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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Religious Leader

David Miscavige

David Miscavige is an American Scientologist and the long-serving leader of the Church of Scientology.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

David Miscavige is an American Scientologist who has served as the long-standing leader of the Church of Scientology since the death of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. He holds the official title of Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center.

What it is

Miscavige, born April 30, 1960, in Pennsylvania, became involved with Scientology at a young age and rose through its ranks. After Hubbard's death in 1986, he assumed leadership of the organization, which describes him as its ecclesiastical leader.

Key details

He is married to Michele Diane "Shelly" Miscavige, a fellow Sea Org member. Public reporting has documented controversy and allegations surrounding his leadership, including questions about the visibility of his wife. Scientology sources still list him as the current leader.

Why it matters

Miscavige remains a central figure in global Scientology, which has a presence in Canada. Canadian readers may encounter him in reporting on religion, public controversy, and nonprofit oversight. No reliable source indicates he has been replaced.

In short

  • David Miscavige is the second leader of the Church of Scientology, after L. Ron Hubbard.
  • He has been chairman of the Religious Technology Center since 1986.
  • His leadership has been the subject of extensive public controversy.
  • He remains the church's top leader as of current sources.
Canadian angle

Scientology has a presence in Canada, and David Miscavige is the global leader associated with the movement’s administration and public profile. Canadian readers may encounter him in reporting on religion, public controversy, and nonprofit oversight.

Quick questions

Who is David Miscavige?
He is an American Scientologist and the long-serving leader of the Church of Scientology, described as its ecclesiastical leader and chairman of the Religious Technology Center.
Is David Miscavige still head of Scientology?
Yes. Current Scientology sources still describe him as the ecclesiastical leader and chairman of the Religious Technology Center.
What is David Miscavige's net worth?
No reliable net worth figure appears in the provided sources. Because Scientology is a private religious organization, any number would be speculative.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Miscavige
    Supports: Birth date, leadership role, marriage to Shelly Miscavige, and basic biographical summary.
  2. Church of Scientology — https://www.scientology.org/david-miscavige/biography.html
    Supports: Official description of Miscavige as ecclesiastical leader and chairman of the Religious Technology Center.
  3. Religious Technology Center — https://www.rtc.org/david-miscavige/
    Supports: Current official identification of Miscavige as chairman and worldwide ecclesiastical leader.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/david-miscavige
    Supports: Birth date, succession after Hubbard’s death, and overview of his leadership and controversy.
  5. Tampa Bay Times — https://www.tampabay.com/special-reports/2019/10/17/david-miscavige-bio-and-bios-of-scientology-officials-who-defected/
    Supports: Age, marriage, leadership since 1987, and reporting on allegations and controversy.
  6. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2012/jul/08/profile-david-miscavige-scientology
    Supports: Profile of Miscavige, his official role, and reporting on controversy surrounding his leadership.