Tory Christman is a prominent American critic of Scientology and former member of the organization. Originally brought up a Catholic, Christman turned to Scientology after being introduced to the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health authored by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
She joined the Church and later became an ordained minister within Scientology, and instructed celebrity member actor John Travolta in initial coursework. Christman came to work for the Office of Special Affairs (OSA), which functions as an intelligence agency within Scientology.
After being a member for 30 years, Christman left the Church in 2000, family and friends in the movement ceased communication with her, under the organization’s policy of disconnection.
Christman has since become one of the more prominent critics of Scientology; she lectures and gives interviews about the organization internationally.