Six years after she converted to Scientology to marry actor Tom Cruise, actress Katie Holmes has divorced her high-ranking Scientologist husband and returned to the Catholic Church in which she was raised.
Holmes and the twice-divorced Cruise were married in 2006 at a 15th-century castle in Italy, in a Scientology ceremony.
They already had a seven-month-old daughter, Suri, and concern for her daughter’s welfare is reportedly a factor in the decision by Holmes to seek a divorce.
The New York Post reported that sources close to the actress said she feared that Cruise would abduct Suri.
Holmes sought sole custody of her daughter but, after a settlement was reached, publicists for the couple said they would share her parenting.
“We are committed to working together as parents to accomplishing what is in our daughter Suri’s best interests,” the statement said. “We want to keep matters affecting our family private and express our respect for each other’s commitment to each of our respective beliefs and support each other’s roles as parents.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Suri will not be exposed to Scientology and will not be expected to attend a Scientology school — unlike Cruise’s other two children, now teenagers.
Meanwhile, Holmes is reported to have registered as a parishioner at the Church of St Francis Xavier in New York City, a Catholic church known for its “inclusive witness”, including the welcoming of gay and lesbian couples, the alienated and the marginalized.
“Everyone is thrilled to have Katie join us,” a member of the church’s choir told the Huffington Post. “She has not yet attended a service, but when she does she will be welcomed with open arms.”
But the parish priest, Father Joe Costantino, said he was caught off-guard when reporters started calling about Holmes’ alleged membership.
“I didn’t even know who she was,” he told the Daily Beast website.
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Image: The Telegraph