Scientology: Sacrificial altar completed

Scientology leaders say they have completed construction of an altar that will be used in the sacrifice of Tom Cruise’s and Katie Holmes’ baby – a ritual they hope will summon the spirit of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Hubbard died of an apparent stroke on January 24, 1986. The Church of Scientology claimed that he had deliberately discarded his human body to conduct higher-level spiritual research.

“We’ve been without Ron for nearly 20 years. It’s time for him to return to see what he has accomplished, ” said David Miscaivige, who took over control of the church after Hubbard’s death. “We believe that offering up this most-sacred child will invoke the return of our leader."

Miscaivige said similar sacrifices have been considered in the past but suitable subjects could not be found.

“We were going to do it when John’s (Travolta) son was born,” Miscaivige said. “But at that time he just wasn’t big enough. Hell, he had just made Look Who’s Talking Now and it was a year before Pulp Fiction came out. "

The sacrifice will take place at the end of a 72-hour spiritual retreat, during which high-ranking Scientologists will pay homage to the child and make cash contributions. Church leaders are hoping the ceremony will coincide with the premier of Cruise's "Mission Impossible 3" next year.