Scientology Today

A ten-day anti-drug marathon brought the truth about drugs to cities throughout the Netherlands.  Five former addicts and two additional volunteers participated in the run, coordinated by staff of the Church of Scientology of Amsterdam.

The runners want to education people about drugs.  “If people really knew the truth, they would not start.  It is important to for them to see how much harm drugs cause,” said Merel Remmerswaal, Social Reform Director of the Church of Scientology of Amsterdam and spokesperson for the marathon.

Cities visited included Lemmer, Horn, Lelystad, Almere, Amsterdam, Medemblik and Urk.>>

August 17, 2010

NEW YORK – “Only when we all know our human rights, can we have dignity, freedom and peace,” said Michael Hall, speaking for the New York Branch of Youth for Human Rights, on the New York streets Saturday as part of a worldwide network of petitioning events.

Youth for Human Rights is a worldwide network of groups in 88 countries, and YFHR volunteers and supporters held human rights petition drives from August 12 through August 15 in honor of the UN International Day of Youth.

Hall, one of a group manning a colorful booth and gathering signatures, explained that the Youth for Human Rights Petition aims at bringing about real implementation of the Universal Declaration. The petition has been signed to date by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

“While we think of other countries as the site of human rights violations, there are situations in this country – human trafficking, discrimination against minorities, intolerance of individual expression – that need to be dealt with. And we need to be vigilant to ensure our rights are preserved.”

“And on a more personal level,” said Hall, “a commitment to human rights allows us to treat one other with dignity and respect,” said Hall .

“Even children have human rights,” says Hall, “and as we enter the United Nations International Year of Youth, we urge leaders in countries around the world to recognize that where youth do not know their rights, they are particularly vulnerable.”

The petition urges that such leaders promote the UDHR and “cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories,” in accordance with the General Assembly when the document was adopted and proclaimed on December 10th, 1948.

YFHR was founded by members of the Church of Scientology, but now includes people from a wide variety of creeds and ethnicities. More data, downloadable videos re human rights, and a chance to sign the petition online, are available at http://www.youthforhumanrights.org.

Reprinted from The Nexus Queens: Queens Federation of Churches

excerpted from an article by  Laura Porter on About.com

“Fitzroy House, in the 1950s, was the London home and office of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Dianetics and Scientology. The public can visit for free and see the restored building and exhibits of his life and works.

“Writer, philosopher, mariner, founder of Dianetics and Scientology. It’s hard to label L. Ron Hubbard as he did so much. He holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for Most Published Author—1,084 publications (including lectures). Now that’s prolific! His works have been translated into 71 languages….”

“Dianetics is the all-time best selling self help book and you can see a first edition on display at Fitzroy House. It was published in 1950 with a 5,000 print run but had to reprinted 7 times in the first year.”

For a video tour of the Fitzroy House, visit the L. Ron Hubbard web site.

On Tuesday August 3, 2010, the Harlem chapter of Drug-Free Marshals joined the Harlem community’s celebration of National Night Out at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building to help stem the tide of drug abuse in Harlem by swearing in youth and adults as Drug-Free Marshals.  This is especially needed as new drugs (Finding Nemo and Nutcracker) aimed specifically at our youth are being introduced into our community.

Drug-Free Marshals, a youth anti-drug initiative of the Foundation For A Drug Free World, originally started over a decade ago by the Church of Scientology International, educates youth around the world on the dangers of drug use.  The first group of Drug-Free Marshals were sworn in by the local federal Bureau of Investigation’s Office for Drug Demand Reduction.

Drug-Free Marshals has spread internationally and continues to be supported by community groups, police departments, radio stations and religious groups world over.

The seven points pledge is: As a Drug-Free Marshall I pledge to lead the way by:
1.  Living a drug-free life.
2.  Showing my friends that a drug free life is more fun.
3.  Helping my fellow Drug Free Marshals.
4.  Learning more about how drugs really harm people.
5.  Telling people the truth about the harmful effects of drugs.
6.  Helping my family and friends to be drug-free.
7.  Setting a good example to all children by leading the way to a Drug-Free USA.

For more information about Drug-Free Marshals go to www.drugfreemarshals.org or call Verlene (646) 363-2011.

Reprinted from the Culvert Chronicles, August 12-18 edition.

excerpted from This is Sussex August 1, 2010:

East Grinstead, Sussex, England—Visitors to Saint Hill Manor got into the swing of things at the weekend.

For the seventh year running the Saint Hill Road site was the backdrop for Summertime Swing.

