Scientology Today

_{A team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers traveled to Gonaïves from their Haiti headquarters in Pétionville,  to provide seminars to the people of the city.}

Nancy, an American teacher who spent her summer with the Scientology Haiti Disaster Response Team, traveled with two other Volunteer Ministers to Gonaïves to give seminars to the residents of the town decimated by storms in 2004 and 2008.   There, the local Volunteer Ministers who invited them brought the team to a school and two churches to provide training in Scientology technology.  Here is Nancy’s story:

I had heard that in Haiti when you announce a seminar, 50 people appear out of nowhere to attend.  I thought it was an exaggeration, but that’s exactly how it seemed in Gonaïves, where we filled two churches and a school to capacity for a series of seminars on Scientology assists—techniques developed by L. Ron Hubbard to help people recover from illness, injury, loss and trauma.

The seminars were simple and very practical.  We passed out copies in French of the Scientology Handbook booklets called “Assists for Illnesses and Injuries,” and after a brief demonstration got attendees right into action—practice,  practice, practice until they were confident they could use these techniques and teach them to their friends and families.

_{Seminar attendee reading the Scientology Handbook “Assists for Illnesses and Injuries” booklet.}

In the “touch assist” you tell the person you are helping to feel your finger as you touch them, to help restore communication with injured or affected body parts and the body as a whole.  I learned to say “feel my finger” in Haitian Creole—”santi dwèt mwen”—and acknowledge the person for doing so with a “thank you” (merci), “OK” (d’accord), or “very good” (très bien).

_{Seminar attendees practice the Scientology touch assist on one another.}

I demonstrated how to do the assist and attendees quickly stepped up to drill the technique on each other while I walked around making sure they were doing it correctly, referring them to the right page in the booklet when they had any questions.  The “practice” assists quickly turned into the real thing—those receiving them would suddenly look up with a smile or a sigh or a “Wow, I feel much better.”

Everyone wanted to give and receive them—teenagers, young moms, older men and women—it was amazing to watch them experience relief from pain as their tight muscles relaxed and their joints loosened up.

_{Scientology Volunteer Ministers demonstrate nerve assists, procedures developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard to restore communication with the body.}

Next was the nerve assist, which gently releases the standing waves in nerve channels, improves communication with the body and brings relief. We had them read the directions in the Scientology Handbook booklet and laid blankets down on the floor to demonstrate the assist.  They gathered around to watch and learn and then eagerly got down on the blankets to receive and give these assists themselves.  The relief they gained from these assists was remarkable.

_{Scientology Volunteer Ministers Assist Seminar in Gonaïves.}

Hurricane season rarely spares the people of Gonaïves.  As in Port-au-Prince, where lack of  building codes and standard construction practices are blamed for the inconceivable devastation of the January 2010 earthquake, in Gonaïves, too, destructive “solutions” have exacerbated the effects of natural disasters.

With oil too expensive in this country of poverty, for decades the people of Haiti chopped down their forests for charcoal to cook their food.  By 2004, little more that one percent of the forests remained. With hillsides stripped of trees, three days of heavy rains caused mudslides and floods killing over 2,500 people in Gonaïves.  Another 500 died under similar circumstances in 2008.

Our two days of seminars didn’t change that.  But we put this tool called “Scientology Assists” into the hands of more than 200 people—a skill they intend to use with their friends and families to bring relief and help make life more livable.  And we shared the news that “Something Can be done about it”—the motto of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers.

_{Hundreds of Scientology Volunteer Ministers groups have been established throughout Haiti}

Conditions in Haiti can be improved, technology does exist for raising the bar on ethics and morals, improving literacy, and   accomplishing goals. And this is all available through the Scientology Handbook and the Haiti Scientology Volunteer Ministers headquarters in Pétionville.  Here, hundreds of Volunteer Ministers groups are forming up and thousands are learning to use these tools to create a better future for their city and their country.

Some of the graduates at the Scientology Volunteer Ministers ceremony in Haiti, awarded certificates after completing training on Scientology Assists—spiritual first aid for the relief of pain and trauma.

