Today Show covers the work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Haiti.
“They were at Ground Zero following 9/11, they were at Katrina, and now they’re here, often doing the work that no one else wants to.”
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.
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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.
Nearly 1,000 Scientologists and their guests from across Europe attended the dedication of the Brussels branch of the Churches of Scientology for Europe on Saturday.
Brussels January 27, 2010—A representative of Church of Scientology International, the Mother Church of the Scientology religion, officiated at the ceremony held in the early-20th-century historic structure at Boulevard de Waterloo 100-103.
Presiding was the Reverend Robert Adams of the Los Angeles-based Church of Scientology International. In welcoming the parishioners, staff and guests from more than a dozen countries, he introduced the new Brussels branch as “an international Church for an international city, dedicated to helping all the people of Europe.”
Rev. Adams called the opening the “beginning of a new era for Scientology parishioners and all residents of Belgium and Europe. You are always welcome in our Churches, and we invite you to participate with us as we serve the larger community with effective solutions to uplift the visible decay of the society in which we live.”
Distinguished guest speakers participating in the dedication of the new Church were the Honorable Hugo Coveliers, Senator in the Belgian Parliament; Professor Abolfazl Beheshti, Professor of International Relations and Energy Economy at the University of Lille, France; The Honorable Juan Ferreiro, Spain’s Deputy Director General for Religious Affairs at the Spanish Ministry of Justice; Ms. Katalin Szomor, expert member of the Drugs Commission of the Hungarian Parliament and former national drug coordinator; and the Reverend Christopher Vonck, Rector of the Faculty for Comparative Study of Religions at the University of Antwerp.
In his address to the Scientologists and guests, Senator Coveliers said, “This new Church in the capital city of Europe stands as a beautiful testament to your help, and you can be certain of my continued support. You care for people, and this Church is such an example of this attitude.”
The new Church in Brussels has undergone extensive renovation not only to accommodate all Scientology religious services but also as a home for the community services provided through the many activities and humanitarian programs of Church members.
The 88,000-square-foot Church includes an expansive Information Hall housing a multimedia exhibit describing the religion’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 Churches of Scientology in servicing every community in which they reside as well as other communities around the world.
There is also an auditorium for congregational gatherings which also serves as a Chapel for Sunday services, weddings and naming ceremonies; a Documentation Center containing the written and spoken materials of L. Ron Hubbard; rooms for religious training and religious counseling; and Public Affairs offices and meeting rooms to coordinate human rights initiatives across Europe with like-minded organizations.
Rev. Adams closed the ceremony with these words from Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard:
“Change no man’s religion, change no man’s politics, interrupt the sovereignty of no nation. Instead, teach man to use what he has and what he knows to the factual creation, within any political reference, of a civilization on Earth for the first time.”
The new Brussels branch is the third Church of Scientology opened in Europe in the past year. In April 2009 a new Church opened in the Swedish seaport city of Malmo, and in October 2009 a new Church was opened in Rome.
Brussels, Malmo and Rome now join a roster of new Churches of Scientology opened in capitals across Europe, including the National Church of Scientology of Spain, in Madrid’s Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of Berlin, Germany, near the Brandenburg Gate; and the Church of Scientology of London, England, located in the epicenter of the city.
To serve growing congregations and their communities, major Churches of Scientology were also opened in the United States in 2009: In Texas, the Church of Scientology of Dallas, opened in April 2009; in Tennessee, the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Center Nashville, opened in April 2009; and in the nation’s capital, the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, opened in October 2009.
An additional three Churches of Scientology are scheduled for ribbon cutting in February 2010, with another 12 new Churches scheduled for completion before the end of the year.
On the New York Times blog, Robert Mackey describes relief efforts of John Travolta and wife Kelley Preston, quoting Travolta as saying, “We have the ability to actually help make a difference in the situation in Haiti, and I just can’t see not using this plane to help.”
Travolta flew four tons of ready-to-eat meals, medical supplies, a team of doctors and other relief specialists and Scientology Volunteer Ministers to Haiti, Monday January 25th.
