Scientology Today

More than 4000 Scientologists and their friends gathered to commemorate the occasion and tour the Church

From STAFF REPORTS
Published on Pasadena Now: Tuesday, August 3, 2010 | 10:25 AM

Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard at the grand opening of the Church of Scientology

Mayor Bill Bogaard topped the list of officials and community leaders who welcomed the Church of Scientology to its new home at 35 South Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena July 18 at a ceremony officiated by the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center.

More than 4000 Scientologists and their friends gathered to commemorate the occasion and tour the Church, the second new Scientology Church to open in the Southland in the past three months.

The grand opening was the culmination of a longtime dream for a core team of 100 local Scientologists who took on the challenge seven years ago to build a new Church for their congregation, formed in Pasadena in the 1970s.   “They found exactly the right building,” said Rev. Eden Stein, President of the Church of Scientology of Pasadena.  “They activated the entire congregation and raised the funds to purchase, restore, furnish and equip it.”

Rev. Stein, who coordinated the Church’s Volunteer Ministers disaster response during last September’s Angeles National Forest fires and has been working with community groups for the past several years as coordinator of Church’s drug education and human rights programs, expects the new facilities to enable the Church to greatly increase the scope of its partnership with the Pasadena community.

The Church is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and visitors are invited to attend an open house or take a self-guided tour of the extensive interactive multimedia displays in the Church’s ground-floor Public Information Center.

For more information contact Rev. Eden Stein at (626) 795-9418 or email her at eden@edenstein.com

Seattle—Sixteen hundred Scientologists and their guests packed the street in front of 300 West Harrison in Seattle today for the opening of the new Church of Scientology of Washington, a milestone for the congregation formed 54 years ago.

Duwamish Tribal Chairman Cecile Hansen, a descendant of Chief Seattle after whom the city was named, opened the event with a centuries-old ceremony, welcoming the Church to its new home.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated, acknowledging the Scientologists who spearheaded the drive to build the new Church.  Stressing the significance of the occasion, Mr. Miscavige said:

“Just this year alone, we have opened six new Ideal Churches on three continents.  While in months to come you’ll see ribbons parting as far away as Tel Aviv, Melbourne and Moscow, and as close to home as Twin Cities, Sacramento and Portland—to cite but a few of the more than 60 new Churches now looming on the near horizon.

“So, yes, you are part of a movement that qualifies as ‘history in the making.’  Moreover, it is a movement that is all-embracive, all-inclusive and all about ensuring no one falls between the cracks.  Because when you possess a technology capable of restoring the infinite goodness in every human being, then every life becomes immeasurably precious.”

Acknowledging the Church for its many contributions to the community were Washington State Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders, Washington State Representative Marilyn Chase, Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce President Dave Peterson, Seattle Neighborhood District Coordinator Christa Dumpys, and FEMA volunteer liaison Jo Ann Oram.

Justice Sanders spoke of working with the Church in the field of human rights, a partnership spanning nearly 35 years:  “There is nothing more important in life than being true to yourself and standing up for what you believe. That is freedom, and that is what makes life worth living. And that, to me, is what you represent. … The Church of Scientology is truly a leader when it comes to fighting for the civil rights of those subject to abuse by the so-called mental health laws and those that enforce them.  And I respect your struggle to abolish coercive practices in the field of mental health and to restore human dignity and freedom to all people. I am proud of our accomplishments over the years, and I am especially proud for your significant accomplishment of opening this beautiful new Church.”

President of the Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce, Dave Peterson, gave these words in acknowledgment of the Church’s history of service to its community: “Your Church of Scientology has never failed to step up….  Together, we have a proud tradition in Seattle, one in which the Church of Scientology can rightfully claim its due reward…  I am also proud to say that the Chamber and the Church have co-sponsored many projects for the benefit of the greater community.  And in every case, you never just stand by and think about improvements.  You do them. We at the Chamber know we can always turn to the Church of Scientology—and you will never let us down.”

Long active as volunteers in community betterment initiatives, just last April local Scientologists received the Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award.  Seattle-area Scientologists serve in the Washington Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and as certified associate chaplains of the Seattle Police Department’s Community Chaplaincy Program.  The Scientology Environmental Task Force, partnering with the Seattle Parks & Recreation Department, Department of Neighborhoods and Seattle Public Utilities to Keep Seattle Beautiful, sponsors the oldest Adopt-A-Street program in the city.  Scientologists have also volunteered with Food Lifeline since 2002 and, since 1993, the Church’s community drug education program has helped thousands of Seattle young people steer clear of substance abuse.

The State of Washington holds a significant place in the life of Scientology Founder  L. Ron Hubbard. In 1923, he joined Tacoma Troop 31 Black Eagle Patrol and the following year, at 13, became the youngest Eagle Scout in America. In 1926, he spent his sophomore year at Seattle’s Queen Anne High School on Galer Street, before embarking on the first of several voyages to a then rarely visited Asia.

During the 1930s, in his Port Orchard writer’s retreat overlooking Puget Sound, Mr. Hubbard authored several acclaimed stories and novels for what is remembered today as the Great American Pulp Fiction Movement. It was also in Port Orchard that he scripted the Warner Brothers classic Dive Bomber.

It was also from Seattle where Mr. Hubbard set sail on the famed “Alaskan Radio Experimental Expedition” to field-test a then novel system on which all future radio navigation was based.

Most importantly, it was in neighboring Port Orchard, in 1938, that Mr. Hubbard authored what is remembered as the philosophic foundation of Dianetics and Scientology. A now legendary work entitled “Excalibur, ” here was the first examination of key universal principles common to all life forms and underlying all behavior.

The new Church of Scientology of Washington is located just blocks from Seattle Center and the Space Needle.  The ground floor features an extensive Public Information Center with 17 multimedia displays that present and illustrate Scientology beliefs, the life and legacy of L. Ron Hubbard and the full array of social betterment and community outreach programs.  These interactive displays provide a concise but panoramic view of the religion to visitors, students and others desiring to learn more about Scientology.

To even better serve the community, the Church has further established the Scientology Life Improvement Center adjacent to the century-old Pike Place Market Historic District, the “Soul of Seattle.” This center provides Scientology introductory courses.

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The Church of Scientology of Washington State is the seventh new Scientology Church to open in 2010.  The Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe opened on January 23; the Church of Scientology of Quebec opened on January 30; the Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Las Vegas opened February 6; the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles opened April 24; a new National Scientology Church opened in Mexico City July 10; and the new Church of Scientology of Pasadena opened July 18

Last year (2009), new Churches of Scientology opened in Washington, DC; Rome, Italy; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Malmö, Sweden.  These join a roster of new Churches of Scientology recently opened in world cultural centers, including the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the National Church of Scientology of Spain, in Madrid’s Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of London, at the city’s epicenter; and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate.

Another five new Churches of Scientology are scheduled for completion before the end of 2010.  Worldwide, there are more than 8,500 Scientology Churches, Missions and affiliated groups in 165 countries.

More than 4,200 gather to welcome the Church of Scientology to its new home in the City of Roses

A 25-piece marching band welcomed over 4,200 to the Grand Opening of the new Church of Scientology of Pasadena today.  Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated, welcoming dignitaries, parishioners and guests to the Church’s new 58,000-square-foot facility.

To underscore the importance of this new Church, Mr. Miscavige told the assembled Scientologists and guests:  “You are now part of a movement like nothing in our history, and it is gaining momentum by the day. Because, in all sincerity, we are dedicated to helping the whole face of humanity. In that respect—and however all-encompassing and globally embracive is Scientology today—let no one forget that humanity is comprised of individuals. Each is unique, in his or her own way, and each has a story that will break your heart—if you don’t do something about it. So take this Ideal Organization and make the most of it. Because, yes, there is indeed a lot of help we must now bring to bear. And that is the pledge we make today, to the City of Pasadena.“

Also commemorating the occasion were Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard; Pasadena Heritage board officer Teresa Grimes; Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paul Little; and Pasadena Ministerial Association President Dr. Nicholas Benson.

Mayor Bogaard welcomed the new Church to the city: “With this beautifully restored structure in Old Pasadena, the Church of Scientology represents not only a growing religion, but an important factor in the future of this city. … So, it is a pleasure for me to extend a cordial welcome to you and this extraordinary Church of Scientology of Pasadena with its long history of service to the community.”

Teresa Grimes spoke of the appreciation for the city’s architectural legacy that is shared by the Pasadena Heritage Society she represents and the Church: “The Church of Scientology has purchased, rehabilitated and restored historic buildings throughout the world, and by doing so, has helped revitalize the communities in which they are located. … For not only have you preserved the physical past, you have also gone out of your way to care for tomorrow both culturally and spiritually. Your commitment to our community has been nothing less than outstanding, and I only hope that others will follow the example of the Church of Scientology.”