A ceremony at the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Headquarters in the Port-au-Prince suburb of Petionville on Friday, August 13, 2010, honored more than 100 graduates of Scientology Assists training—spiritual first aid for the relief of pain and trauma.  The graduates, many of them leaders of local Volunteer Ministers groups, use this technology in towns, villages and IDP (internally displaced persons) camps throughout the country. This was the second graduation held since the headquarters opened in May 2010.

It was a lively affair MCed by Dernel Metellus, leader of a local Volunteer Ministers group.  Three yellow tents were erected in the courtyard for the occasion and more than 250 guests filled the benches and cheered as certificates were presented to the new VMs.

The need for a local headquarters and training center became apparent within weeks of the Haiti earthquake.  First, Volunteer Ministers arriving on the scene gave medical assistance, distributed food and supplies, or helped with construction of buildings and sanitation facilities. But right from the start, the Volunteer Ministers provided their own unique form of disaster relief, based on the works of L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of the Scientology religion—Scientology assists that speed recovery from illness, injuries, loss and trauma.

In hospitals and clinics, villages and refugee camps, as people saw the results of this technology they wanted to learn to use it to help their friends and families.  Many Volunteer Ministers who came to help in the first two months have since returned to Haiti, determined to continue to do their part to ensure the country fully recovers.  And interest from the Haitian people was so intense, it soon became clear a central base of operation would be needed.

The Volunteer Ministers headquarters in Petionville was established in May 2010 to coordinate the work of local groups, provide a base of operation for Volunteer Ministers from outside the country, and train new Scientology Volunteer Ministers group leaders who would then train their members to deliver seminars throughout the island.

Volunteer Ministers technology is contained in the Scientology Handbook.  In addition to Assists, the Handbook also covers communication skills, solutions to a dangerous environment, Study Technology and 15 other subjects—all aimed at helping people improve their lives and the lives of those around them.  From disaster relief in the wake of catastrophe, the goal has now expanded to providing the full array of technology to help the people of Haiti build a new future for their country.

Beginning with a few small groups in Port-au-Prince, Delmas and Carrefour, this grassroots movement has expanded to more than 500 groups actively delivering Volunteer Ministers services throughout Haiti.

The students at the August 13 graduation ceremony completed  intensive training and received official certificates signed by their supervisors and the head of the Volunteer Ministers operation in Haiti. One by one, the graduates came forward to receive their certificates to the applause of the crowd of fellow students and friends.

Eight months after the Haiti earthquake left vast sections of the country in ruins, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Haiti Disaster Response Team continues to provide relief to the Haitian people.

The first priority in January was saving lives—the care of the injured in local hospitals and clinics.  But, with the worst of the medical emergency over, there was still an enormous task ahead.  More than 1.5 million were left homeless; an estimated 230,000 had died; nearly everyone lost family members and friends; schools and colleges collapsed; businesses were destroyed—and all in a country already suffering from the greatest poverty, worst literacy levels and lowest life expectancy in the Western Hemisphere.

The task was daunting.  But the Scientology Volunteer Ministers who arrived in Haiti from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia and Latin America were determined to make a difference.  So while they continue to provide medical assistance and deliver food to camps and orphanages, over the past six months they have concentrated on establishing more than 600 local Volunteer Minister groups and training the members in basic Scientology Volunteer Minister technology to reach out into camps and outlying villages with help.

In creating the Volunteer Ministers program in 1976, L. Ron Hubbard 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.”  The Volunteer Minister does this by using the technology of Scientology to change conditions for the better.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers, traveling to outlying villages, load supplies into a tap-tap bus. Tap-taps are privately owned vehicles—a cross between a cab service and public transportation.

Tens of thousands of MREs, “Meals Ready to Eat,”self-contained meals like those used by American soldiers, were shipped to Haiti in April on a cargo ship sponsored by the Church of Scientology.  Volunteer Ministers load MREs onto a tap-tap to distribute to outlying villages.

A team of Volunteer Ministers travel to a village to provide seminars in Scientology assists, technology developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard to address the spiritual factors in illness and injury and help the individual overcome trauma.

More than 7,000 Haitian Volunteer Ministers are now trained to deliver seminars throughout the island.

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.

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.

Shaleen Wohrnitz of the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg, South Africa is interviewed on a SABC 1 TV South Africa on a program called “Religions in South Africa.”