Coverage includes a video clip from AP.
Click to read full article and watch video.
“I want to go to Haiti with the Scientology Volunteer Ministers to help my people.” - Jude Falaise
When a flight chartered by the Church of Scientology leaves Los Angeles for Port-au-Prince on January 21, Haitian Jude Falaise and her 16-year-old son will be on board. Falaise lost 11 family members-brothers, sisters and cousins-in the 7.0 earthquake January 12 and says she wants to help those who did survive.
While receiving grief counseling last week at a Los Angeles Church of Scientology, Falaise learned that the Church was organizing a flight to Haiti for doctors, nurses, EMTs and Volunteer Ministers. She contacted the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Disaster Relief Coordinator to offer her family’s homes in Port-au-Prince as housing for volunteers, and when she learned of their work, she decided to join the volunteer team herself.
“I’m leaving the comfort of my home and I’m taking my teenage son with me to go volunteer. What if it was me there with my family, my husband, my children? I feel it is my duty to go.”
She has also contacted doctors in Port-au-Prince to encourage them to work with the Volunteer Ministers.
More than 100, including Scientology Volunteer Ministers and medical personnel, will be on Thursday’s flight to Port-au-Prince to join teams already there, including 126 Haitian doctors, nurses, EMTs and Volunteer Ministers who arrived on a January 16 charter flight from New York organized by the Church of Scientology. The Volunteer Ministers are stationed in Port-au-Prince Airport, where they are helping allocating medical personnel, distributing water and food and giving spiritual first aid to relieve shock, stress, exhaustion and trauma.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers Corps is an embracive program of the Church of Scientology to provide community service, disaster relief and emergency response. Created more than 30 years ago by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the program has expanded to 203,000 Volunteer Ministers worldwide who have served at 145 worst-case disaster sites, including Ground Zero after 9/11, the Southeast Asia tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.
For more information on the Haiti disaster relief effort visit the Scientology Volunteer Ministers blog.
WUSA9 TV reports that more than a dozens volunteers from the Church of Scientology provided help at the Haitian embassy in D.C. today. Many Haitians lost family members in the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck on Tuesday. “We can see these people are in big trouble,” one Scientology Volunteer Minister says. “We are here to help.”
See the full TV clip on WUSA9.com
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers Disaster Response Coordinator has put out a call for Volunteer Ministers to travel to Haiti, in response to the January 12, 2010, magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive estimates the death toll from the earthquake, which destroyed most of the Capital City of Port-au-Prince, could reach hundreds of thousands. Lack of resources and decimated infrastructure in Haiti, the least-developed country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world according to the US State Department, is severely hampering the search and rescue operation and care for the survivors.
For information on how to join the Volunteer Ministers team in Haiti or to sponsor a volunteer to go contact the Volunteer Ministers Disaster Response Coordinator at vm@volunteerministers.org
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.
Scientology Churches on six continents called attention to human rights issues on Human Rights Day, with dozens of events including rallies, human rights walks, round tables, concerts and petition drives. To raise awareness of human rights and bring about much needed reforms, Scientologists are calling for human rights education in all schools as the first prerequisite to guarantee human rights internationally.
Human Rights Day is the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the UN General Assembly in 1948. The document was drafted by a committee of scholars and humanitarians chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt to prevent a repeat of the atrocities of World War II. The Preamble to the Declaration proclaimed the UDHR “as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations,” and stated that “every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms.”
Now 61 years later, human rights education is not part of most schools’ curriculums, and human rights violations rival those of the past. According to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, there are an estimated 27 million enslaved today. Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro reported that an estimated 2 million or more women are trafficked across borders every year.
“Education is vital to guarantee human rights,” said Tracie Morrow, Youth Coordinator for the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International. “L. Ron Hubbard said, ‘human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream,’ and ensuring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is broadly understood is a vital first step.”
