Ex-Scientologist Leah Remini: Catholicism Is ‘What Religion Is Supposed to Be’

In a new cover story in People, actress and TLC reality star Leah Remini — a baptized Catholic whose mother introduced her to Scientology at 8 — talks about returning to the Faith, which she learned about from her Sicilian grandmother.

From an online excerpt (the Nov. 16 issue hits newsstands on Friday, more here):

“Nobody is asking me for money. Nobody is demanding that I come,” she tells PEOPLE in its latest cover story. “I light a candle. I sit and I listen.” 

Remini, 45, broke with Scientology in 2013 after growing up within the controversial religion, and rising in stature within the church after she found fame on The King of Queens. 

But the actress – who just released her tell-all book, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology – says her exploration of Catholicism is also a return to her roots, explaining that she was baptized Catholic and learned about the religion from her Sicilian grandmother. 

To be honest, your parish may ask you for money and pass the collection basket, but you will not be barred at the door if you decline. And, the Church will ask you to come to Mass — and tell you it’s a mortal sin if you don’t — but in the end, it’s your decision whether to show up or not. Nobody’s going to go to your house and drag you by the collar to Communion.

The door is always open, but it’s up to each individual to choose whether to enter.

Previously, Remini talked about having her daughter baptized in the Church, so it’s good news all around.

Here’s a quick look at Remini’s TLC show, “It’s All Relative,” which ended its second season in September:

Image: Courtesy TLC

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