HOLLYWOOD—More than 1,400 guests attended the 41st Anniversary Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Gala in Hollywood on Saturday, August 7. The guest list included many of the Church’s well-known members, including John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Leah Remini, Anne Archer, Erika Christensen, Nancy Cartwright (voice of Bart Simpson) and Jenna Elfman.

The annual event highlights the humanitarian programs sponsored by the Church—programs addressing drug abuse, human rights, moral values for a modern world, illiteracy and disaster relief.

The evening’s guest speakers included California Congresswoman Diane Watson; LAPD Hollywood Division Captain Beatrice Girmala; Mr. Albert DeCady, Special Advisor to Haitian Ambassador Raymond Joseph; and the former Liberian Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Nathaniel Barnes.

Congresswoman Watson told the audience of her history in working with the Church: “As a public servant I’ve had the privilege of a close working relationship with you for many years on many vital issues of our society, and especially since becoming the U.S. Representative for this district in 2001. The relationship has been productive because your social programs are for people no matter who they are—and it has been rewarding because they work, and the resources you so generously provide are very effective.”

Ambassador Barnes traveled to Los Angeles from Washington, DC, for the event, to thank Church staff and parishioners for their work in his previously war-torn country and neighboring West African nations, citing the Church’s human rights programs and volunteers for sparking a human rights movement in his native Liberia.

“We now have more than 9,000 youth activists—young people who are educated, who are taking a stand and actively imparting human rights principles crucial for the continued peace and stability of not only Liberia, but all of Africa,” he said. “I would like to personally express our deep gratitude to you for giving these young people a new lease on life by empowering them.”

John Travolta and Kelly Preston were publicly acknowledged by Mr. Albert DeCady, Special Advisor to Haitian Ambassador Raymond Joseph, for personally flying medical personnel and four tons of needed supplies to his native Haiti in the weeks following the January 12 quake that devastated the island nation.

Mr. Travolta described the programs he has engaged in for many years with hands-on volunteer work and support: “What we are doing around the world—the programs for drug rehabilitation, for education rehabilitation, for the Scientology Volunteer Ministers that help in all the disaster areas around the world—there are so many programs our group is involved with.”

The popularity of Scientology among artists and professionals in many fields mirrors its current growth internationally, expanding more in the last year than the last five years combined and more in the last five years than in the five previous decades. The rapid expansion is fueled by word-of-mouth based on successful application of the religion’s practical principles to improve conditions in life. Scientology Churches, Missions and affiliated groups now exceed 8,500 in 165 countries. Concurrent to the increased international interest, new Churches of Scientology are opening at an exponential rate, with three new Churches opened in the last month, seven in 2010 alone and a dozen in the last year.

Celebrity Centres are those Churches of Scientology established to provide artists, professionals and leaders in every field with a distraction-free environment to practice their religion. Whether for up-and-coming artists or established public figures, Celebrity Centres provide an atmosphere where all can discover Scientology for themselves.

L. Ron Hubbard once wrote, “A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists.” As an artist himself, Mr. Hubbard understood how important those dreams are to the creative person. He recognized as well that artists supply the spark of creativity and the vision leading the society into tomorrow.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood was founded in 1969. Celebrity Centres in other world cultural centers include New York, Paris, Nashville, Vienna, Florence and London, and in February of this year the new Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Las Vegas opened its doors. Celebrity Centres, like all Churches of Scientology worldwide, are open to the public.

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and author L. Ron Hubbard. Worldwide there are more than 8,500 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups in 165 countries.

Since the beginning of 2010, the Church of Scientology has opened seven new Churches in Seattle, Washington; Pasadena, California; Mexico City, Mexico; Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Quebec City, Canada; and Brussels, Belgium. Each is configured to provide the full services of the Scientology religion to parishioners and to the community, housing extensive public information multimedia displays, and ministering religious services in efficient and aesthetic spaces, including congregational services in expansive Chapels. These new Churches have expanded their ministry of religious services many times over, giving more than a million new people the opportunity to find out about Scientology.

Each of these new Churches is active in its community while also providing a strong base for Scientology-sponsored social and humanitarian programs aimed at curbing drug abuse, illiteracy, immorality and criminality, as well as restoring human rights, assisting individuals with personal troubles, and helping in times of disaster, both natural and man-made.