To raise awareness of the UDHR, Scientology volunteers in Munich, Germany helped produce an event featuring educational video presentations on the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration, accompanied by musical performances, and speeches by young activists on the impact of human rights violations on their own and others’ lives. In Sweden, Scientologists set up a booth on a walking street in the seaport city of Malmö where they collected hundreds of signatures on their petition calling for human rights education. In Florida, Scientologists participated in a walk for human rights and a human rights poetry workshop.
In Russia, the Church of Scientology in partnership with Youth for Human Rights and the Moscow chapter of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights held a Human Rights Day celebration at the Central House of Journalists in Moscow. More than a hundred human rights advocates, including representatives of a wide variety of religious groups, the country’s Human Rights Committee, the Moscow Police Department and a former ombudsman of the Russian Federation participated and coordinated their activities for the coming year.
Dozens of other events and petition drives were held across the United States and in Canada, Europe, India, Japan, South Africa and Kenya.
For more information on the human rights initiative of the Church of Scientology, visit the Scientology site at www.scientology.org.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers India Goodwill Tour Leader, Ms. Marion Whitta, originally from Australia, is interviewed on what the Tour has accomplished over the past four years and their plans for the future.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers India Goodwill Tour Leader, Marion Whitta, a native of Australia, has become something of an institution in India. For the past four years she has been traveling throughout the country bringing help to cities, villages and townships, and training tens of thousands in spiritual technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard.
Whitta shares her thoughts about India and the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program.
Scientology Newsroom: How did you get the assignment to lead the Scientology Volunteer Ministers India Goodwill Tour?
M.W.: I had always wanted to go to India. I was drawn by the spiritual heritage of the country, which is the oldest religious tradition on Earth. I was also inspired by Mahatma Gandhi—the man himself, his courage and his commitment to human rights and freedom.
So in 2005 when I was given the opportunity to go to India, I was thrilled with the opportunity to reach out to people who were already aware of their spiritual nature and bring Mr. Hubbard’s spiritual technology to more than a billion people. And I had the perfect means to do so—the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program and its purpose to bring help everywhere and anywhere.
Scientology Newsroom: Tell us about the Goodwill Tour?
M.W.: Since arriving in September 2005 we have visited Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty, Pondicherry and Ahmedabad. We’ve also visited many villages and townships, and we even spent a few weeks in neighboring Nepal.
In each city we visit, we contact government, religious and community leaders and find out what they see as the most pressing needs that we can assist with. We then tailor our work to fit the needs of the people in each region.
In every area we visit, we train as many people as possible to administer Scientology Volunteer Ministers techniques. We deliver these courses in our big yellow tent and seminars and workshops in universities, schools, government offices, police departments, military camps, even in apartment complexes—wherever people want to learn how to help, and wherever help is needed.
Once people learn this technology virtually everyone wants to be a Scientology Volunteer and we help them set up their own groups. These groups in turn reach out to those in need. For example, our Kolkata group mobilized a team of volunteers last year to assist survivors of the floods in Bihar. After the Mumbai terror attacks, Scientology Volunteers from throughout India poured in to help in our disaster response activities.
Scientology Newsroom: What is the Scientology Volunteer Ministers movement?
M.W.: I think Mr. Hubbard described it perfectly when he wrote, “…if one is going to find fault with something, it implies that he wishes to do something about it and would if he could. If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”
Scientologists work to guarantee human rights for all children
Scientology Churches and their members, from Australia to Zimbabwe and Canada to the Ukraine celebrate the rights of children by demanding action by private citizens and governments on International Children’s Day. Twenty years ago the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, yet millions of children still die each year from preventable causes.
Scientologists ask:
· If the Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees freedom from want, why do almost 16,000 children die of malnutrition—one child every five seconds?
· If children have the right to life, why did nearly 10 million children die in 2006 before they reached their fifth birthday?
· Why did an estimated 2 million children lose at least one parent to AIDS in southern Africa in 2003, a number expected to rise to 18 million in the year 2010?
· Why have an estimated 20 million children been forced to flee their homes because of conflict and human rights violations?