Paul Little told the assembled audience:  “Your Church is a vital part of the Chamber and your members are active throughout this city. You are always there, helping with the annual Tournament of Roses events. Your public service sponsorship of Pasadena artists, or your social campaigns that are themselves a brilliant example of artistic expression—and humanitarian concern. Your devotion to the people of this city, your ability to enhance the quality of our life wherever you work—that’s what I’ve come to know as the hallmark of the Church of Scientology. … You have made a profound and lasting statement of your dedication to Pasadena, and to the great society we know we can be.”

Dr. Nicholas Benson spoke on behalf of the interfaith community: “For all of Pasadena, this day represents more than an opportunity to welcome a friend to their new home. This is a Church, an open haven where we have the opportunity to help ourselves, our loved ones and the community. I encourage everyone to make the most of this Church, and like me, take what it has to offer.”

The character of this turn-of-the-century historic monument was preserved in a unique blend of old and new.  Its heritage is reflected in the restored Beaux Arts exterior, its classic four-story galleria-like atrium as well as Arts & Crafts style furnishings, stained-glass windows and Victorian accents throughout.  With attention to 21^st-century energy-conscious planning and construction, the Church also meets LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements for environment-friendly building materials, energy equipment, lighting systems, reduced water consumption and more.

The new Church features an extensive Public Information Center with 17 multimedia displays that present and illustrate Scientology beliefs, the life of its Founder, and the full array of its many social betterment and community outreach programs.  In full, these displays provide a concise but panoramic view of the religion to visitors, students and others desiring to learn more about Scientology.

The building features a Chapel seating hundreds, a library containing all Church Scripture, as well as a multitude of seminar rooms, film rooms and volunteer workspaces for its many social betterment and community programs and projects in addition to course and counseling rooms to provide Scientology training and auditing for parishioners.

The Church of Scientology of Pasadena is the sixth new Scientology Church (and the second in Los Angeles County) to open in 2010.  On January 23 this year, the Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe opened in Belgium; the Church of Scientology of Quebec opened January 30; the Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas opened February 6; the Church of Scientology Los Angeles opened April 24; and a new National Scientology Church opened in Mexico City July 10.

Last year, new Churches of Scientology opened in Washington, DC; Rome, Italy; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Malmö, Sweden.  These join a roster of new Ideal Churches of Scientology recently opened in world cultural centers, including the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the National Church of Scientology of Spain, in Madrid’s Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of London, at the city’s epicenter and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate.

Another six new Churches of Scientology are scheduled for completion before the end of 2010.

Worldwide, there are more than 8,500 Scientology Churches, Missions and affiliated groups in 165 countries.

Beginning of July 2010 the Church of Scientology International launched a new website: ScientologyNews.org

This site will inform the media representatives and general public about newsworthy occurrences in and around the Church of Scientology - with high resolution photos and video material for use by the media - in press release and news stories.

Further, the site provides answers to every aspect of Scientology in over 190 Frequently Asked Questions, many texts about the Church of Scientology’s ecclesiastical structure and its leader, David Miscavige. Short, summarized answers on many groups and organizations related to the Church of Scientology are provided in the “Quick Facts” section of the site and the latest official statistics of the Church can be found on the site as well.

Mexico City, Mexico, July 10, 2010—Led by a 30-man mariachi orchestra and colorful traditional dancers, 7,000 Scientologists and guests hailed the grand opening of the new National Scientology Ideal Organization for Mexico in the heart of Mexico City. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated the historic occasion.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of a full-scale reconstruction and design of Mexico City’s Juarez Building.  Directly adjacent to Mexico’s Fine Arts Palace and neighboring the National Supreme Court, the National Bank and the National Palace, it stands as a six-story contemporary cultural landmark.  Fully configured to be a physical embodiment of the religion, the building includes an extensive Public Information Center with 17 multimedia displays that presents and illustrates Scientology beliefs, the life of its Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and the full array of its many social betterment and community outreach programs.  In full, these displays provide a concise but panoramic view of the religion to visitors, students and others desiring to learn more about Scientology.

Describing the positive impact of Scientology organizations on the communities they serve, Mr. Miscavige addressed the assembled crowd:

“Take this Ideal Organization and use it for all it is intended.

“You say there is drug abuse out there? Well, you now have the wherewithal to ignite a ‘drug-free movement’ more potent than anything littered along trafficking lanes.

“You say there is criminality and cruelty out there? Well, you now have The Way to Happiness to rebuild self-respect and revivify the goodness within every human being.

“Then again, you say there is aching poverty and misery across this city? Well, you now have technologies for learning and literacy—from which comes prosperity and abundance.”

Also commemorating the occasion and expressing its significance to their country were leaders from diverse fields in the Mexican nation.

Mr. Alejandro Rojas Dias Duran, Secretary of Tourism for the City of Mexico, stated on behalf of the city: “We are confident that Scientology Mexico will positively contribute and plant a seed of the fundamental values of humanity so that people of all ages, races and creeds can create a new future toward achieving a new civilization of peace and prosperity without criminality, violence and without drugs.”

The Honorable Ricardo Guzman Wolffer, Federal Court of Appeals Judge and renowned author, expressed the importance of Scientology to the future of Mexico and the world: “Today we open the doors of this beautiful new Scientology Organization, which I see as a commitment to take L. Ron Hubbard’s message to everyone. I am of the idea that it is through individual change that one can change the world. This Ideal Organization gives everyone the chance to learn the truth within. It is the entrance to a new bright future.”

Dr. Jesus Corona Osornio, Doctor of Religious Philosophy and author of texts on religion and its place in modern society, addressed the role of Scientology in society: “This new Scientology Organization represents the emerging, multicultural Mexico of today. Mr. Hubbard took a very novel, revolutionary approach to spirituality. As an engineer, he employed highly precise technological tools to illuminate spiritual phenomena. The result is a definitive resolution between science and religion. In doing so, he salvaged religion. Spirituality lives in the 21st century and in that regard, Mr. Hubbard has made one of history’s greatest contributions to mankind.”

Ms. Laura Chapa, Senior Advisor for Special Education to the Federal Ministry of Education of Mexico, spoke of the solutions Scientology offers: “I believe that with the opening of this new Organization, leaders of all sectors of society will have the same realization I had: that you have the solution. And so I also believe that what will come from this new Organization is a turning point for our nation.”

In closing the dedication ceremonies, Mr. Miscavige said: “Today we cut a ribbon. And in doing so, I wish to extend my gratitude to all of you who made this moment possible, you who gave so much of yourselves to build this magnificent Ideal Organization, you who we shall not forget—not now, not ever.

“While to everyone else, I cordially invite you to step across that threshold and consider what’s waiting inside. For therein lies not only all I referenced for a drug-free, crime-free, literate and prosperous Mexico, but all else to spark that revolution of the spirit for which Mexico has been waiting so long.”

Architecturally, the building features a five-story atrium, a Chapel seating hundreds, a library containing all Church Scripture, as well as a multitude of seminar rooms, film rooms and volunteer workspaces for its many social and community programs and projects—in addition to course and counseling rooms to provide Scientology training and auditing for parishioners.

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Scientology missionary activities began in Mexico in the mid 1960s and the first official Scientology Association was formed in 1977.  Mexico City is home to the largest community of Scientologists in Latin America. Today, its growing membership supports social betterment programs that include the largest non-governmental drug education and human rights education programs in Latin America. To make the Scientology religion more accessible, in the past two years the Church has provided the full library of its Founder’s books to public libraries and universities throughout the country.

Scientology Mexico is the fifth new Ideal Organization of Scientology to open in 2010.  On January 23 this year, the Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe was opened in Belgium; the Church of Scientology of Quebec was dedicated January 30; the Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas opened February 6; and the new Church of Scientology of Los Angeles opened April 24.

In the past three years, new Churches of Scientology have opened in world cultural centers, including: the Founding Church of Scientology in Washington DC; the Church of Scientology of Rome, Italy; the Church of Scientology of Malmö, Sweden; the National Church of Scientology of Spain, in Madrid’s Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of London, at the city’s epicenter; the Church of Scientology of Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate; the Church of Scientology Las Vegas, Nevada; the Church of Scientology Nashville, Tennessee; and the Church of Scientology of Dallas, Texas.

Another seven new Churches of Scientology are scheduled for completion before the end of 2010.

Worldwide, there are more than 8,500 Scientology Organizations, Missions and affiliated groups in 165 countries.

