London: Scandinavian religious leaders are outraged by the decision to chose scientologist Tom Cruise as the co-host for the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize concert in Norway.

According to Female First, Cruise and Oprah Winfrey are to host the event on December 11 in Oslo, but religious leaders are concerned that Cruise might use the event to promote the controversial religion. They are now urging the Nobel Institute to remove the star.

"They're a manipulative sect that takes over people's lives and finances. Cruise isn't going to be there as a missionary. But it's difficult to separate the artist Tom Cruise from Scientology Tom Cruise," Karil-Erik Nylund, a priest from Stockholm, was quoted as saying.

"We're obviously aware that Tom Cruise is a scientologist, but that's not why we chose him. We chose him because he's a known person who is interested in the Nobel Peace Prize and we're proud that we have him," countered the Nobel Institute director Geir Lundestad. ANI