Scientologist Elisabeth Moss believes people have a misconception about the highly controversial religion.
“It’s not really a closed religion,” the Handmaid’s Tale actress said in an interview with The New Yorker published Friday. “It’s a place that’s very open to welcoming anyone who wants to learn more about it. I think that’s probably what’s most misunderstood.”
Moss, who grew up in the church, said she cannot control how the public perceives Scientology and can only share her own experiences.
“People can obviously keep their minds on whatever they want and I can’t control that. If it’s not that, it will be something else,” said Moss, 39.
Scientology has been accused of practices such as mind control, causing family members to sever ties with apostates, also known as segregation, and assigning problem members to hard labor. However, the church calls the allegations “false and misrepresented,” according to the website.
When asked what “The Handmaid’s Tale” viewers would think of her involvement in the church, she repeatedly said, “I would just encourage people to find out for themselves.”
The Church of Scientology has been accused of practicing multiple abuses. GC images
She added, “I certainly felt guilty, read an article or looked at something and took that as gospel… And obviously something like freedom of religion and opposition to a theocracy is very important to me.”
Moss also shared how her penchant for playing roles that deal with trauma aligns with her religion.
“Well I think it’s more about those traumatic incidents or those moments of pain, whether emotional or physical, that keep you from being who you are now,” she said.
Moss also explained that growing up, Scientology taught her how to communicate better.
“Communication is something that I obviously use so much, not only in my job but also in my interpersonal relationships,” she said. “That’s probably one of the fundamental #1 things I’ve learned that I use and use every day: the power to just be able to listen to someone, to make someone feel like they’re being heard, not blame them for what.” it is to belittle think or believe even if you think it is wrong.”
Scientology defector Leah Remini (left) has claimed the church forbids Moss from speaking to her.
She also addressed rumors that she left the room at an awards show in 2017 where Leah Remini, a defector from the church, won for her anti-Scientology documentaries.
“I went to the bathroom,” Moss said, adding, “I wish it was more exciting than that.”
Remini specifically claimed that the church banned Moss from speaking to her, but Moss claims she was never approached by the ‘King Of Queens’ actress.
“I never received a request to speak to her. So there was no opportunity for her to say that. I don’t know her that well, so we’re not friends,” Moss said.
Other celebrities known to practice Scientology include John Travolta, Tom Cruise and Kirstie Alley.