Scientology bends rules for Tom Cruise

Los Angeles - Tom Cruise is getting special treatment from Scientology leaders.

The 50-year-old actor has allegedly been granted exclusive visitation privileges to see his daughter Suri since his divorce from Katie Holmes thanks to his A-list status, despite Scientology normally banning members from contacting those who have left the church.

Nancy Many, ex-president of the religion's Celebrity Centre, told RadarOnline: "They have already bent the rules for Tom. If Tom was any other Scientologist, including lesser celebrities, he would not be allowed to continue seeing and maintaining communication with Katie or Suri, because they are no longer in Scientology.

Been in touch daily

"So far, because of who he is, Cruise has spent time with Suri, which has already upset the parents and children of existing Scientologists who can't talk to their loved ones.

"If he is supposed to be a Scientologist, why don't the rules for every other member apply to him?"

The Mission Impossible actor hasn't seen Suri, 6, since their fun-filled trip to Disney World on 5 August, and even missed her first day of school due to filming new action flick All You Need Is Kill in London.

The pair have been in touch by telephone daily and the actor plans to visit her as soon as possible, however, in spite of Scientology rules that Tom should cut all contact with his newly Catholic daughter.

Nancy added: "When every other person that I have known of leaves Scientology, which Katie did without speaking of it directly, they are instantly shunned. By rejoining a Catholic Church right afterwards, she made a very public statement of rejection."

The actor is said to be weighing up his commitment to the church with regards to his personal life and has been seen spending time with friends outside of the religion.