I find it amazing that people demand forms of open government, access to seeing decision making in action, accountability and freedom.

And then...

Religions claim to wish to have an effect on peoples' lives and influence their well being, just like governments, but at the same time want to remain in a cloak of secrecy?

if you like the air of enigma, if you want to have an inner circle where people get to know more, (freemasonry thrives on this point) and if you want to be revered...

Accept that people will be hostile to you and your intentions if they aren't opened up to scrutiny. and if they are, then criticism at least stands a chance of being objective.

L Ron Hubbard made a decision to avoid tax and make money. In doing so, he inadvertently or purposely screwed up a huge number of lives.