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

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

Queen Anne and Magnolia News on the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology of Washington

About 1,600 Scientologists and their guests packed the street in front of 300 W. Harrison St. Saturday for the opening of the new Church of Scientology of Washington, a milestone for the congregation formed 54 years ago. >>

_{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.

San Gabriel Valley Tribune online edition presented this slide show of their tour of the new Church of Scientology of Pasadena on Monday July 19. 

“The imposing four-story, 50,800-square-foot building at 35 S. Raymond Ave. will serve around 10,000 Scientologists from the San Gabriel Valley to the Inland Empire, said Eden Stein, president of the Pasadena Church.

“‘We’re very pleased,’ Stein said Monday, a day after about 4,200 Scientologists celebrated at a street party on Raymond attended by church leader David Miscavige.”

‘Visitors walking into the ground floor, which is open to the public, will find the same soaring atrium, the walkways and even the old wall clocks at each end.

“But the rest of the building has been converted to provide facilities for the expected 200 to 300 daily church members and 173 staff.

“Off the Raymond Avenue entry is a public information center, with 17 multimedia displays introducing the beliefs of Scientology. The area will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.”

The conversion of the historic Braley Building in Old Pasadena into the Church of Scientology is now complete and opened to the public Monday July 19, 2010.

Chapel in the new Pasadena Church of Scientology.

Office for L. Ronald Hubbard at the new Pasadena Church of Scientology. In tribute to L. Ron Hubbard’s legacy, every Church of Scientology maintains an office in his honor. The office stands as a sign of respect for Mr. Hubbard and in representation that the Church remains true to his teachings.

Purification Center at the new Pasadena Church of Scientology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

__________________

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

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

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

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

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

_{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}

 Australian Scientologist Peter Dunn prepares to return to Haiti in July

_{Australian Volunteer Minister Peter Dunn, helping to raise the spirits of group of Haitian children}

ADELAIDE—”I want to help,” says teacher Peter Dunn, 61, on why he is returning to Haiti   with the Scientology Haiti Disaster Response Team.  “As a trained Scientology Volunteer Minster I knew I could help and felt it was something I personally needed to do.”

Troubled by the images of the destruction of Haiti that played non-stop on his TV screen in Adelaide, Dunn contacted the Scientology Volunteer Ministers international headquarters in Los Angeles, confirmed they were deploying a disaster response team to Port-au-Prince, paid for a ticket from Australia to Haiti and told them to count him in.

Arriving in early February, Dunn spent nine weeks in Haiti.  He describes the  conditions then as “pretty rough.”  “After an exhausting day and a shower in a bucket of water, you’d fall asleep and be startled awake by military jets taking off in the middle of night,” he says of his first weeks living in a tent at the Port-au-Prince airport.

Dunn’s days were filled with helping refugees in IDP (internally displaced persons) camps and children at the orphanages.  “These people lost everything,” Dunn said.  Some of the IDP camps had tents, but at one where he volunteered 1,500 people lived under sheets of plastic draped over sticks and held up by string.

“I went to the camps as part of a medical team and helped triage people to get them whatever medical help we could,” says Dunn.  He also provided Scientology assists—procedures developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard to relieve the spiritual aspects of trauma and speed healing.  “We gave hundreds of assists each day,” he said.

Dunn, who is heading back for another three months in Haiti, was struck by how fast people responded to the assists, despite the language barrier and the losses they suffered.  “And people would come up and thank the Volunteer Ministers and ask to learn how they could deliver assists themselves to help the others in the camps,” Dunn says.

Before Haiti, Dunn spent the past several years teaching English as a second language in China and Thailand.  But Haitians are unique, he says “Living under the most severe conditions they nevertheless carry themselves with dignity and personal pride.”

Even before returning home to Australia in April, Dunn was planning his next trip to the country.  “I was amazed at the resilience of the Haitian people, and I want to help them in any way I can.”

The New York branch of the Foundation for a Drug Free World held a ceremony Friday night, June 25, to honor almost a dozen groups and citizens who have worked effectively towards stemming a deadly epidemic.

