"When a Scientologist's family members or
friends express concern about the personality changes that are often seen in new members,
or about the extreme amounts of money suddenly being "donated" to Scientology,
the member's Scientology "case supervisor" often strongly advises
"disconnection" from "suppressive" family and friends.
"Disconnection means complete cessation of contact. Many parents, brothers, sisters,
and ex-spouses tell of spending years, even decades, with no communication whatsoever from
a loved one ensnared in Scientology." Joel J Hanes, Scientology
critic"There is no substitute for understanding."
L. Ron Hubbard, HCOB 20 October 1976, Issue II, PTS HANDLING
If it is a fundamental of Scientology to break up families then the families of every single Scientologist would be in turmoil. This is quite obviously untrue. Scientology does not 'break up families'. When participation in Scientology causes concern for a family member or friend it almost always stems from an ignorance or from absorbing misinformation about the philosophy. In such cases a Scientologist would certainly be encouraged to take responsibility to resolve this situation by providing factual information and educating the concerned about what Scientology actually is.
Disconnection is simply the cutting of a communication-line between one individual and another. This is rarely used and only when an upset fails to be resolved. While it does not solve any problem it is used only as a last resort means to prevent further trauma from an upset.
From Scientology scripture:
"In the great majority of cases, where a person has some family member or close associate who appears antagonistic to his getting better through Scientology, it is *not* really a matter of the antagonistic source wanting the [Scientologist] to not *get better*. It is most commonly a lack of correct information about Scientology that causes the problem or upset. In such a case, simply having the [individual] disconnect would not help matters and would actually be a nonconfront of the situation. The...advice to the Scientologist is to handle." L. Ron Hubbard, HCOB 10 September 1983 PTSness AND DISCONNECTION
Scientology critics often claim that Scientologists are forced or pressured into disconnecting from their loved ones. This is quite obviously untrue. Such claims are made either out of ignorance or as an intentional means to disinform and influence public opinion.