After 35 years of being a member of the Church of Scientology, Paul Haggis, the Oscar-winning Canadian director of Crash and Million Dollar Baby, has publicly resigned from the Church in protest against its homophobic stance. In a letter made public by The Hollywood Reporter, Mr. Haggis is sharply critical of the Church's refusal to denounce statements made by its San Diego branch in support of Proposition 8:

"As you know, for ten months now I have been writing to ask you to make a public statement denouncing the actions of the Church of Scientology of San Diego. Their public sponsorship of Proposition 8, a hate-filled legislation that succeeded in taking away the civil rights of gay and lesbian citizens of California – rights that were granted them by the Supreme Court of our state – shames us...I called and wrote and implored you, as the official spokesman of the church, to condemn their actions. I told you I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated....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....I am only ashamed I waited this many months to act. I hereby resign my membership of the Church of Scientology."

You're a good man, Paul Haggis. Thanks for standing up.