_{The Conchoo Dance Group performs a traditional dance, welcoming the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour to Papua New Guinea.}

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers South Pacific Goodwill Tour was officially welcomed by traditional dancers and local dignitaries at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Murray Army Barracks in Papua New Guinea June 7.  Tour members and officials spoke of working to tackle illiteracy and poverty through seminars and courses that the tour will provide at local level throughout the island.

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals include improving  literacy as a pivotal target for eradicating poverty, increasing opportunity and guaranteeing other human rights.  Of all Pacific island nations, Papua New Guinea ranks lowest in both literacy and standard of living, with some 30 percent of the population living on a dollar or less a day.  To make inroads against this crucial problem, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour is providing free seminars and courses to teachers and students across the island.

Established in 1976 by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program enables people to better cope with common problems and stresses of life and independently improve their situations.  Scientology Churches and Missions provide training in Volunteer Ministers know-how and sponsor Volunteer Ministers activities in their areas.

In 2004, to extend the reach of the Volunteer Ministers program, ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige launched the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tours, enabling teams of volunteers to bring help to remote areas including South and West Africa, Southern Asia, India, the South Pacific, Eastern Europe, Siberia, the Australian Outback, and Latin America.

For more information, visit the Scientology Volunteer Ministers website.

Scientologists mark a new era for Dianetics at events in Scientology Churches and Missions around the world—tens of thousands attend.

Tens of thousands of Scientologists attended events in every Scientology Church and Mission this month.  The outstanding Dianetics auditors, groups and booksellers in each zone were awarded in the celebration of the 60 years since the first publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard.  The anniversary also marked the greatest expansion of Dianetics in history, with more than 4,500 Dianetics Groups around the world and record numbers of visitors to the Dianetics website from more than 20,000 cities in 214 nations.  Since its first publication May 9, 1950, more than 21.8 million copies of Dianetics have been sold.

The Dianetics boom started in March 2009 when Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, announced the completion of a project to place Dianetics and 17 other hardback Scientology and Dianetics titles, published in 16 languages, in more than 97,000 libraries—every national, city and university lending library in the world. Then, to open the subject up to 90 percent of the world’s population, that same month Dianetics and eight other beginning Dianetics and Scientology books were published in paperback editions in 50 languages.

With Dianetics more accessible than ever in history, in June 2009 Mr. Miscavige released “How to Use Dianetics,” a film that revolutionized the subject. In four and one-half hours, the film covers the Dianetics book in such detail that those watching are able to immediately put Dianetics technology to use.  As Mr. Miscavige announced to an international audience of Scientologists, “These films are not about Dianetics. Rather, they are films of Dianetics.”

The film is the centerpiece of the new Dianetics Seminar, offered in Scientology Churches, Missions and Dianetics groups on five continents.

At the seminar, with the guidance of trained Dianetics supervisors, attendees pair up to apply Dianetics to each other, using the information they have just learned. The book and film are so descriptive of Dianetics procedure, those living far from a Scientology Church or Mission can watch the film on their own, read the book and begin to use the technology at home, and many do.

The application of Dianetics technology to another is called “auditing” from the Latin word audire, “to listen.”  “My last year has been a complete hell,” wrote one person who decided to attend a Dianetics seminar and receive auditing to sort this out. “I had so many things hidden inside. Now that I got everything off my chest, I feel extremely relieved.”

“I feel revitalized,” said another seminar participant.  “I have much better understanding and compassion for people who are struggling with pain and loss on a daily basis and don’t even realize it.”

A significant aspect of the Dianetics seminar is that while receiving help, one learns to help another. “Wow! It was a great experience to assist someone to get through a painful event,” said an attendee.  “To see the person brighten up is so amazing.”

With Dianetics gaining popularity from Katmandu, Nepal, to Kiisi, Kenya, and from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Bergamo, Italy, last year a record-breaking 3.7 million hours of Dianetics auditing were delivered internationally.   For more information on Dianetics  or to order a copy of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, visit the Dianetics website.

Churches of Scientology around the world celebrate the original release of the religion’s first book this weekend.  Published May 9, 1950, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health became an overnight success and has been a continuing bestseller for 60 years.  The work is the anatomy and full description of a portion of the mind that is the source of nightmares, unreasonable fears, upsets and insecurities.  More than 20 million copies have been sold.

Based on author L. Ron Hubbard’s researches into the mind and human behavior prior to 1950, its release brought on the spontaneous formation of 750 Dianetics groups around the U.S. and establishment of the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Mr. Hubbard lectured, instructed and otherwise met a staggering demand, while continuing research into the fundamental nature of man culminating in the founding of the Scientology religion in 1952.

Today, Dianetics remains a key substudy of the greater body of Scientology Scripture, its perennial popularity sustained by its workability.  Before Dianetics, prevailing scientific thought held that Man’s mind was his brain, nothing more than a collection of cells and neurons, and IQ and personality were considered fixed and unchanging. With Dianetics, IQ and personality improved, its effectiveness documented in a multitude of case histories over more than half a century of application.

In 2009, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, announced the completion of translation in 50 languages of Dianetics and seven other basic Scientology books.  Mr. Miscavige also released 32 new films of visual instruction in Dianetics procedures on DVD, part of a special Hubbard Dianetics Seminar now offered at Churches of Scientology, which include turnabout application of Dianetics procedure.

Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health is published by Bridge Publications and is available in 125,000 libraries in over 180 countries as well as public bookstores and Churches of Scientology.  Dianetics Anniversary celebrations are open to the public.

NASHVILLE—The Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Nashville mobilized Volunteer Ministers to staff shelters at Lipscomb University and McGavock High School over the weekend when the Cumberland River overflowed its banks and flooded downtown Nashville, causing thousands of residents and visitors to evacuate homes and hotels.

Flooding began in low areas and valleys on Saturday, May 1, and by Sunday the Cumberland River overflowed into downtown. Vehicles were swept away, homes were engulfed and authorities were rescuing stranded residents by boat.

Muddy water cascaded into The Grand Ole Opry House and Country Music Hall of Fame and forced the evacuation of 1,500 guests and 500 staff from the Opryland Hotel.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers worked with the Red Cross and other community groups to aid evacuees in shelters at Lipscomb University and McGavock High School, including providing food services. They helped evacuated hotel guests find their luggage and make their way to the airport and home.

Scientologists also volunteered at a shelter set up at the Jewish Community Center for stranded residents of Belle Meade and Bellevue and helped evacuate tenants of an apartment complex that was about to be engulfed.

With waters now receded, the volunteers are helping residents with the daunting task of cleaning up flood damage.  “We started with our parishioners whose homes were badly damaged.  Now we are going through neighborhoods checking at each home to see if they need help,” said Julie Forney, Public Affairs Director for the Nashville Church of Scientology.

The Volunteer Ministers program is an integral part of the community outreach of the Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Nashville, which opened its doors at 1130 8th Avenue South, in April 2009.  At the grand opening celebration, Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, acknowledged the Nashville Scientology Volunteer Ministers for their dedication and effective aid to hundreds of families after the 2008 Lafayette tornado.

The Volunteer Ministers program was created by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1976.  He wrote: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

For more information on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, visit their web site at www.volunteerministers.org.

World’s first Church of Scientology, formed in 1954, now joins a global roster of Ideal Churches of Scientology, poised to serve its growing congregation and the community for the coming decades.

LOS ANGELES—With a fanfare of trumpets and balloons floating aloft, 6,000 parishioners and guests cheered as the ribbon was cut, opening the new Church of Scientology of Los Angeles on Saturday, April 24, 2010.  Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated at the ceremony dedicating the new Church, joined by parishioners and Los Angeles-area officials.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of the fullscale redesign and construction of the Church’s 64,571-square-foot property at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and L. Ron Hubbard Way, now fully reconfigured as an ideal Church of Scientology which also serves as a training center for Church executives and staff from around the world.

Describing the significance of the occasion, Mr. Miscavige said: “Today marks a milestone step in our planetary crusade to bring on our help on a truly global scale—so that one day there is no crime, no war, no insanity, a world in which Man is free to rise to greater heights.”

In describing the significance of the city of Los Angeles to Scientologists, Mr. Miscavige said: “It’s the city where the Church of Scientology was first incorporated in 1954.  While even more than that, it’s the city with the largest concentration of Scientologists on Earth.”

Also commemorating the occasion was Ms. Karen Bass, Speaker Emeritus of the California State Assembly:  “As a public servant, I try to do everything in my power to give a voice to the voiceless, and to guarantee that no one goes unheard.  But through human rights education, we empower everyone to lift their voice and to be heard. The Church of Scientology I know has made a difference, because your Creed is a universal creed and one that speaks to all people everywhere.”

