Monday, August 31, 2009

David Miscavige Dedicates the Ideal Org in Sweden

Guests from 32 nations attended the grand opening of the new Church of Scientology in Malmö.

Just two weeks after presiding over the opening of the fully restored Fort Harrison retreat in Clearwater, Florida, Mr. David Miscavige traveled more than 5,000 miles to formally open the new European Church of Scientology in the Swedish seacoast city of Malmö. Those in attendance hailed from 32 nations, including Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Russia, Israel, Iraq and Uganda. They gathered to celebrate a historic day: dedication of the 72,000-square-foot landmark Church of Scientology, acquired, designed, renovated and opened in less than six months.

The Chapel is used for Sunday Services, weddings and all other Scientology ceremonies, as well as seminars and local community events.

Among those present to honor the occasion were European dignitaries including Dr. Iva Parizkova Ryggestahl, Human Rights Activist and Vice-Deputy in the Swedish Parliament; Dr. Adly Abu Hajar, Director General of the European Islamic Conference, a group of Muslim leaders of 33 nations; Dr. Gunnar Bramstång, Distinguished Professor of Law, Dean of the Lund Law faculty and author of groundbreaking human rights legislation; and Dr. Bertil Persson, renowned educator, Professor of Religion, and Permanent Representative at the UNESCO University for Peace.

The day was further distinguished by Mr. Miscavige dedicating this new Church in the name of a better tomorrow:

“Our ability to uplift generations with Study Technology, our ability to eradicate drug abuse and awaken populations to the inherent moral decency within them—all this is now possible on a previously unimaginable scale.

“So, yes, today is truly just a beginning and, forever after, let us mark this day for freedom, for Sweden, and for all eternity.”

Mr. Miscavige, joined by the other honored guests, then cut the ribbon, officially marking a new era for Scientology in Sweden.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Scientology Volunteers Help Cope with Record Flooding

The Scientology Disaster Relief Team is on site with emergency workers and flood victims helping bring order and relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot.

Southern Taiwan is experiencing its worst flooding in 25 years from Typhoon Morakot and Scientology Volunteer Ministers are helping with urgent services and care of flood victims.

The Volunteers relief efforts are concentrated on getting food to the victims, as well as providing support to emergency services personnel and trauma relief. When officials coordinating the relief effort requested food as the first priority, the Scientologists immediately arranged for 3,000 loaves of bread to be brought to emergency shelters.

In the regions of Bu-Dai and Dun-Shi, the Volunteer Team also provided and taught Scientology Assists—simple procedures developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, that help overcome the emotional and spiritual side of trauma that accompany injury, stress or shock.
Emergency workers also receive Assists to help them remain alert and effective through lack of sleep and extreme stress.

In Chai-Tung, one of the worst hit flood areas, Scientologists and other volunteer groups are serving 200 victims at an evacuation center and a vocation school, while anticipating the arrival of another thousand refugees.

For further information on the Volunteer Ministers and their work, go to VolunteerMinisters.org or the Scientology site.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Scientology YouTube Video Channel Launches Meet a Scientologist Videos

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

Meet A Scientologist YouTube Videos
Meet A Scientologist YouTube Videos

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

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

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

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

Church of Scientology of Cincinnati Help Kids Make the Right Decision about Drugs

Cincinnati kids helping kids decide to be drug-free.

The Church of Scientology of Cincinnati sponsors a chapter of the Drug-Free Marshals, where kids help other kids learn the truth about drugs and make informed decisions to stay drug-free.

For the past 16 years, Scientology churches around the world have sponsored Drug-Free Marshals chapters. The Marshals pledge to live drug-free lives and help their friends and family make the same decisions.

With the recent publication of statistics showing use of alcohol and marijuana in Cincinnati to be down by 33%, young Cincinnati Scientologists are proud of the work they have done to help accomplish this result.

L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “People mistakenly believe they ‘feel better’ or ‘act better’ or are ‘only happy’ when on drugs. This is just another delusion. Sooner or later the drugs will destroy them physically.” The Drug-Free Marshals of Cincinnati distribute booklets with the truth about drugs to help kids avoid the tragedy of drug abuse and addiction.

For more information on the work the Church of Scientology does to combat the drug problem, visit the Scientology web site.