“The fundraising event on Sunday was organised by local jive and swing band The Jive Aces and The L.Ron Hubbard Foundation.>>

 oOo

Summertime Swing 2010, held August 1 at Saint Hill Manor in Sussex, featured the The Jive Aces—the UK-based high energy, jive and swing band, winners of the 2006 City of Derry International Music Award.

The Jives were joined by DJ Terry Elliot and the incomparable jazz and pop singer Keely Smith, with performances by Toni Elizabeth Prima, daughter of Keely Smith and the legendary bandleader Louis Prima (left above with the Jive Aces’ Ian Clarkson),  Kenny Ball, Chas McDevitt  and Keith Ball.

Hundreds of guests enjoyed the annual barbecue on the grounds of Saint Hill Manor;

the vintage vehicle display showcasing cars…

trucks…

and other classics;

and they danced…

and danced…

and enjoyed the entertainment throughout the day.

The Church of Scientology recently purchased the historic Sherlock Building, located at the corner of SW 3rd and Oak. The building sold for $6.4 million and was purchased from the Seattle-based Urban Renaissance Group. This is the second historic structure acquired by the Church of Scientology in Portland. In 2008, the church purchased the Stevens Building, but the interior of the historic structure proved too difficult to work with. The church planned to build a chapel in the Stevens Building, but the interior walls could not be knocked down. The open floor plan of the Sherlock Building, however, would accommodate such a chapel. The church listed the Stevens Building for sale this year with an asking price of $4.95 million, down from its purchase cost of $5.38 million.

Construction of the Sherlock Building began in 1893 by the Northwest Loan & Trust Company for the Forbes & Breeden Co., a furniture business. When Northwest Loan & Trust Company went out of business, William Sherlock, an Irish-born Portland businessman, acquired the building and oversaw the completion of its construction.

The building was designed by F. Manson White, an English-born architect who first came to Portland in 1888 to work with the firm McCaw & Martin. By 1892 White established his own practice, which continued until his retirement in 1933. In addition to the Sherlock Building, White also designed the Imperial Hotel (1894), the Auditorium Building (1895), Seaside’s City Hall (1914) and the Flatiron Building (1917).

The Sherlock Building stands as one of Portland’s most noteworthy late 19th Century structures and one of the first Chicago-style buildings in the city. The building contains both Romanesque and Chicago School architectural elements. Over the years, tenants of the Sherlock Building have included the popular nightclub the Embassy Club, various retail and service businesses, and currently Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

The Sherlock Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. In 1980, the edifice was saved from possible demolition when the architectural firm ZGF Partnership moved its office into the building.

The Church of Scientology plans to renovate the building and undertake major seismic upgrades to the structure.

Reproduced from an article from the Portland Preservation blog

Hundreds of Scientologists in Tampa Bay have donated over 300,000 volunteer hours in one year alone

_{Clearwater Scientologists organize the Say No To Drugs Holliday Classic to promote drug-free living.}

Clearwater—A Volunteer Awards Ceremony will be held in the historic Fort Harrison to honor the over 800 Scientologists in Tampa Bay who have donated over 300,000 volunteer hours to raise funds for the needy, rehabilitate inmates in Florida’s prisons, tutor children, and to spread the message of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights and that a Drug Free Life is More Fun. Pat Harney, the Public Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization will be presenting the awards. She said, “In 1961, L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology wrote: ‘…a being is only as valuable as he can serve others.’ This is an ideology that Scientologists internationally practice, including those here in the Tampa Bay area and I want them to know that they are appreciated for the tremendous work they are doing to raise the standard of living of the people of Tampa Bay and throughout Florida.”

Harney continued, “Participation in Scientology volunteer groups, however, is not just limited to Scientologists. People of all faiths are welcome to volunteer, and most of our programs count a wide range of community volunteers.”

Here is a partial list of the volunteer groups established and led by Scientologists in the Tampa Bay area:

THE COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER (CLC): Holly and Brendan Haggerty founded the Community Learning Center to provide kids a safe place to learn and to go to after school for arts programs and sports. The proud parents of four children, they have now expanded their services to include literacy programs for adults. Though based right outside of downtown Clearwater, their after-school tutoring programs are running in Pinellas, Dade, Hillsborough, Alachua, Broward-Deerfield and Broward-Ft. Lauderdale counties. Their 89 volunteer tutors have helped some 500 students in the past year alone.

CRIMINON – FLORIDA: Founded here in Florida about 15 years ago, Criminon Florida is currently run by Clearwater resident Susan Broughton. A chapter of Criminon International, Criminon Florida offers character building criminal rehabilitation programs through correspondence courses in 85% of the 75 prisons in the state and has over 2000 inmates enrolled. This activity is 100% volunteer all the way, volunteer supervisors grade inmates lessons, while others ensure that the course is properly administered.