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca acknowledged the actions of the Church and its members:  “You have been consistently reliable in helping me to achieve my goal for a safer Los Angeles County.  In particular, your drug education means everything to the safety of our schools and neighborhoods. That is why we trained a corps of our own deputies in the use of your unbeatable program, so I want to thank each and every one of you for everything you do in helping me do my job—because today, crime in Los Angeles is at its lowest in 40 years.”

Los Angeles City Council member Paul Koretz spoke of the Church’s place in the rebirth of Hollywood: “Those of us in the City long had a dream for Hollywood.  It was for a Phoenix to rise from the ashes, after decades of decline.  We needed to transform Hollywood with a cultural revitalization, one that would then ripple out across all of LA.  What we are witnessing here is the essence of that Hollywood transformation.  Because if ever today there is an example of making this the city of our dreams, it is the Church of Scientology.”

“This striking Church and the complex extending south behind us were once the imposing Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, crafted 80 years ago in the height of the Art Deco period of American architecture.  In renovating this landmark, you have gone beyond all of our expectations for what the new Hollywood can be.”

Drawing from those Art Deco roots of 1920s Los Angeles, the fully reconstructed Church evokes the architectural revolution that contributed to putting the home city of the first Church of Scientology on the planetary cultural map.

In addition to an expansive Chapel are many unique elements including an extensive public information area of 20 multimedia displays, a library, seminar rooms, film rooms, volunteer workspaces for its many social and community programs and projects, as well as course rooms that seat over 480, with 35 rooms especially appointed for the religion’s one-on-one spiritual counseling.

Formerly a functional building annexed to the 1928 Art Deco Cedars of Lebanon Hospital buildings designed by Claud Beelman, the massive reconstruction began in November 2009 and encompasses new walls, all new ceilings and finishes, as well as furniture constructed in-house at the Church’s state-of-the-art custom mill with imported wood and marble from Italy.

The Church of Scientology of Los Angeles was incorporated in 1954 as the first Scientology Church in the world.  The Greater Los Angeles area is the seat of the religion’s Mother Church, Church of Scientology International, and Bridge Publications who publish and disseminate Mr. Hubbard’s books and recorded lectures for all of North America.  Worldwide, there are more than 8,500 Scientology Churches, Missions and affiliated groups in 165 countries.

Los Angeles is the fourth new Church of Scientology opened in 2010 and the ninth in the past year.  The Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe was opened January 23.  The Church of Scientology of Quebec was dedicated January 30, the first new major Church to open in Canada, and the Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas opened February 6.  In October 2009, two major Churches were opened:  the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, and the Church of Scientology of Rome.  In April 2009, Scientology Churches in Nashville, Dallas, and Malmo, Sweden, were opened.

These Churches join the roster of new Churches of Scientology in the world’s cultural capitals, including the National Church of Scientology of Spain in Madrid’s Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the Church of Scientology of San Francisco in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of London, located in the epicenter of the city; and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate.  Another 10 new Churches of Scientology are scheduled for completion before the end of 2010.

Johannesburg, South Africa—The world’s largest Scientology Life Improvement Centre opened to the sounds of traditional African music on March 26, with 1,000 university students, community and government leaders, artists and local Scientologists crowding Station Street in Johannesburg for the dedication celebration. The Centre offers practical courses such as improving communication, learning how to learn, conflict resolution, how to accomplish goals and overcoming personal and work-related stress.

Located near the University of Witswatersrand (WITS) in the Braamfontein district of the city, the Centre serves a richly diverse community whose common goal is expressed in the district’s motto: “The place where people rise to greatness.” The Centre’s director, Edmund Dladlu, who served as master of ceremonies, pledged to work with the community to make this motto a reality.

Special guest speakers reflecting the diversity of the district included Commander Eddie Mboweni of the Hillbrow Police Precinct who spoke of the partnership of his officers and the Church in its anti-drug and human rights education campaigns.

“The Centre is well-placed here and we are looking forward to working together with the Church regarding programs that will assist in fighting crime and improving the quality of life for the citizens in this area. These campaigns implemented in this district will help to reduce crime and uplift our community spirit. It is our wish that we will work together on these important issues.”

Scientologist and music producer Robin Hogarth described how Scientology has helped him in his work to bring the music of South Africa to a wide audience, including producing “Blessed” and “African Spirit” with the Soweto Gospel Choir which won Grammy Awards for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2007 and 2008.

“This is for you,” he told the audience of the new Centre. “It is for all—painter, king, poet, worker, student, musician, husband and wife. For Braamfontein, for Johannesburg, for South Africa and for Africa herself. And this is why I am so proud to stand here on this momentous occasion. This Life Improvement Centre opens the door to a new future, a brighter life, an African renaissance.”

Ms. Phumzile Zuma, daughter of President Jacob Zuma, spoke of the common-sense moral code, The Way to Happiness, and how much this book can help students, the community and the world.

“Imagine a world where everyone is clear as to exactly what is wrong and what is right. Imagine a world where you can achieve your goals and purposes while being at peace with yourself and those around you. Well, fellow South Africans and students, I have come to realize we can achieve that with the tools this new Scientology Life Improvement Centre is bringing into our neighborhood.”

Member of Parliament Setlamorago Thobejane, General Secretary of the Congress of Traditional Leaders and Chair of the Institute of African Royalty, spoke of L. Ron Hubbard and the future of Africa.

“The Founder of Dianetics and Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, was a true leader amongst men. I learned that Dianetics was but his first step in a path to total spiritual freedom and that he has brought to us all the tools we need to improve our lives, no matter what is holding us back. Most remarkably, for a man whose every way has proven true, he prophesied that the next great civilization on this planet would arise, of course, from the Southern part of Africa.”

The ceremony closed with the traditional cutting of the ribbon, signifying the official opening of the Centre. Hundreds poured in to tour the public information center, viewing films and multimedia presentations describing Scientology beliefs and practices, the life and accomplishments of L. Ron Hubbard, and humanitarian activities of the Church including the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, which provides community outreach, goodwill tours and disaster relief throughout Africa and around the world.

The new Scientology Life Improvement Centre in Braamfontein is an outreach facility of the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg. In 2003, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, traveled to South Africa to dedicate a new Church for the Johannesburg congregation at 1605 Langermann Drive in Kensington, the first of a new breed of Ideal Scientology Churches in Africa.

The Braamfontein Life Improvement Centre is the ninth new Church facility to be opened in the past year. Major Churches opened so far in 2010 include the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas, the Church of Scientology of Quebec, and the Brussels branch of the Churches of Scientology for Europe, now Europe’s largest Scientology Church. In 2009 five major Churches were dedicated: the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, the Church of Scientology of Rome, and Scientology Churches in Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Malmö, Sweden.

For more information on Scientology Churches and activities, visit the Scientology Website at www.scientology.org.

From an article in the Las Vegas Review-Journal published Sunday, March 14, entitled New church offers public information center to explain Scientology

“With its dedication of the new Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Las Vegas last month, the Church of Scientology International is poised to assume a higher profile in Southern Nevada than it has during its 40-year-long presence here.

“Tommy Davis, spokesman for the Church of Scientology International, notes the Las Vegas center is the eighth new church the denomination has opened in the past 12 months, and that more than a dozen others are scheduled to open this year.

“The churches are part of Scientology ecclesiastical leader David Miscavige’s goal of establishing ‘very public, open churches’ where those who aren’t familiar with Scientology may learn about it, Davis says.

“‘It’s just really going out there and saying: Here we are. This is what we believe. Come in and see for yourself and make your own decision,’  he says.

“The new church, at 2761 Emerson Ave.—formerly the home of Congregation Ner Tamid—now serves as Scientology’s Southern Nevada home.”

The full article is online on the Las Vegas Review Journal web site.

KLAS TV coverage on the opening of the new Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS - The First Church of Scientology in Las Vegas dedicated a new building on Saturday. The relentless rain didn’t stop Saturday’s dedication. “We have opened new churches in cultural epicenters before, but talk about center stage, planet earth,” exclaimed Ecclesiastical Leader David Miscavige. “This one stands in a town so bright you can even see it glowing from deep space.”

Several public officials attended the grand opening, including Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. “As the mayor of the fastest growing city, I look forward to partnering with you as the fastest growing religion,” Goodman said.

To read full article and view video, click here.

QUEBEC CITY.  Fifteen hundred Scientologists and their guests from across Canada and the United States packed the street in front of 665 rue Saint-Joseph in the heart of the Nouvo Saint-Roch district of Lower Quebec City to attend the opening of the Church of Scientology of Quebec/Eglise de Scientologie de Quebec on Saturday.