· How could 10,000 children be killed or maimed last year by landmines? Why have more than 2 million children died and 6 million been permanently disabled or seriously injured through armed conflicts?
· How come 300,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 have been pressed into service as child soldiers?
· And why do one million children suffer from sexual exploitation every year?
Churches of Scientology believe the answer lies with each of us, that only when people know their rights and freedoms will they insist on their enforcement, not only for themselves but for others.
That is why Scientology Churches partner with Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) and United for Human Rights (UHR) in distributing the documentary The Story of Human Rights.
Released in June 2009 The Story of Human Rights is an educational tour de force, making the subject of human rights, its history and ramifications understandable to a very broad audience, used to getting their information as entertainment in this multimedia age. The film lays the responsibility for implementing human rights where it belongs—with each one of us, to fight for our own rights and the rights of others.
The Story of Human Rights explains that although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, “…it did not have the force of law. It was optional. And despite many more documents, conventions, treaties and laws, it is still little more than words on a page.”
The film ends with a hard-hitting appeal to the individual: “Those who fight today against torture, poverty and discrimination are not giants or superheroes. They are people—kids, mothers, fathers, teachers—free-thinking individuals who refuse to be silent, who realize that human rights are not a history lesson, they’re not words on a page, they’re not speeches or commercials or PR campaigns. They are the choices we make every day as human beings. They are the responsibility we all share, to respect each other, to help each other and to protect those in need.”
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard once wrote, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.” Understanding human rights is the first step in bringing this about.
To sign a petition to mandate human rights education in schools in your country or to watch The Story of Human Rights online, visit www.humanrights.com. To learn more about the human rights education initiative of the Church of Scientology, visit the Scientology site.
Scientology Churches work to make human rights a fact by pressing for human rights education.
Scientology Churches in cities around the world observe the United Nations-designated International Day for Tolerance Monday, November 16 with petition drives calling on their countries to mandate human rights education.
When 50 nations signed the United Nations Charter on June 26, 1945, “to save future generations from the scourge of war,” they expressed their belief that such a dream requires we “practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors.”
In that spirit, Churches of Scientology are marking the International Day for Tolerance by asking people in communities worldwide to sign the petition calling for human rights education. Tracie Morrow, Human Rights Youth Coordinator for the Church of Scientology International Human Rights Department, said “Article 1 of the Universal Declaration states that we are all born free and equal. It is tolerance of the differences in people that makes such a belief possible and brings about Article 3, freedom from discrimination, Article 11, the right to equality under the law, and so many other basic concepts expressed in this document.”
In the Creed of the Church of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard wrote: “We of the Church believe that all men of whatever race, color, or creed were created with equal rights.” “Because the Church of Scientology was founded on a belief in human rights and tolerance,” said Ms. Morrow, “it is a natural progression to support tolerance in all forms.”
The human rights petition states that the fundamental rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) are not yet a reality, as human right abuses constitute a worldwide problem and give rise to ethnic, racial and religious conflicts. The petition calls on the governments of the world to mandate human rights education as the first step in bringing about tolerance, which the visionaries who crafted the UDHR recognized as the crucial element in a lasting peace.
To learn more about the human rights initiative of the Church of Scientology, visit the Scientology site at www.scientology.org. To sign the human rights petition online, visit www.humanrights.com/#/petition.
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.
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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.
Scientology books now available to 90 percent of global book market.
Frankfurt, Germany, October 2009—Bridge Publications dominates its category at the Frankfurt Book Fair opening Oct. 14, as it releases eight popular non-fiction titles by L. Ron Hubbard in 50 languages. Los Angeles-based Bridge Publications Inc. is the publishing arm of the Scientology religion and one of the world’s largest all-digital printers. In the announcement to the trade, Nicole Shell, Director of Public Relations of Bridge Publications, said this means the most popular basic Scientology books are now available to 90 percent of the global book market.
The numbers are impressive: The translations took five years and consisted of 103,350 pages containing 21.1 million words. A corps of 928 translators and 84 staff supervisors put in 139,580 hours so readers in 188 countries now have these books in their native languages, many for the first time.