SAY NO TO DRUGS RACE: 20 years ago, Clearwater resident and world-class runner Sandra Johnson started the Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic to promote an anti-drug message through a road race. A team of 200 volunteers produces this race, which now brings over 1,000 runners a year. From executives to chiropractors, to Boy Scout troops to sponsors, all contribute to making this event a success. Now under the direction of Chris Alexander, the race continues to be a draw for elite athletes and weekend warriors alike.

THE WAY TO HAPPINESS: Written by Mr. Hubbard in the early 1980’s, the Way to Happiness is a non-religious moral code designed to help young and old make decisions about their lives that will enable them to flourish. Here in Tampa Bay, the Way to Happiness Club, led by Clearwater resident Betsy Cramb, distributed 125,000 free booklets and held 52 events last year to educate children in the application of this non-religious moral code to improve their survival and the survival of those around them.

THE CLEARWATER COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS (CCV): What originally started as the Women’s Auxiliary of the Church of Scientology, the Clearwater Community Volunteers holds fundraisers and events throughout the year for the benefit of local charities. These include Winter Wonderland in downtown Clearwater, the Easter Egg Hunt in Coachman Park, and Fashions-with-Flair Fashion show which just held its 8th annual event at the historic Fort Harrison. From these events, CCV is able to contribute tens of thousands of dollars each year to worthwhile local charitable organization such as the Make a Wish Foundation and the Children’s Home of Tampa. Realtor and self-proclaimed Professional Volunteer Pamela Ryan Anderson now heads up this group which utilizes the talents of over 800 volunteers.

FOUNDATION FOR A DRUG FREE WORLD, FLORIDA: Led by Julietta Gil, this group was founded to educate people about the dangers of abusing harmful drugs. This chapter of the international Foundation for a Drug Free World gave 30 drug education lectures in schools throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough County to about 3,500 people in one year. They also offer drug free educational pamphlets, and have distributed 75,000 over the last two years. Through partnerships with a multitude of groups, such as the Dunedin Blue Jays, the Clearwater Downtown Partnership and the Sunscreen Film Festival, youth are sworn in as “Drug Free Marshals” who pledge not only to lead a drug-free life, but also to educate themselves and others about the harmful effects of drugs.

HUMAN RIGHTS AWARENESS: The protection of basic human rights has been a hallmark of the Church of Scientology since its earliest days. Here in the Tampa Bay area, two groups have picked up the torch to educate people about what their rights are and how they can defend them: the Tampa Bay Chapter of Youth for Human Rights and the Human Rights Group. Members of Youth for Human Rights give presentations on the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights in schools throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough County. They have also passed out thousands of booklets and public service announcements depicting the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Headed up by Linda Drazkowski, the Human Rights Group held its fourth annual Walk-a-Thon this March in St. Petersburg’s Straub Park. More than 1,000 people from many different faiths and backgrounds marched in support of human rights.”

To find out more about the work of Scientologists as volunteers log on to www.scientology.org.

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

_{The new Church of Scientology building on lower Queen Anne  photo by Angela Nickerson / seattlepi.com}

_{By Amy Rolph—Seattlepi.com staff}

L. Ron Hubbard’s footprint is growing—in Seattle and beyond.

Want proof? The writing is on the western slope of Queen Anne in Seattle. The block letters on the side of a five-story brick building paint a pretty clear picture: “SCIENTOLOGY.”

Seattle’s new Church of Scientology regional headquarters opened its doors last weekend. The streets around the building at 300 West Harrison St. were closed Saturday for a grand opening attended by more than 1,500 parishioners.>>

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.

_____________

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.

Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre, Nashville Tennessee

July 21, 2010—NASHVILLE, TN—In the year since its move to the historic Fall School Building in Nashville, the Church of Scientology has experienced greater expansion than in its previous twenty-four years in Music City.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Church held a black tie soiree July 10, bringing together parishioners, dignitaries, community leaders and celebrities to rejoice in a year of growth and achievement. Between the champagne reception and the “chocolate mountain” finale, attendees delighted in an evening of fine dining, inspirational speeches and exuberant entertainment.

“Our Church is a Celebrity Centre, so of course we we put on a spectacular presentation,” said Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology. “But the highlight of the evening was hearing our friends talk of their partnership with our Church.” Speakers included a human rights leader who has used materials provided by the Church to teach the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a representative from Hands On Nashville who appreciated the way the Scientology Volunteer Ministers work alongside adherents of other faiths, and the president of an interfaith group who encouraged Church members to be even more active in the community.