The opening of the 47,000-square-foot Church, which will serve parishioners from throughout the province, represents significant growth for the congregation, which was formed in Quebec 35 years ago.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, presided at the dedication ceremony, welcoming the assembled Scientologists and guests to the new Church.  His introduction was met with prolonged and enthusiastic ovation in appreciation of his presence in Quebec and his instrumental role in making possible the opening of this new Church and all it represents for the future of Scientologists in Canada.

As Mr. Miscavige stated, “This new breed of Church is all in preparation for much more to come in the future.  Well, that future is upon us now.”

The Quebec Church marks the beginning of a major Scientology expansion across Canada, with new Churches to be opened in Montreal, Quebec; Kitchener, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and a full renovation of the Church of Scientology in Toronto.  Also on the horizon, on 190 acres just outside Toronto, is the Scientology Advanced Organization for Canadian parishioners and Canada’s Continental Liaison Office to coordinate Scientology expansion and social betterment programs across the nation.

Dignitaries participating in the dedication of the new Church included the Honorable Alvin Curling, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and now Senior Fellow at the Center for International Governance for Innovation; the Honorable Pamela Appelt, a judge in the Court of Canadian Citizenship and a patron of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development; and Mr. Alan Stein, noted religious freedom and human rights attorney and professor of law.

In his address, Mr. Curling said, “Let this new home for the Church of Scientology in Quebec be a beacon to all men and women of goodwill - a place where they will always be welcome to work together in helping this world. Bringing together people of goodwill is a hallmark of the Church of Scientology, which is why I celebrate this new Church with you today.”

The three-story stone and glass structure spans a city block with distinctive Art Deco façades at the two main entrances. The building has undergone extensive renovation to accommodate all Scientology religious services and also serve as a home for the community services the Church provides through the many activities and humanitarian programs of its members.

An expansive Public Information Center houses a permanent multimedia exhibit describing the Church’s beliefs and practices and the life and legacy of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Displays also cover the Church-sponsored humanitarian and social betterment programs that offer practical answers to the societal ills of crime, drug abuse, illiteracy, declining moral values and natural and manmade disasters. These programs represent the work of the Church of Scientology in servicing every community in which they reside as well as other communities around the world.

There is also a Chapel for Sunday services, weddings, naming ceremonies and other congregational gatherings; spiritual counseling rooms; course rooms for religious study; an event hall and seminar rooms; a bookstore containing the written and spoken materials of L. Ron Hubbard; and Public Affairs offices and meeting rooms to coordinate social betterment programs with like-minded organizations in the community. For the convenience of parishioners and visitors, there is also a café.

In opening the dedication ceremony, Mr. Miscavige noted that the day gave new meaning to Quebec’s motto Je me souviens- I remember.  In closing, he said, “Let this new Church symbolize the fact that we not only remember Quebec, we shall also never forget our commitment to her people-and all in the spirit of this from L. Ron Hubbard:

“‘When you leave here today and walk out into the world, remember the tools of life that you have and your role to use them to help your fellows.’”

Accompanied by Scientologists from Quebec who led the drive to build the new Church, Mr. Miscavige cut the ribbon and invited all to enter.

___________________________

The Quebec Church is the second new Church of Scientology opened this month and the seventh in the past year. The Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe was dedicated on 23 January 2010. In October 2009, Mr. Miscavige dedicated two major new Churches: the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, and the Church of Scientology of Rome. In April 2009, he dedicated new Scientology Churches in Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and in Malmo, Sweden.

These Churches join the roster of new Churches of Scientology opened in the world’s cultural capitals, including the National Church of Scientology of Spain in Madrid’s Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, California, in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of London, England, located in the epicenter of the city; and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, Germany, near the Brandenburg Gate.

An additional two Churches of Scientology are scheduled for ribbon cutting in February 2010, with another 12 new Churches of Scientology scheduled for completion before the end of the year.

Church of Scientology of Pasadena anticipates a new era of expansion with the renovation and restoration of its new headquarters in Old Pasadena

Artist’s rendition of the planned exterior of the new Church of Scientology of Pasadena.

The Church of Scientology of Pasadena is bringing in the new year and decade by beginning renovation of the historic Braley Building this week in the heart of Old Pasadena.  The full renovation and restoration of the Braley Building by fall 2010 reflects significant expansion for the Pasadena Church.  The 50,800-square-foot building at 35 South Raymond Avenue will serve 10,000 parishioners and provide a broad spectrum of community outreach programs in the greater Pasadena area, including Glendale, La Cañada, La Crescenta, Sunland/Tujunga, the San Gabriel Valley, the Inland Empire and San Bernardino.

The first floor of the new Pasadena Church will house an extensive Public Information Center with more than 20 multimedia displays, designed to answer nearly any question about Scientology and provide information regarding the Church’s community outreach and social betterment initiatives, including their anti-drug and human rights programs.  The first floor will also hold a bookstore, café, chapel and a multipurpose room that will host community meetings and events.  The upper floors are devoted to course rooms for religious studies and individual counseling rooms.

Scientology churches are well known in the field of adaptive reuse—an efficient and environmentally responsible trend in architecture, which retains the classic features of historic buildings while converting them for new uses—and have renovated, restored and opened 15 new Churches in major cities around the world in the past decade.  Five new Churches were opened and dedicated by Mr. David Miscavige, the Church’s international ecclesiastical leader, in the last year alone: Dallas, Nashville, Washington, DC, Rome and Malmö, Sweden.

In its story announcing the Church of Scientology of Pasadena’s long-awaited renovations project, the Pasadena Star-News reported that Old Pasadena Management District President Steve Mulheim said everyone is “thrilled” to see progress on the building.

“Our new beautiful Church is a whole new expansion for us and it is going to be a wonderful community asset,” said Eden Stein, President of the Pasadena Church.  “We are greatly looking forward to sharing it.”  Ms. Stein said the new facilities will make it possible to provide an entirely new level of community outreach.

The Church will provide introductory and parishioner services at its new location seven days a week until 9:30 p.m. weekdays and until 6 p.m. weekends.

Matt Sedensky of the Associated Press covers the work done to release more than a thousand lectures by L. Ron Hubbard, announced at the New Years event 2010.

More than 1,000 unreleased recordings of lectures by L. Ron Hubbard and reams of corresponding writings have been unveiled in the culmination of a 25-year project to locate, restore and transcribe lost pieces of the Scientology founder’s work.

To read full article, click here.

Led by Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, Scientologists are celebrating a renaissance of their faith.

Today, the Church of Scientology has expanded to more than 8,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups in 165 nations—doubling the number in the last five years.  This year alone, the Church completed a $40 million restoration of one of its oldest landmark buildings and inaugurated five major new Church buildings in Malmo, Dallas, Nashville, Rome and Washington, DC. Current demand for L. Ron Hubbard’s books and lectures on Dianetics and Scientology has outstripped the last five decades combined, approaching 70 million distributed in the last two years.  All the while the Church’s ever growing humanitarian programs in the fields of anti-drug, human rights, morals education and disaster relief have positively impacted hundreds of millions of lives.

As the decade comes to a close, Scientologists world over are celebrating their religion’s most expansive year to date.  2009 marked the 25th Anniversary of the International Association of Scientologists, the official membership organization of Scientology. In addressing the more than 7,000 Scientologists and guests in attendance at the anniversary event on October 16th in England, Mr. David Miscavige praised members for their dedication and contribution to the tremendous accomplishments of the Church to date and expressed his optimism for the future of Scientology:

“Our battles of yesterday were to stay alive. Our battles of tomorrow are to overcome the obstacles to eternity itself. Because we have never taken our eye off the ultimate prize, we stand where we are today. Twenty-five years of magnificent accomplishment and a future more glorious than we could have ever imagined.”

The scriptures of Dianetics and Scientology are comprised of over 500,000 pages and over 3,000 recorded lectures by Founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Since July 2007, over 67 million copies of L. Ron Hubbard’s basic books and lectures on Dianetics and Scientology have been distributed.  (During the Church’s first 50 years a total of 39 million copies of L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology were in circulation.) With all of these materials available in 15 languages, and the nine basic books now available in 50 languages, the total number of Dianetics and Scientology translations over the last decade is 10 times the previous five decades combined. In recognition of this fact, the Guinness World Records acknowledged L. Ron Hubbard as the world’s most translated author.

In-house digital publishing facilities can print over 500,000 books and 925,000 recorded lectures on CD per week

The demand for L. Ron Hubbard’s materials has grown exponentially in the last year with the numbers of new people coming into Churches and Missions to find out about Scientology growing in the same fashion. Indeed, the Scientology religion is now enjoying its greatest era of expansion in history, with public demand for L. Ron Hubbard books and lectures escalating across more than 165 countries.

