CRITICISM AND CONTROVERSIES During his rise in importance, Miscavige has faced several criticisms both within and outside the group. Alterations to Hubbard's writings Main article: Altered Texts In Scientology Doctrine Since Hubbard's death, there have been many alterations to subsequent printings of his works (known as "tech" in the Church). These alterations range from minor tweaks to large omissions of text and even complete rewrites. Even some of his taped lecture series have been edited. {Link without Title} An example from Hubbard's ''Philadelphia Doctorate Course'', Tape 20: Original Version: "Therefore, we really do have the remedy before the assault weapon is produced. Did you ever read poor old George Orwell's 1984? Yes, yes, that's wonderful. That would be...... could be the palest imagined shadow of what a world would be like under the rule of the secret use of Scientology with no remedy in existence." Current Version: "Therefore, we really do have the remedy before the assault weapon is produced." {Link without Title} Patter Drills Within Scientology itself, Miscavige has faced controversy over his institution of " Patter Drill s" -- verbal drills where a student recites passages of course material to a wall for the purpose of learning it. Some Scientologists view these drills as violation of policies by Hubbard, in which he names a short list of permissible drills and forbids all others. Scientologists who object to what they see as Miscavige's deviation from Hubbard's "tech" are also reportedly subject to retaliation. The ''Nightline'' interview In Miscavige's 1992 ''Nightline'' interview, Miscavige made several strong and controversial claims, the factuality of which were questioned. Perhaps the most controversial was the claim that in 1955, a bill had been presented in Congress to set aside "a million acres in Alaska " to set up a " Siberia , USA" for the housing of mental patients. When host Ted Koppel asked for evidence of this, such as the sponsor of the bill, or the bill number, Miscavige claimed that he had already given all that information to Koppel's colleague Forrest Sawyer . Miscavige also claimed that the "APA Other matters
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