“Our church is open to anyone, but we have a special mission to help musicians, artists, community leaders and the like,” said Rev. Fesler.  “These people pull the world along with their dreams and vision. At the same time,  visionaries and leaders are under the most stress and suppression. They deserve help; they want results. We provide both.”

“We are here for the community,” said Rev. Fesler. “People should come,  take a look and  learn about the tools we offer for better living.  We’re here for good, and everyone is welcome.”

For more information, contact the Church at(615) 687-4600 or visit www.scientology.org.

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.

_{By Leon Lagerstam,}

Since the dawning of Dianetics, Peoria Scientology Mission director George Seidler has been a believer.

Mr. Seidler, describing himself as a 21-year-old in an 87-year-old body, is a bit of a celebrity in Scientology circles, although he admits members such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta have more recognizable names.

According to www.scientology.org, Scientology is a religion that ”offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and one’s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being.”

The book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health,  written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1950, details how to follow the “path.”

Mr. Seidler is the longest serving director of a Scientology Mission, almost sharing the 50th anniversary date of when L. Ron Hubbard’s Dianetics book first was published—May 9, 1950.

“I got in two months later,” Mr. Seidler said. “The first Dianetics session I had totally changed my life forever, in every way.”

He moved to Peoria later in 1950 to join his father’s Illinois News Service Business—wholesale distributors of newspapers, magazines and paperback books to retail outlets across the state—and to be a professional auditor for a Dianetics group which had recruited him to be its leader.

“Auditors” are those who apply Dianetics technology to another person. It comes from the Latin word “audire,” which means “to listen.”

Mr. Seidler took over his father’s Peoria business in 1954. In 1963, he opened The Book Emporium, which offered the largest and widest selection of magazines and paperback books available, and started carrying hardback books, greeting cards and gifts. It developed into a chain of 18 Book Emporiums and Seidler’s Hallmarks.

A Book Emporium branch at Kennedy Square Shopping Center, 4129 N. Kennedy Drive, East Moline, carried all Dianetics and Scientology books, Mr. Seidler said.

“I retired from the business, but not Scientology, my real love, in 1998,” he said.

The Peoria Mission, at 3402 N. Prospect Road, is the closest for Quad-Citians to explore, as several have over the years, Mr. Seidler said.

Locals also could visit a mission in Champaign-Urbana, or “if they are bold enough to travel to the big city of Chicago, we can connect them to a volunteer who will explain Dianetics and Scientology to them,” public relations representative Rebecca Cusano said.

The Peoria and Champaign-Urbana missions cater mainly to people new to Scientology and who want to learn more about it, Ms. Cusano said.

“People at missions are Scientology professionals who can certainly answer a lot of questions people may have and offer facility tours and other services,” she said.

The Peoria Mission holds weekend Dianetics seminars that show introductory DVDs and hold auditing sessions, Mr. Seidler said.

“It’s hard to put an exact number of how many people have been in touch with us,” Ms. Cusano said. “But it’s in the thousands or several thousands,” when counting the people who search Scientology websites for information or to order free introductory materials.

Ms. Cusano’s Scientology involvement dates back to 1993, when “situations in my life developed, which I needed assistance to handle, and I was lucky enough to have someone tell me about Scientology and how it could make my life better,” she said.

“It changed my life completely,” Ms. Cusano said. “I became more outgoing, developed a higher order of communication skills, and became more responsible.”

Mr. Seidler said before his first Dianetics session, ”I hated everyone and was sure everyone hated me. I didn’t have the slightest desire to become an auditor. I only cared about myself and was totally self-centered.

“After that first session, I became totally extroverted, loved everyone and thought everyone loved me. And I decided to become one of the top auditors in the world, with a tremendous desire to help others.”

Mr. Seidler and Ms. Cusano have reached the highest level of Spiritual enlightenment available through Scientology, and feel strongly in giving back to the world for what Mr. Hubbard did for them.

“People ask: ‘Do we worship L. Ron Hubbard and believe he is a God?’” Mr. Seidler said. “The answer is no. But he is highly respected and admired. Ron was a genius and one of the most talented, accomplished men who ever lived. His accomplishments are legion, unparalleled in history.”

Mr. Seidler recalls Mr. Hubbard as a very caring person who was easily approachable.

“He always greeted you with a smile and made you feel important. He always knew the exact right thing to say to make you feel good.”

Unlike what some people tend to think, Scientology is not out to convert people willy-nilly, he said.

“It’s a religion for all denominations,” Mr. Seidler said. “One of the big rules in Scientology is that we never tell people to leave their religion. We encourage them to use our principles to make their religion better.