L. Ron Hubbard is named in the Guinness World Records as Most Translated Author (71 languages). One of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, L. Ron Hubbard has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list with 19 separate titles. His works have sold 230 million copies in 150 countries including 22 million copies of Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health alone. The Guinness Book of Records recognized Mr. Hubbard for the most published works by one author (1,084) in Oct. 2006, and in April 2009 for the most published audio books (185).
The eight newly translated Hubbard works are: Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health; Dianetics: The Original Thesis; Dianetics: The Evolution of a Science; Self Analysis; Scientology The Fundamentals of Thought; The Problems of Work: Scientology Applied to the Workaday World; Scientology: A New Slant on Life; and The Way to Happiness. They are now available in their original English and the following 50 languages: Afrikaans, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Brazilian Portuguese, Bulgarian, Chinese (simplified), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Farsi, Filipino, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kazakh, Korean, Kyrgyz, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Nepali, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhalese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish (Castilian), Spanish (Latin American), Swahili, Swedish, Taiwanese, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Those attending the Fair can find the Bridge Publications booth in Hall 8.0 at stand A978.
For more information about L. Ron Hubbard and his works, watch a short biographical video at the Scientology web site or visit www.lronhubbard.org. For more information on the books of L. Ron Hubbard visit www.bridgepub.com or contact Nicole Shell, Director of Public Affairs, Bridge Publications, Inc., (323) 888-6200 nshell@bridgepub.com
Today, the European Court of Human Rights ruled unanimously in favor of two Scientology religious groups in Russia, finding that they have the right to be registered as religious organizations under Russian law. This decision determines that members of the Church of Scientology of Surgut and the Church of Scientology of Nizhnekamsk have the right to religious freedom and freedom of association pursuant to Articles 9 and 11 of the European Human Rights Convention.
The Church’s human rights counsel, Bill Walsh, stated: “The judgment of the European Court of Human Rights today is a great victory for religious freedom in Russia and in all 47 member countries of the Council of Europe. The case is given the highest rating of importance by the Court itself as it effectively kills the repressive 15 Year Rule, denying religious organizations rights until they have existed in the country for 15 years. Moreover, the ruling will have great impact on countries throughout the European Community that have passed similar restrictions to repress religious freedom. So it is not only a victory for religious freedom in Russia, but for religious freedom everywhere in the Council of Europe.”
In 1997, the Russian government passed laws preventing religious organizations from forming legally unless they could prove they had been in existence in their respective state(s) for 15 years. Such a law obviously discriminates against religions not established in a state for 15 years and has now been ruled as unlawful by the European Court of Human Rights.
In reaching this decision, the Court “established that the applicants were unable to obtain recognition and effective enjoyment of their rights to freedom of religion and association in any organisational form. The first applicant could not obtain registration of the Scientology group as a non-religious legal entity because it was considered to be a religious community by the Russian authorities. The applications for registration as a religious organisation submitted by the first and second applicants as founders of their respective groups… were denied by reference to the insufficient period of the groups’ existence. Finally, the restricted status of a religious group for which they qualified… conveyed no practical or effective benefits to them as such a group was deprived of legal personality, property rights and the legal capacity to protect the interests of its members and was also severely hampered in the fundamental aspects of its religious functions.¨ Accordingly, the Court finds that there has been an interference with the applicants’ rights under Article 9 interpreted in the light of Article 11.”
Along with the recent decision of the Court in favor of the right of the Moscow Church of Scientology to be registered as a religious organization under the Religion law, these cases represent precedent-setting rulings that guarantee the freedom of religion and right of association for Scientologists and people of all faiths throughout the 47 nations that comprise the Council of Europe.
The Court concluded that “In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Court finds that the interference with the applicants’ rights to freedom of religion and association cannot be said to have been “necessary in a democratic society.” There has therefore been a violation of Article 9 of the Convention, interpreted in the light of Article 11.”
