That I have followed the religious philosophy of Scientology since May 1992, and have received many benefits from the courses and counselling I have received. In August 1992 I chose to work on the staff of the Church of Scientology to help bring Scientology to other people, and I commenced work in the Sydney church at this time.

In early 1993 I became aware that my mother had been in contact with Tony McLelland of Cultaware, and a `deprogrammer` from the United States, Patrick Ryan. This was in relation to getting me `deprogrammed` from my religion. This was done without my knowledge at the time and was a violation of my right to religious freedom. My mother did not talk to me about this; she only said she wanted me to come home for a visit. I later discovered by reading documentation from Cultaware that my mother had been told not to mention it to me, and had been advised to get me to come home so that I could be deprogrammed (deprogramming was referred to as `exit-counselling`)

My mother was unwilling to talk to me about this and our relationship went from good to very strained and uneasy. She was very concerned about me being in Scientology after she had told lies about my religion by Mr. McLelland and Mr. Ryan. She had also read a book by Steven Hassan, an American deprogrammer which also contained lies, distortions and false data about Scientology. She had been led to believe that I had in fact undergone a form of `brainwashing`, so that my attempts to let her know that I was doing well and not in any danger were not able to reassure her.

Patrick Ryan was in the country at this time, and on the advise of a chamber magistrate I applied for a restraining order. This was based on my knowledge from reading affidavits that deprogrammings were performed without the person`s consent and there had been instances of kidnapping and being held against the person`s will. Mr Ryan lied in court about his work saying he did not perform `deprogrammings` and the Restraining Order was not granted. He did say on the record though that he would not come near me unless I asked him to. Thus I could feel secure that I would not be deprogrammed against my will by Mr. Ryan.

However, the effects on my relationship with my mother have continued, particularly as Tony McLelland is still in communication with her and continues to spread lies about Scientology. He has created a rift in our relationship through his misinformation and by instilling fear into my mother for my well being.