“We tell them that there is no such thing as an authority here,” Mr. Seidler said. “We don’t ask them to believe or accept anything they’re uncomfortable with. We only ask them to study the technology and make up their own minds about what will work for them.”

Scientology also offers a number of “social-betterment campaigns” not tied to religion, Ms. Cusano said.

Projects include a drug-free campaign and a website, drugfreeworld.org,  she said. Another human-rights campaign promotes a nonreligious moral [code] known as The Way to Happiness. It lists 21 ways to live a happier life.

Mr. Seidler also cautions people from developing wrong impressions about Scientology when celebrity members act strangely.

“The important thing to remember when these celebrities are involved is that their behavior is in their individuality, not Scientology,” he said. “On the other side of that column, though, it’s helpful when these celebrities talk about Scientology and the gains and benefits they have achieved because of it. For example, John Travolta has said he would have never achieved the fame he has without the gains he received from it.”

Contact information and Scientology tidbits

For information about Dianetics, and Scientology:

Prime Scientology fundamentals:

_{Reprinted by permission of The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus, in Moline, Ill}

_{Reprinted courtesy of Nordic Africa News Magazine}

The Human Rights event for the African community in Sweden, held on 29 May 2010 at the Conference facilities of the Church of Scientology Malmö in Arlöv, Sweden, was a success, according to participants as well as the organizers.

“Our aim was to acquaint the audience with the target of our Human Rights Campaign, namely to make human rights a fact through education on the 30 points of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. That message was brought home, witnessing the demand after the event for the educational packages which were made available free of charge to anyone who cared to start educating others on those 30 points,”says Tarja Vulto, Information Director of the Church of Scientology Malmö.

After a word of welcome by Mrs. Vulto the audience was entertained by gospel singer from Tanzania, Rachel Sharp, who, accompanied by four dancers, performed three sparkling songs of her latest album Naringa Na Yesu.

To give the audience a taste of the educational campaign the video “The Story of Human Rights” was shown, a nine minute long, easy-to-understand, audio-visual presentation of the history of the Universal Declaration. (This video is part of the educational materials)

The main speaker of the afternoon was Mr. Arthur Diakité, advisor in migration issues and former Discrimination Ombudsman of Lund, Sweden.

Mr. Diakité is a leading authority on the African Diaspora in Sweden and he shared the highlights of his know-how with a captured public, covering subjects such as the history of African slavery, human rights institutions and the rights that Africans have in the Diaspora. Mr. Diakité underlined also the importance of education on the Universal Declaration.

According to various responses after the event the speech of Mr. Diakité was very well received and appreciated.

Tarja Vulto gave a briefing on the educational materials of the Human Rights campaign of the Church of Scientology, materials which are not only made available locally in Malmö but which can also be ordered free of charge from the internet via www.humanrights.com

“We took the whole audience to the Information Center video panels in the Church and showed them all 30 points of the Universal Declaration in audiovisual form, also known as the Human Rights public service announcements. This sparked a major interest, especially because each of those points are made so clearly visible and easy to understand,” Tarja Vulto said.

The audience then returned to the Congress Hall to see a lively dance performance by Mr. J. and Allison Ahl. It was the story of a warrior who encountered barriers in his life but nevertheless did not give up on his dream of achieving freedom through friendship with others. At the end of their performance a part of the audience joined the dancers on the stage in their dance.

In concluding the program , everyone was invited to the dinner consisting of deliciously grilled chicken, tasty rice and vegetables.

“Witnessing the demand for those educational packages we consider this event a success. No less than 20 boxes with educational materials found their way in the hands of members of the audience who are now preparing to become human rights educators, taking human rights one step higher. We are going to follow this event up with a three hour seminar for those who have obtained an educational kit. During this seminar one will be guided through the materials and gotten ready to start educating”, says Tarja Vulto who further added that the fundamental reason for the campaign is to make the following words of humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard come true: “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”

The Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International runs this campaign internationally in cooperation with The Friends of the United Nations.

The doors of the Information Center of the Church of Scientology Malmö are open 7 days/week from 9:00 - 22:00.

For more information about this human right campaign, please contact

Tarja Vulto   tel. 0768 - 63 05 72

Ad Vulto      tel. 0738 - 76 86 35

Or go in to www.humanrights.com

Toronto,Canada—The Church of Scientology of Canada recently hosted the 12th annual L. Ron Hubbard Humanitarian Awards honoring six exceptional Canadians for service to the community.  More than two hundred guests attended including local and federal officials, police officers, and religious and community leaders.  The awards were presented to:

Dr. Ken and Ms. Emily Ng, Chairman and President of the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham (FCCM), for providing services to those newly in the country and uniting the Asian community in cooperative social programs.

