Mike Rinder — a former Scientology boss who became an outspoken critic of the religion — has died … according to an Instagram post from his wife.
Christie King Collbran announced the news in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday … saying she was saddened and pained by his death, although his courage and integrity will continue to inspire many in the years to come.
Collbran said Rinder was a stable force in the lives of those who knew him… before adding: “The world will remember you.”
Christie did not comment on the cause of death … although Rinder announced last year that he was battling esophageal cancer.
Included in the post is a message that Christie allegedly received from Mike before his death. It says, among other things: “I was lucky – I lived two lives in one. The second is the best years anyone could wish for with all of you and my new family!”
He adds: “My only real regret is that I did not achieve what I promised – ending Scientology's abuses, particularly the separation, and bringing (my son) Jack into adulthood.” If you fight in any way to end these abuses, please “keep the flag high – never give up.”
In case you don't know, Rinder grew up as a Scientologist in Australia… and after high school, he says, he signed a “billion-year contract” with the organization. to enter his inner circle.
Rinder was the international spokesman and head of the Office of Special Affairs for Scientology… although he began exposing the organization's alleged abuses as early as 2007.
He wrote the book “A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology” … in which he claimed the church as his own became worried around Tom Cruise's loyalty during his marriage to Nicole Kidman.
Rinder later co-hosted “Scientology and the Aftermath” – the Emmy-winning series about Scientology Leah Remini which aired its first season in 2016.
On its website, the Church of Scientology posted: “Mike Rinder is not a credible source regarding Scientology. He hasn't set foot in a church in almost a decade. The church expelled him for misconduct and has had nothing to do with him since.”
We have contacted the Church of Scientology…no response yet.