Scientology director rejects secrecy claims

Róisín Burke met senior Scientologist Diana Stahl to talk about ‘cult’ accusations, the reason for the huge Irish expansion drive and more

Diana Stahl: ‘We’re ready to answer any questions, when people are genuinely interested in understanding what we’re doing’ Picture: Bryan Meade

At this point, Stahl and I sit down for an interview. O’Byrne, the external public relations consultant, is present, but does not intervene or seek to shape any answer or deflect questions.

Stahl grew up in communist-era Bulgaria, and is married to a German fellow Scientologist. She has been with the church for 16 years, ever since she discovered Scientology during her time at university in Munich, when she was looking for answers ...