Ms. Melanie Dickson-Smith, Coordinator of the Church of Scientology’s Drug-Free Marshals program and Civilian Co-Chair of the Toronto Police Services 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee, for 10 years of community service educating youth on the harmful effects of drugs.

Mr. Zul Kassamali, Vice President of the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada and President of the Toronto Area Interfaith Council, for fighting intolerance and promoting better conditions for the elderly.

A Lifetime Achievement award was presented posthumously to Mr. Kamil Sadiq, Founder of the Canadian Federation of Intercultural Friendship. Ms. Shamim Sadiq accepted the award honoring her husband’s work to bridge ethnic, racial and religious differences. In 2002, Sadiq received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, awarded to Canadians for significant contribution to their fellow citizens.

Also receiving the L. Ron Hubbard Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement was York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge who began his career with York Regional Police in 1973 and has held the position of Chief of Police since December 2002.  Crime rates have declined throughout his tenure as Police Chief and York Region has one of the lowest crime rates in North America. In accepting his award, La Barge said, “we have worked very hard to transform the concept of community policing in York Region from one of an officer walking the beat to one in which the community helps shape and assist police in delivering effective community safety, crime prevention and law enforcement programs.”

The L. Ron Hubbard Humanitarian Awards originated in 1999 to honor individuals whose humanitarian achievements make a difference in society.  For more information on L. Ron Hubbard visit www.lronhubbard.org.

As covered today in the Daily Journal of Commerce:

The Church of Scientology last week purchased its second historic downtown Portland building after the first didn’t meet its needs. The Sherlock Building, at 309 S.W. 3rd Ave., is planned to be the headquarters for the Portland chapter of the church,

Rev. Steven Crandell, president of the Portland chapter of the church. Crandell said the church has been in negotiations for the building since fall last year.

The 6-story Sherlock Building has more square footage than the 12-story Stevens Building—61,430 square feet to 56,480 square feet. The Sherlock Building has red exterior brick and floor-to-ceiling windows that extend up the side to the fifth floor. Both buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Gresham, Smith and Partners of Nashville, Tennessee, received two Metropolitan Historic Commission Preservation Awards May 12.  The following is an excerpt from the story published on their website:

Nashville, Tenn.—May 19, 2010—Gresham, Smith and Partners, a leading multi-disciplinary design and consulting firm to the built environment, is pleased to announce it was recognized with two awards in the 35th Annual Metropolitan Historic Commission Preservation Awards.  Design renovations and conversion of Nashville’s American Trust Building into Hotel Indigo were awarded in the Commercial Buildings category. Renovation of the Fall School Building on behalf of the Church of Scientology was honored in the Religious Buildings category. The awards ceremony was held on May 11 to coincide with National Preservation Month being celebrated this month.

“Both of these buildings recognized by the Historical Commission have played a significant role in both the business and architectural history of Nashville,” commented Patrick Gilbert, AIA, principal at Gresham, Smith and Partners.  “We are honored that we had an opportunity to work with the owners and developers to preserve the structures for future use.  Each building posed a unique set of challenges, but through thoughtful consideration of the existing structures and materials our design teams were able to develop innovative solutions which incorporate them towards their new, modern uses.”

…

The Fall School Building, originally built in 1898, is the Church of Scientology’s new home in Nashville.  The only nineteenth century school building remaining from the pre-Metro Government school system, the building is an attractive example of post-Victorian architecture.  The Church purchased the building in 2008 and through renovation efforts many of its original features were preserved, including the hardwood floors, doors and stairwells and eight solid wood pillars capped with iron that support a central three-story atrium.  This renovation enables the building to appear much as it did in 1898, be made available for contemporary use while preserving a great piece of Nashville history.

“The Church of Scientology is pleased to occupy a building that is such a meaningful part of Nashville’s architectural history,” commented Reverend Brian Fesler, Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Nashville.  “In addition to the specific design elements involved in the recent renovation, the Church has restored the facility to its original purpose as a place for people to come together for learning and enlightenment.”

For more information on Gresham, Smith and Partners visit their website at www.gspnet.com.  For more information on newly opened Scientology churches visit www.scientology.org/churches/churches-of-scientology.html.

_{Paris Morfopoulos (far left) with other Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Haiti}

Clearwater, Florida—Paris Morfopoulos, best known to Downtown Clearwater visitors as the calm but cheerful owner of the One Stoppe Shoppe, just returned from a tour of duty as a Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Haiti.

A Volunteer Minister is defined by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard as “…a person who on a strictly volunteer basis helps out his fellow man by providing simple, basic counseling to people he meets to assist them in overcoming difficulties they may be having in life.” Volunteer Ministers are trained in basic Scientology techniques through the Scientology Handbook.

