CLEARWATER -- (AP) -- The leader of the Church of Scientology struck his subordinates numerous times and set an example for physical violence among the tightly controlled religion's management team, four former high-ranking church executives told a newspaper for a story published Sunday.

The executives, who have since left the organization, told The St. Petersburg Times that they saw David Miscavige, chairman of the board that oversees the church, hit staff members dozens of times, often without warning.

''It was random . . . It could be the look on your face. Or not answering a question quickly. But it always was a punishment,'' said Mike Rinder, who oversaw the church's legal and media relations operations. Rinder said he was hit many times by Miscavige and that he also hit others before leaving in 2007.

Marty Rathbun, who served on the church's board and was a top lieutenant of Miscavige's, said he was often ordered by Miscavige to strike others.

In response to The Times, the church denied the allegations, saying the four former executives' statements were ''absolute and total lies,'' and the claims were meant to tarnish Miscavige.

Church spokesman Tommy Davis told the newspaper that an internal investigation revealed that Rathbun -- not Miscavige -- was responsible for dozens of attacks before he left in 2004.

The newspaper reported it met with church spokesmen and lawyers for 25 hours and that on May 13 it began asking to interview Miscavige but was told his schedule would not permit it before July.

''I am at a loss to comprehend how The St. Petersburg Times can publish a story about me and the religion I lead without accepting the offer to speak with me,'' Miscavige wrote in an e-mail to the newspaper on Saturday.

The Church of Scientology teaches that technology can expand the mind and help solve problems.

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