The Russian Scientology Church in St. Petersburg also has cases pending in the European Court of Human Rights for similar discriminatory harassment concerning their registration.
The Scientology religion was founded by L. Ron Hubbard. The first church was established in the United States in 1954. It has grown to more than 8,000 churches, missions and groups and millions of members in 165 nations. The Russian Federation has more than 70 Scientology Churches and missions from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok.
For more information about Scientology, see www.scientology-moscow.ru or www.scientology.org.
Click here for the press release of the European Court of Human Rights
The Church of Scientology “Know Yourself-Know Life,” cross-platform ad campaign, airing on cable TV, satellite TV channels and the Internet, has brought 10 million visitors to Scientology.org.
The Church of Scientology International announced today that since the launch of its new public information campaign four months ago, 10 million people have visited the Scientology site at www.Scientology.org.
“Scientology: Know Yourself-Know Life” consists of three video ads running on 36 TV networks and the Internet. The messages give viewers a glimpse of what Scientology is and what Scientologists believe. “You are not your name,” one begins. “You’re not your job. You’re not the clothes you wear or the neighborhood you live in.” The ad goes on to tell the viewer, “You are a spirit that will never die” and ends with an invitation to visit the Scientology website and learn the answers Man has sought about himself and life at-large.
This public information campaign, and flash versions of the TV ads which launched simultaneously on the Internet, tell people to visit the Scientology site at www.scientology.org, where visitors can select from more than three hours of video clips to learn the answers to the questions the new ads raise and to learn what Scientology is and what Scientologists believe and do.
The site also features an eight-minute biographical profile of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard and videos about the social betterment and humanitarian programs the Church sponsors.
Among the most popular destinations on www.scientology.org are the “Meet a Scientologist” testimonial videos. In more than 150 30- to 60-second documentary video clips, Scientologists of all ages and walks of life, from countries around the world, tell their stories of why they became Scientologists and how they have used Scientology to improve their lives and accomplish their goals and dreams.
The “Know Yourself-Know Life” messages are running on TV, satellite and cable across the United States throughout the day on MTV, Discovery, ESPN2, The Learning Channel, CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports and others, and will continue on cable and satellite TV channels, and on the Internet, throughout 2009.
A spectacular flag display performed by youth delegates representing 26 countries opened the 6th Annual International Human Rights Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, home of the United Nations Office of Human Rights.
Attended by human rights advocates, officials, diplomatic corps and NGOs, the three-day Summit was opened by president and founder of Youth for Human Rights International, Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, key organizer of the three-day conference, and co-organizer Mr. Adalbert Nouga of non-governmental organization Village Suisse. Both highlighted the purpose of the Summit aimed at youth representatives: to increase awareness of human rights and the use of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the tool to resolve human rights violations.
The Summit premiered the international release of “The Story of Human Rights,” a striking new short film produced with the support of the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International. The documentary defines in simple terms the subject of human rights. Shuttleworth said the film is “a gift to the millions on all continents, out to the far corners of the world, as was the vision of Eleanor Roosevelt.” Roosevelt was one of the authors and chief proponents of the 30-article Declaration, spearheading its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
The roster of speakers included ambassadors, academics and religious leaders, pointing to the vital necessity of improving human rights worldwide in the face of statistics such as some 800,000 people trafficked across international borders each year with annual profits as high as $7 billion, and children as young as 13 sold into forced labor, prostitution, pornography, organ removal, or even as child soldiers.
In a moving address, Ms. Allida Black, project director and editor of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers and Research Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University, said that failure to implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights would be like “spitting on the grave of Martin Luther King, spitting on the grave of Mahatma Gandhi, or betraying Nelson Mandela.”
Ms. Anne Archer, Academy-award-nominated actress and founder of the international Artists for Human Rights, presented the Youth for Human Rights Activist Awards for 2009. Awardees include Georgi Naydenov, director of Help the Needy Foundation, Bulgaria; Petar Grigorov Gramatikov, from Dialogue Center, Bulgaria; Niki Lanik, a champion race driver from the United Kingdom; and Tony Mathipa, a young human rights activist from South Africa.