This is Paris’ second trip to the earthquake-damaged country. “I can tell you that there is a lot of enthusiasm and activity in helping to rebuild the shattered country and  lives of the Haitian people,” he said. “The physical infrastructure is still in shambles and the rubble seems to be largely still where it was when I was last there in February. But many, many people are pitching in and the work is going forward.”

Paris was impressed most with the spirit of the Haitian people, who despite living in makeshift tents—some as rudimentary as a bed sheet held up by four poles—greeted him and his fellow volunteers with a friendly smile.

“We were welcomed everywhere and even spent over an hour with one of Haiti’s most prominent lawyers.  He was very grateful for our assistance since the earthquake. He told us ‘After the quake, there was no hope left in Haiti. But then the Volunteer Ministers came and there was hope!’”

In the last few months since the earthquake, many thousands of people have been trained in basic Scientology techniques so they can assist their fellow Haitians.  Over 300,000 people have been helped through the Volunteer Minister program in Haiti.

“We still have Russian Volunteer Ministers actively helping at the General Hospital every day,” said Paris, who also met Volunteer Ministers from Hungary, Mexico and France.

While in Haiti, Paris also visited the Future of Haiti Orphanage, which is providing a safe environment, a stable home and a good education to 150 children who would otherwise still be roaming the streets of Port-au-Prince after their previous orphanages collapsed in the quake.

“I visited with Michela Schneider, the director of the orphanage, and the children,” said Paris. “I was very touched by their friendliness and affection. I brought a backpack full of gifts for one child, a beautiful ten-year-old girl with the very appropriate name ‘Lovely’. It made her very, very happy and she wrote a very touching letter that I brought back with me to give to her sponsor, Ericka Miranda.”

Paris encourages people to find out more about the orphanage at their website, www.thefutureofhaiti.org

As a closing note, Paris wanted readers to know that though Haiti has disappeared from the evening news, there is still much to be done in that country.

“If you would like to help, either financially or by going there and giving these people a hand, contact the Volunteer Ministers at vm@volunteerministers.org and let them know. They will help you get there. It is tough and there is much that is unpleasant to confront, but it is truly rewarding and you will fall in love with the people of Haiti.

For more information on Volunteer Ministers Haiti disaster relief visit blog.volunteerministers.org

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.

The Church of Scientology honored five Florida groups during National Volunteer Week.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA—The Church of Scientology in Clearwater honored five Florida groups with National Volunteer Week awards at the historic Fort Harrison Friday, April 23.  Recognized at the event were Project Medishare, Feeding America Tampa Bay, United Way Tampa Bay, the United Relief Force Foundation and the Willa Carson Health Resource Center.

_{Accepting awards and $1000 pledge at a National Volunteer Week luncheon at the Fort Harrison, presented by Church of Scientology Public Affairs Director Pat Harney (center) are (left to right) Annie Tyrell, Executive Director of the Willa Carson Health Resource Center; Ernestine Carson Heastie, daughter of Willa Carson and board member of the organization; Harney; Muhammad Abdur Rahim, Carson Center board member; and Judy Fagerman, head of Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Tampa Bay. The pledge is for the Carson Center 5K and 10K walk/run fundraiser.}

“We know the value of volunteers and our parishioners work actively to address drug abuse and crime, clean up the environment, tutor children and adults and do any of the myriad tasks it takes to improve the quality of life in our communities,” said Pat Harney, Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology in Clearwater.  “We join other Americans in honoring those who freely give their time and energy to help others.”

_{Willene Hayward (left), Volunteer Coordinator of Feeding America Tampa Bay, is acknowledged by Pat Harney, Church of Scientology Public Affairs Director, and Judy Fagerman, head of Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Tampa Bay.}

Willene Hayward accepted the award on behalf of Feeding America Tampa Bay, formerly known as America’s Second Harvest.  Hayward is volunteer coordinator of the food bank that serves 35,000 Tampa Bay residents.

Also honored were Project Medishare of the University of Miami Hospital, which organized, built and staffed the largest field hospital in history on the airport grounds of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to care for the casualties of the January 12 earthquake; Hands On Tampa Bay, the volunteer network of United Way of Tampa Bay, which coordinates the work of 3,500 volunteers in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties; and the United Relief Force Foundation, formed by Orlando college students in 2007 and providing humanitarian aid, emergency response and disaster relief to countries experiencing natural and man-made disasters. Several of the Orlando group’s members joined forces with the Scientology Volunteer Ministers to help provide disaster relief in Haiti this year.