To keep pace with the demand, the Church operates two state-of-the-art digital printing and CD manufacturing facilities in Los Angeles and Copenhagen.

In 2009, the Church’s publication arm, Bridge Publications, Inc. in Los Angeles, opened a 274,000-square-foot digital in-house printing and manufacturing facility, thereby increasing its publishing capacity to 500,000 books and 925,000 CDs per week, an increase of 660% over 2007.

State-of-the-art film and audio studios with the most advanced digital recording and editing equipment in the world

In June 2009 the Church celebrated the 21st Anniversary of the Maiden Voyage of the Freewinds religious retreat and annual religious convocation for advanced Scientologists. During this week-long series of events and seminars, Mr. Miscavige announced “the single most momentous advance in Dianetics technology” since the original publication of Dianetics on May 9, 1950.  The project, four years in the making and personally directed by Mr. Miscavige, resulted in 32 films totaling 4 ½ hours.  The films have been translated into 15 languages.  They put Dianetics fully into visual form, making the subject universally accessible to everyone.

June also saw the release of educational films to support Church-sponsored social betterment and humanitarian programs. The first of these was the new, full-length Truth About Drugs documentary giving addicts and at-risk youth the chance to find out from those who have lived it, exactly how addiction shatters lives. The second was The Story of Human Rights, an educational film which provides a short, concise and powerful lesson in the history and necessity of human rights and the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

October marked the completion and release of the feature-length film, The Way to Happiness. This 2-hour film presents this nonreligious common sense guide to moral living by L. Ron Hubbard.

Church-sponsored humanitarian programs touch the lives of hundreds of millions in 2009.

The Church-sponsored humanitarian programs using the latter three films reached hundreds of millions of people in 2009 and billions since their inception.

The Church-sponsored anti-drug education initiative (“Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life”) is the largest nongovernmental anti-drug campaign in the world and, through the airing of public service announcements, distribution of free drug education booklets and events promoting a drug-free life, it has reached over 853 million people since its inception.

The Church-sponsored human rights education program (“United for Human Rights”) is the largest in the world and based entirely on raising awareness of the 30 articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Through the airing of public service announcements, human rights symposiums and events and distribution of human rights educational materials, the campaign has reached over 943 million people since it commenced.

The Church-sponsored morals program based on the common-sense guide to living, The Way to Happiness, has now reached nearly 800 million people through its public service announcements, educational materials and Set a Good Example contests.

The Church of Scientology’s Volunteer Ministers, over 200,000 strong, have helped over 1.4 million people in times of disaster in 2009 alone.  The motto of Scientology’s Volunteer Ministers is “Something Can Be Done About It.”

Mr. Miscavige is driving a movement now spanning the world with new Ideal Churches of Scientology.

Mr. Miscavige’s vision sets the direction for the acquisition, design and planning of new Churches-quite literally from inception to ribbon cutting.  For the past five years, the Church has dedicated itself to a program to locate, renovate and open new Scientology Churches to service its parishioners and their communities around the world. Since the launch of this program five years ago, over 70 new buildings have been acquired internationally. Real estate holdings have increased from 5.6 million square feet in 2004 to over 11 million in 2009, with over 600,000 square feet of renovations completed in just 2009.

14 March 2009: At the Church’s spiritual headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, the Fort Harrison Hotel opened in March 2009 after a $40 million renovation and restoration. The building was stripped virtually bare and rebuilt from its core, including the installation of new state-of-the-art systems. This landmark still bears its hallmark historical touches, however, including replication of the lobby’s original black wrought iron work and gold leaf moldings. The resurfacing of the entire exterior with added architectural detailing makes this religious retreat even more beautiful than at its legendary beginning in 1926, when she was known as “the Aristocrat of Southern Florida Hotels.”

4 April 2009: Three weeks after the inauguration of the new Fort Harrison, a new Church of Scientology in the Swedish seacoast city of Malmö was formally opened by Mr. Miscavige. European dignitaries and guests from 32 nations gathered to celebrate a historic day: dedication of the 72,000-square-foot landmark Church of Scientology, acquired, designed, renovated and opened in less than six months.

11 April 2009: One week later, in Dallas, Texas, a 41,000-square-foot Church opened its doors. With Mr. Miscavige officiating, the Church of Scientology Dallas was formally welcomed to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex by City of Irving Mayor Herbert Gears.

25 April 2009: The month of April ended with the grand opening of the new 36,000 square-foot Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville.  The opening of the new Church building in Music City USA, an historical landmark, was again led by Mr. Miscavige and joined by scores of local dignitaries, residents and visiting artists totaling over 3,000 guests.

24 October 2009:  In October, more than 6,000 people gathered in Rome’s Casalotti de Boccea district to celebrate the grand opening of the new Church of Scientology Rome. The 69,000-square-foot Church, situated on 28 acres of parkland, marks the largest expansion to date for Scientology in its 30-year history in Italy. Mr. David Miscavige welcomed parishioners to their new home. The new Church will serve parishioners of Central Italy and other regions of the Mediterranean.

31 October 2009:  One week later, the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, originally established in 1955 by Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, opened its new premises six blocks from the White House and minutes from the Capitol Mall.  Attended by nearly 3,000 Scientologists and guests, the celebration was presided over by Mr. David Miscavige. The newly acquired and fully restored 49,000-square-foot historical building now represents the largest Scientology presence in DC in Church history.  Its grand opening now brings the Church of Scientology’s presence in the nation’s capital to three very important properties:  The new Embassy Building providing all Church services for parishioners of Washington DC; the original Founding Church premises where L. Ron Hubbard personally worked, now fully restored and open to the public as a heritage property of the Church’s history; and the Church’s well-known Fraser Mansion at DuPont Circle which will now become the Church’s National Affairs Office.

The Church of Scientology looks to 2010 for further unprecedented growth, with greater expansion and success in ministering to its parishioners and their communities than ever in its history.

This year has marked the greatest expansion in Scientology’s history. The Church looks to 2010 for even greater success with scores of new Churches and Advanced Organizations on the horizon.  New Churches are scheduled to open in Pasadena, California; Inglewood, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Seattle, Washington; Harlem, New York; Portland, Oregon; Twin Cities, Minnesota; Boston, Massachusetts; Cincinnati, Ohio; Quebec, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico; Tel Aviv, Israel; Melbourne and Sydney, Australia and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Additionally and most significantly, the doors will open to the newly constructed 375,000-square-foot Church serving as spiritual headquarters for the religion, located in Clearwater, Florida.

Most importantly, 2010 will bring the completion of a decades-long project to restore and make available the complete library of Mr. Hubbard’s works, including hundreds of his over 3,000 recorded lectures never heard beyond his original audience.

For more information, high-resolution still photos and video footage please contact Church of Scientology International Public Relations Department.

Three thousand Scientologists and guests attended the dedication and opening of the new Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, October 31, 2009.  The ribbon was pulled by Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, and other distinguished guest speakers.

Thousands attended the dedication and opening of the new home of the Founding Church of Scientology in Washington, DC.  Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige presided and public officials praised the Church of Scientology for their work in human rights, criminal reform, anti-drug and disaster relief efforts.

Washington, DC - On Saturday, October 31, the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, opened its new premises six blocks from the White House and minutes from Capitol Mall.  Attended by nearly 3,000 Scientologists and guests, the Church was dedicated by Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion.

The building, over 49,000 square feet, represents the Church of Scientology’s largest presence ever in the nation’s capital, a presence that dates back to the 1955 establishment of the Founding Church of Scientology in the District by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard-an occasion considered a milestone in the establishment of Scientology as the only major religion founded in the 20th century, a religion that has since become the fastest-growing religion in the world.

Mr. Miscavige and other speakers gave special praise to the millions of Scientologists world over who have given of their time and effort to make the Church’s anti-drug education initiative the largest non-governmental program of its kind and the Church’s human rights education program the largest on earth. They also praised the work of over 195,000 registered Scientology Volunteer Ministers trained to respond in times of disaster.

In expressing the importance of a prominent Scientology Church in the nation’s capitol Mr. Miscavige stated:

“In a word, this Church is the sum total of all our history and all LRH envisioned when serving as our first Executive Director.

“This is also the kind of Church he envisioned when authoring our programs and campaigns-in anticipation of a day when turmoil knocks out the props and the whole social veneer collapses…

“Which, of course, is exactly what happened-and thus what prompted our Wake-up Call after 9/11…wherein our history intersects with the history of this nation.”