The Summit also included a Human Rights Education interactive workshop and an interreligious service uniting and challenging people of many faiths to pursue peace.
Rukshan Fernando, 17, delegate from Sri Lanka stated: “Youth for Human Rights International is a beacon for hope in a sea of darkness and will be the voice of the future when other voices are lost in the past.”
Ms. Ndioro Ndiaye, Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) cited Youth for Human Rights’ call for empowerment and responsibility of all people as exemplary of “Ghandi’s maxim ‘you must be the change you want to see in the world.’ ”
The first Human Rights Summit was held in August 2004 at United Nations Headquarters and UNICEF House in New York City and has alternated with Los Angeles every year since then. In 2005 the Summit was held in Los Angeles; in 2006 in New York again, at United Nations Headquarters; in 2007 at the University of California-Los Angeles, and in 2008, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Youth for Human Rights International is a non-profit, secular organization founded in 2001 by educator Mary Shuttleworth to teach human rights to young people. YHRI brings awareness and knowledge of the United Nations Universal Declaration for Human Rights to youth through essay and art contests and by providing materials for students and teaching guides for schools.
The Church of Scientology YouTube Channel adds 10 new documentary video clips to its series of personal stories from Scientologists around the world.
The Church of Scientology International has expanded the “Meet a Scientologist” testimonial video series on its YouTube Channel with 10 new documentary videos featuring Scientologists from a wide range of locations and walks of life. The “Meet a Scientologist” series includes educators, teenagers, skydivers, a golf instructor, hip-hop dancer, IT manager, stunt pilot, mothers, fathers, dentists, photographers, actors, musicians, fashion designers, engineers, students, business owners, and more.
In continuing with the Church of Scientology’s program to expand its presence in the world’s largest online video community, the first 50 “Meet a Scientologist” videos went live online on the official Church of Scientology YouTube Channel on August 18.
Specially designed for the Internet, the series is based on a core Scientology principle discovered by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, that understanding is composed of affinity, reality and communication. Applying these elements—commonly referred to as A-R-C—to increase understanding of Scientologists and Scientology, the online “Meet a Scientologist” documentary videos give Church members the opportunity to tell about their lives in personal terms—who they are, what they do, what is important about their lives, and how Scientology helps them achieve their goals. To watch the new videos, visit the Scientology Video Channel on YouTube www.youtube.com/ChurchofScientology.
A pioneer and leader in the online religious community, the Church of Scientology was the first religion to create its own YouTube Video Channel, drawing some 2.2 million viewers since launching in April 2008. The Channel is comprised of broadcast-quality video content in a unique video player. The Church is also conducting a cross-platform campaign on spiritual values that includes Internet specialty and video ads airing on MTV, Discovery, ESPN2, The Learning Channel, CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports and others.
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 Scientology Disaster Relief Team is on site with emergency workers and flood victims helping bring order and relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot.
Southern Taiwan is experiencing its worst flooding in 25 years from Typhoon Morakot and Scientology Volunteer Ministers are helping with urgent services and care of flood victims.
The Volunteers relief efforts are concentrated on getting food to the victims, as well as providing support to emergency services personnel and trauma relief. When officials coordinating the relief effort requested food as the first priority, the Scientologists immediately arranged for 3,000 loaves of bread to be brought to emergency shelters.
In the regions of Bu-Dai and Dun-Shi, the Volunteer Team also provided and taught Scientology Assists—simple procedures developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, that help overcome the emotional and spiritual side of trauma that accompany injury, stress or shock.
Emergency workers also receive Assists to help them remain alert and effective through lack of sleep and extreme stress.
In Chai-Tung, one of the worst hit flood areas, Scientologists and other volunteer groups are serving 200 victims at an evacuation center and a vocation school, while anticipating the arrival of another thousand refugees.
For further information on the Volunteer Ministers and their work, go to VolunteerMinisters.org.