New York joined chapters of the group worldwide in marking the United Nations International Day Against Illicit Drugs and Trafficking, giving awards to key New Yorkers who have taken the lead in the fight against illicit drug use.

Highlighted in the group was Mr. Abukarriem Shabazz, President and CEO of Phase: Piggy Back, Inc., a drug-free community-based resocialization corporation located in Harlem for the past 42 years.  He began his tenure as Comptroller as well as being an original Founder of the organization in 1968 and is the first African American to hold the position of President for the NYS Association of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Programs.

“Mr. Shabazz retains the will and the vision to move our  community towards a future free from the social ills it is now confronted with,” said Ms. Verlene Cheeseboro, head of the Harlem chapter of the Foundation for a Drug Free World.

Meghan Fialkoff, head of the New York Chapter of the Foundation, was the overall Mistress of ceremonies and spoke about the Foundation’s  making The Truth About Drugs education materials available in 20 languages.  Based on authoritative surveys and studies, The Truth About Drugs series includes abundant first hand testimonials in a youth-friendly format: 13 pocket-sized booklets and short videos covering the most commonly abused drugs, a new documentary based on interviews with over 200 former addicts, which can be seen and ordered free, at www.drugfreeworld.org.

“But even with the most effective materials,” said Ms. Fialkoff at the gathering held at the Church of Scientology of New York on West 46th Street in Manhattan, “it takes live communication—with heart, courage, and energy—to really turn the tide of drug use.   Tonight we want to honor some of those who—using our materials, or just sharing our goals and our commitment—working effectively for a drug-free world.”

Also featured was New York State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., who was kept in Albany at the last moment, working on the State budget, and whose trophy was accepted by Mr. Tommy Soto.

Receiving awards for their work this year were:  Police Officer Iris Mercado, from the Midtown North Precinct; Ms. Sherry Thomas, Veritas, Inc; Mr. Michael Zotto, retired NYPD Detective and head of The Strategic Protection Group; Loretta Parsons-Poole, representing OASIS, for their “Your Story Matters” program; and Sandra Marguez, of Volunteers of America.

“We look forward to continue working with you in any way we can and we offer our resources including our videos, the booklets, and the other educational materials,” said Failkoff in concluding, “to help accomplish the goals we share.”

The United Nations International Day Against Illicit Drugs and Trafficking was established in 1987 by UN resolution 42/112 to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving an international society free of drug abuse.

Besides their sponsorship of the Foundation, Scientologists are steadfast opponents of drug abuse, as part of their work in the community.   “From Los Angeles to Stockholm , from Copenhagen to Taiwan ,” said Fialkoff, “Scientologists were observing the UN Day Against Drugs through effective action.”

_{Reprinted courtesy of Harlem World Magazine.}

_{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

By Amanda Pinto, New Haven Register Staff
apinto@newhavenregister.com

Earthquake survivor Ralph Gedeon prepares to leave for St. Anne Virginie Grimes Rehabilitation Center outpatient treatment in New York.

NEW HAVEN—Five months ago, Ralph Gedeon was lying trapped beneath a pile of rubble when the engineering college he attended in Port-au-Prince toppled in the 7.0 earthquake that hit the island nation.

His leg was crushed and several organs were failing when his father, after digging for a day and a half, rescued Gedeon from the tumbled remnants.

Miraculously, on Sunday, the earthquake survivor stood on two legs — one of them a prosthetic—and packed his bags as he prepared to leave the Sister Ann Virginie Grimes Rehabilitation Center on Chapel Street.

Gedeon’s progress is a miracle, and seeing him walk brings tears to the eyes of Dr. David Gibson, an orthopedic surgeon who teaches at the Yale School of Medicine and is affiliated with the Hospital of Saint Raphael.

“This is what you do it for,” he said. “It is really heartening to see him walk.”

But for Gedeon, who will now begin outpatient treatment in Rockland, N.Y., walking is only a part of his positive journey.

When he eventually returns to his home country, he will have a permanent prosthesis that will even allow him to play soccer, and he’ll have an engineering degree that will enable him to help others injured in the earthquake, said Ayal Lindeman, the emergency medical technician, nurse and Scientology volunteer minister who was on a mission in Haiti when he met Gedeon, 22.