Yet the significance of a major Church of Scientology in Washington, DC, runs much deeper as Mr. Miscavige made clear:

“You are looking at a living embodiment of the freedom and equality that originally inspired this nation because, yes, this Church stands for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  And, yes, it stands here today because of the freedom on which this nation was built-the freedom of religion.  For it was here, in this nation’s capital, that we fought for and won our recognition.”

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated at the dedication and opening of the new Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, October 31, 2009.   

And in the words of Congressman Brad Sherman of California’s 27th District in his address to the gathering:

“I have worked diligently and continuously to express my views, and I believe the views of the entire Congress, that all countries should treat all religions equally and provide true freedom of religion for everyone.”

Congressman Sherman praised the Church’s efforts in raising awareness of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and stated that the battle for human rights includes bringing human rights awareness to all people.

“That is why the efforts of many churches and religious organizations to focus on human rights issues are so important.”

Others speaking and participating in the dedication of the new Scientology Church were Ms. Addie Richburg, President and Chairman of the Board of the National Alliance of Faith and Justice; Ms. Diane Rothe-Smith, Executive Director of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD); and Mr. Mike Silverstein, President of the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Association who also represented District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.

Rev. Sylvia Stanard, Director of Public Affairs for the Founding Church, invited all inside to tour the new Church, which includes numerous multimedia presentations in its Public Information Center, describing fundamentals of the Scientology religion, the Church’s worldwide humanitarian and social betterment programs, and the life and legacy of L. Ron Hubbard.   As in any Church of Scientology, the doors are always open for people to walk in and find out for themselves.

The dedication ceremonies of the new Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, October 31, 2009, were opened with a brass band fanfare.  Guest speakers including local and national dignitaries acknowledged the Church’s human rights and social betterment achievements. 

________________

Washington, DC, played a pivotal role in the life of the Founder of the Scientology religion.  At age 13, as America’s youngest Eagle Scout, L. Ron Hubbard traveled cross-country to meet President Calvin Coolidge. As a student at George Washington University in the early 1930s, Mr. Hubbard learned the scientific methodology he later applied to unlocking the riddle of the human mind and life. After World War II, he tested Dianetics techniques on numerous cases at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital and wrote the first manuscript of his discoveries in Dianetics: The Original Thesis.  In 1955, he established the Founding Church and became its Executive Director.

The Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, represents a milestone for the Scientology religion, which comprises more than 8,000 Churches, Missions and groups in 165 nations. As part of the continuing program to meet the demand for Scientology services, new Churches have been established in Berlin, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, New York and San Francisco. Earlier this year, new Churches opened in Malmo, Sweden; Dallas, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee and October 24, in Rome-five new landmark Scientology Churches opened newly in the last six months.

Thousands attend grand opening of new Church in Rome;
All invited to find out for themselves “What is Scientology?”

More than 6,000 people gathered in Rome’s Casalotti de Boccea district Saturday, October 24, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Church of Scientology Rome.

The 6,400-square-meter Church, situated on 28 acres of parkland, marks the largest expansion to date for Scientology in its 30-year history in Italy. The new Church will serve parishioners of Central Italy and other regions of the Mediterranean.

Signifying the stature and prominence of this new Church, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, Mr. David Miscavige, welcomed parishioners to their new home in the historical crossroads of Western civilization.  Speaking of what inspired every Scientologist to make this new Church possible, he stated:

“How on earth can one possibly speak of history without a nod to Rome?  This City of God, this City of Man, this center of the Western world for at least a thousand years - if ever a place was destined for an Ideal Church of Scientology, it’s here.  For what better arena to show what Scientology can do than this age-old religious empire?”

Among those participating in the dedication of the new Scientology Church were Dino De Pasquale, Disaster Manager of the Civil Protection Agency; Professor Silvio Calzolari of the Theological Faculty at the Vatican University in Florence; Professor Luigi Berzano, Professor of Sociology of Religions at the University of Turin; and Ms. Laura Guercio, President of Legal Aid Worldwide.

The new home for the Church of Scientology of Rome is a contemporary building that has undergone extensive remodeling to accommodate all Scientology religious services, the many community activities of Church members, and introductory services for visitors.

An expansive Public Information Center houses a permanent interactive multimedia exhibit containing more than 230 films covering the Church’s beliefs, practices and activities. Along with descriptions of Scientology principles and information on the life and accomplishments of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the displays also cover the Church-sponsored international social programs that effectively combat drug abuse, illiteracy, criminality, immorality and human rights violations. The Church’s doors are open to anyone to take self-guided tours through the Public Information Center to find out about Scientology for themselves.

The Church of Scientology of Rome will coordinate the social betterment programs of the Church in Central Italy. With two decades of experience in drug prevention, its “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life” program provides proven solutions to one of the most pressing problems in Italian society.

In his dedication address,  Mr. Miscavige emphasized the importance of the Church’s social mission and stressed to the Scientologists in attendance the vital necessity of taking responsibility for the community in which they live:

“You owe [Rome] our salvage campaigns to eradicate drug abuse, instill a respect for human rights and provide basic technology for living through The Way to Happiness.
“You owe her our learning and literacy programs.
“You owe her a system of criminal reform based not on punishment, but the restoration of self-respect.
“You owe every addict a drug free life and every lost and hopeless soul the chance to discover something can be done about It.
“But most of all, you owe every Roman citizen an opportunity to discover Dianetics and Scientology…”

The new Church of Scientology in Rome represents a milestone for the Scientology religion, which comprises more than 8,000 Churches, Missions and groups in 165 nations.  As part of the continuing program to meet the increasing demand for Scientology services, new Churches have been established in Berlin, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, New York, San Francisco and elsewhere.  This year alone, new Churches have opened in Malmo, Sweden, Dallas, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee.
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Video footage and additional photographs of the Church of Scientology of Rome dedication are available to media upon request. Please call Media Relations at (323) 960-3500 or email mediarelations@scientology.net.

The Church of Scientology Mission of Los Feliz hosts new Dianetics seminars. 

The Church of Scientology Mission of Los Feliz in Los Angeles held its first new Dianetics Seminar on September 17.  This new seminar is based on the How to Use Dianetics DVDs, released in June by David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion.  Those attending learned enough in just a few hours to put Dianetics technology to immediate use.

The application of Dianetics techniques is called auditing, from the Greek word audire—to listen.  “It’s so great knowing that I now have the know-how to help someone in a way that they probably never felt was possible,” said one attendee.  “And it is so easy!”

Attendees described the experience as “amazing,” “life changing,” and “an absolute pleasure.”

The How to Use Dianetics DVD has revolutionized the application of Dianetics.  This two-disk DVD set is a step-by-step, visual guide to Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard. It contains 18 short films comprising four and a half hours of information illustrating specific Dianetics principles and techniques, making it easy for anyone to understand and use Dianetics.  The first one and a half hour-long DVD is the basis of the new Dianetics Seminar, available in Scientology Churches and Missions in cities around the world.

When they arrived at the Los Feliz Mission on Saturday morning, those attending the seminar watched the first DVD.  As they completed each section, the seminar leader led attendees in a discussion of the principles they had just learned.  And after a break for lunch the real fun began—the Los Feliz seminar attendees were eager, confident and ready to apply Dianetics techniques to one another.

Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health was first published in 1950. The DVD gives many graphic examples of the discoveries L. Ron Hubbard documented in the book, including the existence of the “engram”—a complete recording, down to the last accurate detail, of every perception present in a moment of partial or full “unconsciousness.”

“It was amazing—being able to experience the phenomena of an engram for myself,” said one seminar attendee.  “Giving and receiving the sessions was really great,” said another, who came to the seminar with a friend and described being able to help him with Dianetics as “awesome”.

The Church of Scientology Mission of Los Feliz is located at 1934 Hillhurst Avenue in Los Angeles, California.  For more information, visit its web site at www.missionoflosfeliz.com.  To learn more about Dianetics and the How to Use Dianetics DVD visit the Dianetics web site at www.dianetics.org.

The Church of Scientology YouTube Channel is releasing 50 new “Meet a Scientologist” testimonial videos, featuring documentary video clips of Scientologists from various professional backgrounds, their stories about what Scientology is, and how practicing Scientology religious beliefs has impacted their lives.

The Church of Scientology International is launching a series of testimonial videos on its official YouTube Channel called “Meet a Scientologist,” which showcase the lives and careers of everyday Scientologists. YouTube users will be able to view 50 videos to start, with 100 more videos scheduled to follow in the upcoming months as part of the Church’s continuing efforts to expand its presence in the world’s largest online video community.