A third of a century since its creation by L. Ron Hubbard, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program has indeed become a force for good
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program was launched in 1976 with the following challenge by L. Ron Hubbard: “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”
In a third of a century since Mr. Hubbard created this program, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers have grown to an international force for help.
There has been remarkable growth of the program in the first decade of the 21st Century. Today there are 196,000 Scientology Volunteer Ministers worldwide, compared to 45,000 in 2005 and 6,000 in 2001.
Volunteer Ministers have helped over 1.4 million people in the last year, a 300 percent increase over the 2004 figure of 550,000 people. Volunteer Ministers have helped 10.8 million people since 9/11.
Over 750,000 people have visited the Volunteer Ministers Internet site in the last year alone, with thousands of people starting free online Volunteer Minister Courses in the last months.
18 Continental Volunteer Ministers traveling centers have toured through 116 countries covering over 300,000 miles (more than 140,000 miles within the past year).
The 135 regional Volunteer Ministers traveling centers—the signature yellow tents attached to Churches of Scientology in major cultural centers—have toured throughout their cities or towns helping hundreds of thousands yearly.
Volunteer Ministers have been involved in disaster relief efforts in 126 major disaster sites—42 locations in the last year alone.
Volunteer Ministers have trained and partnered with more than 500 different organizations and agencies including the Red Cross, FEMA, National Guard, and local police and fire departments.
For more information, or to arrange a free seminar or enroll on an online course, visit the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers India Goodwill Tour has moved on to Ahmedabad in the State of Gujarat
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers India Goodwill Tour has moved on to the city of Ahmedabad in the State of Gujarat.
As in other cities in India where the volunteers have toured, their seminars have been very popular in colleges and universities.
One such seminar, in the technology of study, was held to great results at the Gujarat University Law School. Law students need to learn, retain and use a great deal of information, and the students at the law school found their seminar extremely useful.
Scientology volunteer ministers provide seminars and workshops on practical tools and skills developed by L. Ron Hubbard, as covered in the Scientology Handbook. These include communication skills, conflict resolution and the basics of organization. Any group wishing to arrange a seminar can request one online through the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site.
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
Scientology volunteers, who helped in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack, trained those who train the state’s Civil Defense force and Home Guard
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers India Goodwill Tour is working with the Maharashtra State Civil Defense and Home Guard to equip them with skills they need cope with disaster.
Mumbai is the capital of the State of Maharashtra. With an estimated 13,500,000 people living there, it is the largest city in India by population and the 6th largest in the world.
Last November’s Mumbai terrorist attacks, with coordinated shooting and bombings throughout the city, brought to light the urgent need for increased disaster preparedness.
Among the first groups that rushed to the disaster site were members of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers India Goodwill Tour. They worked directly with the victims at Sir JJ Hospital. They used Scientology Assists, procedures developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard that greatly increase the speed of healing by addressing the emotional and spiritual factors in illness and injuries.
The Scientology volunteers trained the families of the victims and nursing staff and once most of those who had been admitted to the hospital were discharged they reached out with their training to local colleges and Mumbai University to help people become more effective when a crisis occurs.
The Maharashtra State Civil Defense Training College heard what the Scientology volunteers were doing, and the effectiveness of their Disaster Relief Training and they were immediately interested. This is the facility that trains the Home Guard—civilians who serve as auxiliary to the police and help maintain internal security. By improving the skill of the Civil Defense Trainers, who train 15,000 civilians a year on civil defense techniques, they would be able to greatly increase the level of security for the state. They arranged for the Scientology Volunteer Ministers to put all the Civil Defense Trainers through a rigorous training program.
The program was carried out by the Director of the Goodwill Tour and included training in the technology of study, communication, bringing order to confused situations and assist technology. At their graduation ceremony, many of the students stepped up to the podium to share their views of the program, and gave glowing reports about what they had gained from it. These trainers are now using what they learned to raise the standard of training and skill of the Home Guard so they can better serve the people of Maharashtra.
For more information on the Goodwill Tours, visit the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site or the Scientology site.