Gedeon will also take classes at Rockland Community College, and will likely receive a scholarship from the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading to continue studies in engineering, Lindeman said. He will switch his concentration from electrical to mechanical engineering so he can focus on creating and improving orthotics and prosthetics to help Haiti’s thousands of amputees, Lindeman said.

Gedeon has come quite a long way for a man who contemplated accepting death rather than enduring an amputation that could have left him shunned in Haiti, where amputees are degraded, Lindeman said.

After Gedeon was rescued, his father, Raphael Gedeon, told Lindeman ‘I love my son, but I cannot condemn him to this life.’ At that moment, Lindeman thought of the motto on the back of his mission jacket, ‘Something can be done;’ he called his friend Gibson and promised Ralph Gedeon a leg and a life.

Now Gedeon has had nine surgeries, his care has been provided at no cost by St. Raphael’s and a prosthetic donated by a manufacturer. He has been tutored, free of charge, in English.

He used a cane to walk from the rehabilitation center Sunday, but routinely lifted it as he waved and joked with the small crowd of well-wishers who gathered to see him off.

Of his ability to walk, Gedeon smiles and simply says, “We’re progressing.” “(I thought I would walk) because Ayal promised me, and second, I’ve seen people walking (on prosthetics) in the movies,” he said.

He said his leg, which is still healing, is a bit uncomfortable, but he was full of smiles and hugs for the group—which included Marie and Marc Roseme, housekeepers in the facility who are originally from Haiti— who bid him an emotional goodbye.

His father, who arrived in the U.S. Friday, said through a translator Sunday that he was at a loss for words for what his son has accomplished, and for the generosity bestowed upon him.

“I don’t have an expression that would fit,” he said. “Just thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Reprinted with permission of the New Haven Register.

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Churches of Scientology around the world will host community drug education activities June 26 in recognition of the United Nations International Day Against Illicit Drugs and Trafficking.  Steadfast drug education advocates for more than 20 years, Scientology Churches are inviting local police, officials, community leaders, parents and teens to toughen up their neighborhoods with youth-oriented drug education activities for both young and old.

“To bring about real demand reduction, people need facts they know are real and that’s been missing from most drug education programs,” says Rev. Bob Adams, spokesperson for the Church of Scientology International and a former National Football League player.  “To resist a drug pusher, a peer or anyone else encouraging drug abuse, one’s knowledge about drugs has to be certain and firm.”

The Church’s community drug education programs have been conducted at a grass-roots level by both Scientologists and non-Scientologists since the mid-1980s.  Adams says toughening up neighborhoods against drugs benefits everybody.  “Today we are all affected by drug abuse in some way or another and it’s not just illegal street drugs and youth.  Prescription drug abuse is also a huge problem.  All of it directly relates to health, crime, and safety, and things people don’t immediately think of in relation to drugs, like success and economics.  The truth is that today, if you’re not well educated about drugs, you are at risk.”

In addition to its anti-drug advocacy and community activation, the Church sponsors the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, the international provider of The Truth About Drugs education materials available in 20 languages.  Based on authoritative surveys and studies, The Truth About Drugs series includes abundant first hand testimonials in a youth-friendly format: 13 pocket-sized booklets and short videos covering the most commonly abused drugs, a new documentary based on interviews with over 200 former addicts, which can be seen and ordered free, at www.drugfreeworld.org.

“The Truth About Drugs Documentary and booklets are upfront, poignant and real,” says Adams.  “They empower youth, parents, educators, law enforcement, social workers and anyone else concerned because it’s not about scare tactics—it’s true life experiences with facts.”

The United Nations International Day Against Illicit Drugs and Trafficking was established in 1987 by UN resolution 42/112 to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving an international society free of drug abuse.

_{Excerpted from an article by GreenerBuildings}

PASADENA, CA — The Church of Scientology, which has been buying and refurbishing historic buildings around the world, plans to open later this summer its first LEED-certified center.

The Pasadena church is a renovation of a turn-of-the-century bicycle factory, retaining the original structure’s four-story atrium and facade while building in modern features and energy efficiency.

The Pasadena facility is part of a larger program launched in 2004 by the Church of Scientology to expand its facilities around the world. Of the 19 new churches opened since 2004, eight of them have been in unique historical buildings. >>