Mike Rinder — a former higher-up in Scientology who turned an outspoken critic of the faith — has died … in response to an Instagram submit from his spouse.

Christie King Collbran revealed the information in an emotional Instagram submit Sunday … saying she feels unhappiness and ache at his passing although his braveness and integrity will proceed to encourage many for years to come back.

Collbran says Rinder was a steady pressure within the lives of those that knew him … earlier than including the “world will keep in mind you.”

Christie didn’t touch upon a explanation for dying … although final yr Rinder introduced he was preventing esophageal most cancers.

Included within the submit is a message Christie says Mike gave her earlier than he died. It reads, partially, “I’ve been fortunate — dwelling two lives in a single lifetime. The second probably the most fantastic years anybody may want for with all of you and my new household!”

He provides, “My solely actual remorse will not be having achieved what I mentioned I wished to — ending the abuses of Scientology, particularly disconnection, and seeing [my son] Jack into maturity. In case you are in any method preventing to finish these abuses please preserve the flag flying — by no means surrender.”

If you do not know, Rinder was raised as a Scientologist in Australia … and, after highschool, he says he signed a “billion-year” contract with the org. to enter its internal circle.

Rinder was the worldwide spokesperson and the top of its Workplace of Particular Affairs for Scientology … although he started blowing the whistle on the group’s alleged abuses in 2007.

He penned the ebook “A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life within the Highest Ranks of Scientology” … by which he claimed the church grew involved about Tom Cruise‘s loyalty throughout his marriage to Nicole Kidman.

Later, Rinder cohosted “Scientology and the Aftermath” — the Emmy-winning sequence all about Scientology — with Leah Remini which aired its first season 2016.

On their web site, the Church of Scientology has posted, “Mike Rinder will not be a reputable supply regarding Scientology. He has not stepped inside a Church in almost a decade. The Church expelled him for malfeasance and has had nothing to do with him since.”

We have reached out to the Church of Scientology … up to now, no phrase again.