We are always cautious about running stories on Scientology as we inevitably end up being e-mailed a dozen screeds repudiating accusations we never actually made. Anyway, here goes. It seems that Paul Haggis, writer of Crashand Million Dollar Baby, has left the church in protest at its position on same-sex marriage. The action comes after Haggis penned a savagely impressive letter to the church's spokesman.

“The church’s refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly, Haggis said, referring to the Scientologists’ support of state measures prohibiting gay marriages. He went on to denounce the church’s alleged practice of encouraging adherents to break off contact with family members hostile to the organisation and, really getting into his stride, delivered a comprehensive demolition of its social policies.

“You had allowed your name to be allied with the worst impulses of the Christian Right,” he thundered. “Despite all the church’s words about promoting freedom and human rights, its name is now in the public record alongside those who promote bigotry, intolerance, homophobia and fear.” Ooo!