The Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation
We would like to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Mike Rinder, without whom the public conversation about Scientology’s abuses would not be what it is today.
Mike described his journey as living “two lives in one lifetime,” with the second being “the most wonderful years anyone could wish for” (Mike Rinder’s Blog). Mike, like many others, was given a second chance at a new life when he escaped. In those years, he consistently demonstrated his unyielding dedication to exposing Scientology and helping others by publishing a daily blog of more than 4000 posts, participating in media interviews and documentaries and working in collaboration with the FBI, attorneys, and law enforcement investigators to provide knowledge of Scientology’s harmful practices.
After departing Scientology, Mike spoke with the St. Petersburg Times in a special issue called “The Truth Rundown”, saying “I don't want people to continue to be hurt and tricked and lied to.” Mike continued to publicly speak on Scientology abuses, including in the BBC’s The Secrets of Scientology and HBO’s documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief. Mike co-hosted the Emmy award winning A&E TV series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, which amplified the voices of survivors and thrust Scientology’s harmful practices onto a mainstream platform. The show sparked new conversations and served as the catalyst for the creation of The Aftermath Foundation, with Mike serving on our board from its creation in December 2017 until July 2024.
While serving on the board, Mike continued to speak out with Leah on their Scientology: Fair Game podcast and Mike published his memoir titled A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology. In 2019, Mike and Leah were awarded the Barbara Blaine Trailblazer Award by CHILD USA for having "taken a brave, public stand for justice and given voice to many of Scientology's victims.”
In addition to all of the above, Mike spent thousands of hours quietly helping individuals that reached out to him one on one. People trying to leave Scientology who were scared and needed support often reached out to Mike for guidance and answers. He took the time to counsel many individuals and lift them up as they broke free and walked into the unknown to start their new life.
From overcoming adversity to becoming a staunch advocate for victims recovering from Scientology, Mike’s story is one of courage and heroism. Mike’s tireless efforts have inspired others to bravely come forward and share their own experiences with cultic systems. He has had, and will continue to have, a global impact on the movement.
Instilled in Mike was a purpose: to raise awareness about Scientology’s abuses and empower victims to start new lives centered on self-determination. In his last blog post, Mike wrote, “If you are in any way fighting to end those abuses, please keep the flag flying — never give up.”
And we promise we won’t give up. Mike’s tireless work has fueled a sense of justice in people around the world, including us.
To honor Mike’s legacy and to demonstrate our commitment to continuing this mission we will henceforth be The Michael J. Rinder Aftermath Foundation.
Mike’s advocacy, support, and protection existed whether or not there were cameras present. The fact that he took the fight public only makes him more deserving of this.
While Mike’s name is synonymous with “cult survivor,” “whistleblower,” and “advocate,” Mike was also a devoted husband, loving father, and caring friend.
We would like to do something special to honor Mike, and so, if you would like to share ways in which Mike impacted you, please email videos in landscape format (horizontally) to social@theaftermathfoundation.org by March 13, 2025. Our team will create a compilation of these memories to share with the community and his family.
And to Mike: thank you for your perseverance and endless determination. May you rest in peace, knowing that we will keep the flag flying.