The “Meet a Scientologist” videos, which were shot on location, focus on individual Scientologists who explain how the religion has helped them, whether by teaching effective communication skills, learning to be confident in their abilities, or generally improving their life. Videos highlight members of Scientology from all over the world and all kinds of professions, including doctors, educators, inventors, athletes, actors, musicians, students, photographers, business owners and more.

These new videos are based on one of the core principles of the Scientology religion. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, discovered that understanding is composed of affinity, reality and communication. With the conviction that this applies to any aspect of life, the Church of Scientology seeks to increase understanding of Scientology and Scientologists by applying this principle to online video, while at the same time, providing information through personal stories.

A pioneer and leader in the online religious community, the Church of Scientology was the first religion to create its own official YouTube Video Channel in April 2008, with 82 broadcast-quality videos comprising nearly three hours of content in a unique video player. To date, it has been seen by over 2 million visitors. The Church of Scientology has also launched an online public information campaign with 30 and 60-second flash presentation conveying the essence of Scientology. These spots address the most fundamental questions people ask about life–questions for which Scientology has effective answers.

To watch the new “Meet a Scientologist” videos, visit the Scientology Video Channel on YouTube at video channel at http://www.youtube.com/ChurchofScientology.

The Church of Scientology of Tampa held a new kind of Dianetics seminar. The results were nothing less than spectacular.

The Church of Scientology of Tampa held a Dianetics seminar this weekend, to rave results.  In fact, this was one of the first of an entirely new kind of Dianetics seminar—a kind just announced at an international Scientology event.

Each summer, every Scientology church and mission holds events on four consecutive weekends.  Each features a televised speech by Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, on Scientology activities, Church expansion and the religion’s humanitarian campaigns.

This year, one of these events featured news about Dianetics, and released a brand new Dianetics Seminar, predicted to bring about a Dianetics boom even greater than the one inspired by the original publication of Dianetics almost 60 years ago.

The word “Dianetics” means “what the soul is doing to the body through the mind,” and traditionally, a Dianetics Seminar is a weekend-long activity by the end of which attendees get their first taste of what Dianetics can do for them and how they can use it to help themselves and others.

Dianetics counseling is called “auditing” from the Latin word “audire”—to listen—and Dianetics seminars involve “co-auditing” which stands for cooperative auditing.  In other words, the attendees are divided into groups of two, and those two people learn how to use Dianetics and go back and forth helping each other with Dianetics procedures all weekend.

But while this seminar followed that same traditional format, and all the attendees paired up to help each other, at that point the similarity to past Dianetics seminars ended, as the new format brings the weekend-long event soundly into the 21st Century.

The centerpiece of the new seminar is a DVD that presents what Mr. Miscavige described as “Dianetics from A to Z in a fashion that was not even conceivable just a few years ago.”

Using the latest audio-visual and special effects technology, in one and a half hours the DVD presents the essential concepts of Dianetics, and gets the person ready for auditing.  Attendees gain so much understand of Dianetics that they know exactly what to do and are ready to do it!

As soon as this new type of Dianetics seminar was announced, people from all around the Tampa Bay area called in and signed up.  And early on Saturday morning, the 18th of July 2009, they started pouring in to the Church of Scientology of Tampa to get their first taste of Dianetics.  Held both in English and Spanish the seminar got its attendees excited from the start.

One attendee said she finally understands why she has always been so fearful.  One man, after four hours of Dianetics counseling, hugged the supervisor on his way out, stating, “I feel like you gave me ‘me’ back.  I am finally able to be myself.” After his first Dianetics session, another man described the experience as “empowering.” He wants to become a professional auditor now, to bring Dianetics to his country in Africa and help his people.

One man discovered the source of his fear of heights and overcame it fully.  A woman found two incidents in her past that were making her feel “crazy” and had ruined her life for the last 26 years.  “All my life I felt like a failure,” wrote another attendee, “but my fears were addressed through auditing.”

In Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health, L. Ron Hubbard described Dianetics as “an adventure.  It is an exploration into Terra Incognita, the human mind, the vast and hitherto unknown realm half an inch back of our foreheads.”  He goes on to say, “Your are beginning an adventure.  Treat it as an adventure.  And may you never be the same again.”

For those who participated in the first new Dianetics seminar at the Church of Scientology of Tampa, that adventure has truly begun.

Dianetics “Bookathons” bring help to people in countries around the world.

First published in 1950, Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health  is the best selling self-help book of all time.  And at Dianetics “Bookathons,” Scientologists set up tables and booths in parks, at fairs and right on the street and introduce people to Dianetics in countries all over the world.

Dianetics “Bookathons” are worldwide action days where Scientology church and mission staff and volunteers help people locate the points of stress in their lives. The word “Dianetics” means “what the soul is doing to the body through the mind,” and these “stress tests” show people how Dianetics can help them deal with the source of their problems.

Since New Years 2009, when David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center announced the release of the new paperback edition of Dianetics and 8 other Dianetics and Scientology titles of L. Ron Hubbard in 50 languages, a virtual Dianetics boom has exploded.

From New York to Nepal and Lithuania to Los Angeles, people want to know what makes them tick.  And from Norway to New Zealand and Brazil to the Balkans they are learning the answers.

In Russian and Greek, Swahili and Arabic, people are learning that painful experiences of the past have an effect on the present.  In Macedonian and Tagalog, Urdu and Portuguese they are discovering why they make the same mistakes over and over again. Norwegian students and Thai monks are finding out what causes their self-doubt and unhappiness. And Hungarian factory workers and Indonesian healthcare professionals are learning how to achieve their full potential.

In the last three months alone, thanks to Dianetics Bookathons in 2,602 locations on 5 continents, more than half a million new copies of books by L. Ron Hubbard are now in the hands of people who are looking for solutions.

For more information visit the web site of Bridge Publications and New Era Publications, publishers of the books of L. Ron Hubbard

- The Church’s property holdings internationally have more than doubled in the last 5 years. The combined size of Church premises increased from 5.6 million square feet in 2004 to 11 million square feet in 2009.

- The Church has acquired 66 buildings since 2004 in major population centers around the world.

- The Church has completed 401,003 square feet of construction of new premises in the last 5 months. It currently has under construction another 475,887 square feet, including Churches in Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Quebec, Mexico City, Brussels, Rome and Tel Aviv.

- There are 8,071 Scientology Churches, Missions and groups in 165 nations, double the number five years ago.

- 80 million L. Ron Hubbard books and lectures on Dianetics and Scientology have been sold in the last decade, compared to 5.6 million in the prior decade, and 60 of that 80 million have been sold in the last two years-more than during the first 50 years of Dianetics and Scientology combined.

- The number of individuals completing auditing and training has doubled since 2007.

- Since the Church undertook to publish and reproduce its scriptural materials in-house in 2007, the average price of Mr. Hubbard’s books and lectures sold has decreased dramatically.

- There were 12.4 million visitors to the Scientology website in the last year alone coming from 234 countries, with 23 million video views.

- 4.5 million pages of L. Ron Hubbard’s writings have been translated in the last 10 years alone compared to a total of 359,459 for the prior 50 years, making him the most translated author in history-according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

- Today there are 196,000 Scientology Volunteer Ministers worldwide-there were 45,000 in 2004. Volunteer Ministers helped over 1.4 million people in the last year alone, a 300% increase over the 2004 figure of 550,000 people helped.

Staff and volunteers of the Church of Scientology of Malmö take to the streets to share the good news about Dianetics with their community

Malmö-Since its grand opening in April, staff and members of the Church of Scientology of Malmö have been introducing their neighbors in the greater Malmö area to Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health, and its potential for bringing about important reforms and improvements in the city.

First published in May 1950, this perennial bestseller has even more relevance today than it did 59 years ago. And nowhere more so than in the greater Malmö area.

The people of Malmö face enormous challenges. According to one recent article, unemployment in the Rosengaard district of the city is 70 percent, crime affects one of every three Malmö families each year and the number of rapes has tripled over the past 20 years.

The first step in changing any situation is understanding the underlying causes of the problem. In addition to revealing why people act the way they do and how to dramatically improve the quality of life on a one-on-one basis, Dianetics also “embraces the conditions and processes of leadership and intergroup relations,” explaining how groups, cultures and even nations become irrational. It goes on to state, “There is no national problem in the world today which cannot be resolved by reason alone.”

L. Ron Hubbard wrote Dianetics so that anyone could read it and easily learn techniques to help people overcome the most unwanted conditions in their lives. In addition to making this book broadly available, the Church of Scientology of Malmö offers Dianetics Seminars courses and profession training at its new headquarters at Sockerbruksgatan 2, Arlöv, 23 235 Malmö.

For more information, contact the Church of Scientology of Malmö or visit the Dianetics web site.