“This award event was inspired by the founder of the Scientology religion, L. Ron Hubbard, who said, ‘A being is only as valuable as he can serve others,’” said Harney.  The Church of Scientology makes facilities of the Fort Harrison Hotel available to non-profit charity organizations for their meetings and events.

For information or to schedule the Fort Harrison for events, contact Pat Harney at (727) 467-6860 or email her at patharney@flag.org.

Sharon Tay of the KCAL news team introduces the piece, saying: “The Church of Scientology is opening up tonight.

There’s a newly rebuilt Church center in Hollywood where Scientology was founded and KCAL’s Dave Malkoff was invited to look around and ask questions.”

To watch the story, click here.

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.

 
_{Scientology Volunteer Ministers Richard Girard (center) in the ruins of Haiti, featured in an article in the North Adams Transcript.}

By Ryan Hutton
Tuesday April 20, 2010

ADAMS—After spending six weeks in Haiti, Adams resident Richard Girard is back in the Berkshires with tales of his trip.

The 63-year old building contractor departed for Haiti on Feb. 22 and returned April 5 after helping with a Church of Scientology relief mission in the earthquake-ravaged nation. Girard departed from the church’s Boston headquarters and first went to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

From there, he took a bus into Haiti with a Hatian-American woman whose family was still in Haiti and whom she had not seen in 25 years. Girard said they arrived in the middle of the night and met with the woman’s sisters and brother.

“They were incredibly hospitable,” he said. “They made sure I had food and water until I got to the mission. They were very friendly. Her sister was actually taking care of a 12-year-old girl who had to be given up by her family because of the earthquake.”

Girard eventually arrived at the church’s camp in Santos, a suburb of Haiti’s capital, Port au Prince. The church had set up an orphanage in Santos that had 60 children in it when he arrived and over 110 when he left. Girard left for Haiti with several soccer balls as a goodwill gift, and when he arrived at the orphanage, found the perfect use for them.

“I gave the soccer balls to them and they were really pleased to have them,” he said. “I’d go down there a bunch of times to practice with the kids. We also had about 25 Russians in our camp and about 20 Mexicans—and those guys had some really good soccer players. We wound up playing a couple really good games with the kids.”

Girard said the church had set up seven camps around the capital, and he and his fellow volunteers would visit each them providing whatever aid they could. He said they also visited two of the hospitals in the area, including one run by American doctors from Miami.

Girard said the volunteers would accompany medical staff and disaster relief specialists into the camps and hospitals and perform a Scientology-based physical therapy called touch assist—which is used to relieve pain—on the people of the camps.

He said they would also teach civil response training to the locals so they knew how to better cope with disasters in the future.

“Pretty much everyone is living in tents,” he said. “What we would do is go into the camps and give assists or help the people that were giving medical attention—really anything we could do.”

Not long after he arrived, Girard got to see the first school reopening in the entire country. The school, near the capital, had 3,000 children ready to attend on the first day alone.

While the school was rebuilt to better specifications than before, Girard said a lot of the locals still had lingering doubts left over from the quake about entering a building.

“At first, people were afraid to go into the buildings,” he said. “But after all the work they saw us doing with the assists and relief work, they had the confidence to enter the school buildings.”

Even though he is back in the States, Girard said he is still looking for ways to help the people of Haiti by working with some people he met on the trip to open a lumber yard in the country. He said that would provide much needed jobs and building material.

While he went there to help, Girard admitted he also went seeking adventure but, he added, he found a lot more.

“I’m really happy I went. I wanted to go there and do something to help, but I guess at the same time I was looking for a little adventure,” he said. “From time to time, your life can get stale, and I definitely had an adventure. The main thing I was impressed with was that down there, I feel like I found the bottom level of survival.

“Survival doesn’t get any tougher than it is in Haiti right now. There are people living under tarps and using sheets for walls. There were holes in the ground for toilets and you took a shower out of buckets. But I found that the people, as poor as they were, were always well groomed, they go to church every Sunday, and they were cheerful. It was amazing.”

ST. PAUL, Minn. —KARE11, the Minneapolis-St. Paul NBC affiliate station, gives a glimpse of the new Church of Scientology of Minneapolis-St. Paul.  Renovations have begun on the the former Science Museum of Minnesota in downtown St. Paul, which is being turned into the largest Church of Scientology in the Midwest.

An article in Finance and Commerce writes that the Church, “has been headquartered in the Twin Cities at 1011 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis since 1991. That will change when the renovated, three-story, 80,640-square-foot building at 505 N. Wabasha St. in St. Paul reopens as a Scientology ‘Ideal Church’ and its local headquarters.”

 The new Scientology.org website shows a tour of the planned church.