Jason Scott's UPC Experience

Many may not be aware of a case involving a Life Tabernacle Church member, Jason Scott, and Rick Ross (exit-counselor). Harold Kern was the pastor at the time and remained so for many years afterward. Jason's mother, concerned about his involvement in the United Pentecostal Church, hired Rick Ross to help her son. As a result of an unsuccessful involuntary deprogramming, Jason, encouraged by a lawyer from Scientology, filed charges against Ross, the Cult Awareness Network, and others. This led to CAN declaring bankruptcy. Scientology has since bought the right to their name. There have been several events pertaining to this case, so to have a better understanding, please look at most of the links. Jason has settled his case with Rick Ross and Scott left the Life Tabernacle Church of his own accord. At the time of this article, CAN's appeal of the ruling was still pending and they were allowed to come out of bankruptcy.

UPDATE #1: In early April 1998, a higher court upheld the judgment against CAN in a two to one ruling. On this appeal, the court was not allowed to be informed of Jason Scott's change of mind, nor his separate settlement with Rick Ross since these things happened after the original court case. There is still an appeal on the use of CAN's name and the Illinois court reversed the dismissal of the CAN versus Scientology lawsuit for malicious persecution. CAN is still in operation, under another name, and it is my understanding that their time of bankruptcy is also over. It is also my understanding that Jason Scott sold his rights to the CAN settlement to Scientology for much less than the amount he was awarded.

UPDATE #2: Later in March 1999 those who were still fighting for whatever documents the Scientologists hold appealed to the Supreme Court only to be denied and ruled against. The now defunct CAN Network also held an auctioning of anti-church documents and the CAN won an appeal to receive sensitive documents from those who used to work for CAN. Below are some links to sites that introduce the story and verdicts of the various court cases.

It was reported that Scott later settled with Ross for only $5,000 and 200 hours of professional services.

Life Tabernacle is located in Bellevue, Washington and was founded in 1972 by Harold Kern, who moved there with his family from California. In 2003 the name of the church was changed to Sanctuary of Praise. Harold Kern's name no longer appears as of the 2012 UPCI Church Directory. According to UPCI Directories Kenneth Bow became pastor (though he is not listed on the church website) and is last seen as holding that position in the 2015 Directory. After this, the church is no longer seen in any Directories. However, according to the church website, Kern remained as pastor until his retirement. It is my guess that Kern dropped his license and somehow the organization messed up in its documentation. According to the church website, Kern retired in 2015. That same year Steve Malone became pastor. The church is now affiliated with the Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship, which started when some UPCI ministers felt the UPCI was getting soft on standards.

This 60 Minute segment from December 1997 speaks of the fall of the Cult Awareness Network and at about the 12:45 mark mentions the Jason Scott case. (Video is no longer available.)

Holy Wars- A Mother's Fight with a Bellevue Church- Eastside Week 2/9/94

Deprogrammer Taken to Court- Seattle Times 9/21/95

Cults in the Courtroom- The Stranger 10/25/95

Hush, Hush Sweet Charlatans- Phoenix New Times 11/30/95

Mom, Church Vie for her Firstborn- Arizona Republic 7/23/96

Anti-Cult & Proud- The Boston Phoenix 8/23/96

Anti-Cult Group folds in Wake of Verdict - Washington Legal Times 9/1/96

CAN vs. Jason Scott: Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief

Cult Expert Must Pay- Phoenix New Times 10/10/96

Plaintiff Shifts Stance on Anti-Cult Group- Washington Post 12/23/96

Anti-Cult Group Dismembered As Former Foes Buy Its Assets- Washington Post 12/1/96

What's $2.995 Million Between Former Enemies?- Phoenix New Times 12/19/96

Katherine L. Tonkin's Affidavit 12/12/94- Jason Scott's mother

Sworn Testimony of Jason Scott- January 1994

Declaration of Garry Scarff -9/20/93

Cult Awareness Network Loses $1.1 Million Lawsuit, Files For Bankruptcy- Watchman Expositor

Supreme Court Denies Appeal By Anti-Cult Group- Reuters 3/22/99

Harold Kern 9/16/1989 Sermon- Jason Scott's pastor, Life Tabernacle Church (note: rather lengthy, but shows the teaching of not saying/doing anything against a minister & gives an idea of the use of mind control/thought reform.)

Counter Cult/Anti-Cult Movement- Has a write up on the events as well as links to articles.

Cult critic charged in abduction- Article from "The Dallas Morning News," July 8, 1993. Speaks of the felony charge against Rick Ross in 1993, of which Rick was acquitted.

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Posted September 27, 1997 & updated January 18, 2024 & links checked

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