Scientology News

Human Rights Day 2011: Church of Scientology Spearheading Human Rights Education

2011-12-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

On the 63rd anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Church of Scientology urges mandatory human rights education as the key to its full implementation of the Declaration.

Human rights are the rights that belong to everyone without exception—to people of any color, creed, age, ethnicity or gender. But as United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon pointed out in his Human Rights Day message this year, “…unless we know them, unless we demand they be respected, and unless we defend our rights — and the right of others — to exercise them, they will be just words in a decades-old document.”

To make the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights known to all, the Church of Scientology has undertaken a massive human rights education initiative, reaching more than 180 million people in 2011 with the information on human rights in 17 languages.

The United Nations estimates that 2.45 million people are trafficked each year, nearly a billion live in hunger, and almost half the world’s population subsists on less than $2.50 a day, making it clear any momentum generated this year must continue and that education and insistence on human rights has never been more vital.

In a global demonstration of support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its 30 rights, Scientology Churches and Missions marked Human Rights Day with seminars, rallies, concerts, round tables, forums and festivals, and helped organize more than 80 human rights walks in 26 countries to raise awareness of the Declaration and the need for its full implementation.

In 1969, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “The United Nations came up with the answer. An absence of human rights stained the hands of governments and threatened their rules. Very few governments have implemented any part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These governments have not grasped that their very survival depends utterly upon adopting such reforms and thus giving their peoples a cause, a civilization worth supporting, worth their patriotism.”

For more than four decades, the Church has worked to make the Universal Declaration of Human Rights broadly known. The Declaration appeared in the first edition of Freedom Magazine, the Church’s human rights journal, in 1968. In 1998, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, the Church carried out the first of five annual cross-European marathons, reaching an estimated 33 million with its message in support of human rights.

Ten years ago, the Church began publishing materials that present the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in terms anyone can understand. These booklets, award-winning public service announcements and human rights documentary videos are available free of charge to any individual or group.

“There are many examples in history of what individuals can accomplish by demanding their rights and insisting on the rights of others,” says Rev. Robert Adams, Vice President of the Church of Scientology International. “But a knowledge of these rights comes first. The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, yet in many ways, despite advances, the violations of its articles are as abhorrent today as they were six decades ago. We work with many dedicated groups, organizations, agencies and government bodies to make human rights a reality. To achieve this goal, education in human rights must be mandatory, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be given the force of law.”

Since Human Rights Day 2010, through direct action and sponsorship of activities and materials, the Church of Scientology has reached hundreds of millions of people with humans rights information, distributing more than 2 million publications and providing educational materials to more than 45,000 human rights organizations and 4,500 educators and educational institutions.

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The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has grown to more than 9,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups and millions of members in 165 countries.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Church of Scientology Celebrates the Opening of an Entirely New Church in Inglewood and Community Center in South Los Angeles

2011-11-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

5,000 Scientologists, guests and city officials gathered Saturday November 5, for the dedication of an entirely new Church of Scientology and Church of Scientology Community Center. The Church stands in the heart of downtown, at 315 South Market Street, and reflects the growth of a new Scientology congregation amongst these communities. The neighboring Community Center stands just a few minutes away in South Los Angeles, at 8039 South Vermont Avenue. Together this Church and Community Center provide for all Scientology religious services as well as its many humanitarian initiatives and social betterment programs for the benefit of Inglewood and South Los Angeles.

The new Inglewood Church of Scientology on South Market Street houses a Public Information Center presenting the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion as well as the life and legacy of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center further provides an overview of the many Church-sponsored humanitarian programs. These programs include a worldwide human rights initiative, an equally far-ranging drug education and prevention campaign, global networks of literacy and learning centers and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program now comprising the largest independent relief force on Earth. The Information Center’s multimedia displays include nearly 500 documentary films.

The new Community Center on Vermont Avenue is housed in an historic art deco landmark that dates from the early 1930s and which the Church has meticulously restored. It features a 380-seat event hall, the L. Ron Hubbard Community Auditorium, designed for community events and as a meeting ground for residents of all denominations. In that respect, it is a venue dedicated to community-wide initiatives in the spirit of the Founder’s vision of all church denominations working together to achieve the common dream of all religions. The Center further features numerous classrooms and seminar facilities for a full range of civic programs, including a complete literacy and tutoring center.

Marking the significance of the occasion, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated at the ceremony. In pointing to what this day represents, Mr. Miscavige stated:

“This new Church of Scientology is quite literally imbued with the contributions and global spirit of Scientologists from more than a hundred nations. In that respect, it reflects the greater shape of Scientology—both body and soul. Moreover, it reflects the attributes of greatness all religions traditionally sought to inspire, including decency, nobility, compassion and charity. And that's also the spirit in which we provide our new Community Center, open for use by one and all, for the benefit of all its residents.”

Welcoming the new Church were Inglewood City Councilmember, Ralph Franklin; Inglewood Chief of Police, Jacqueline Seabrooks; President of NAACP Los Angeles, Leon Jenkins; Executive Director of the gang intervention group 2nd Call, Skipp Townsend; and Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, retired head of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles and now Professor of Religious Studies at USC.

City Councilmember Ralph Franklin welcomed the new Church: “I for one am very excited about your move to your new home. Thank you for being our anchor to Market Street. You are helping revitalize downtown and offering us a platform from which we can make a segue into our greater future. I have faith that your presence will be the catalyst for this city’s renaissance. And so it is with great pleasure that on behalf of all of us here in the City of Inglewood I say congratulations on your new home and welcome to the family.”

Chief of Police Jacqueline Seabrooks spoke of the solutions offered by the Church’s anti-drug initiative: “I have been aware of your Drug-Free World program and know that this program has been supported by various entities here in Inglewood and in the larger environment. I must say that I am impressed by your dedicated initiative to ensure ‘The Truth About Drugs’ message is made available to everyone. Your volunteers are an active force, distributing educational materials and holding drug education seminars. Your colorful, information booklets are popular and effective. Because I have a strong background in education, I admire what you've done and what you continue to do to bring the drug abuse issue into the educational arena.”

Los Angeles NAACP President Leon Jenkins recognized the effectiveness of the Church’s human rights programs: “The Church of Scientology is taking an instrumental role in the change we need because what your Church does is address the individual. You know that everybody is different. That’s why your human rights program speaks to every one of us. And one by one you are helping to bring about a just society that can live in harmony together. The Church sets a standard for others in religion and in human rights. I think there are quite some groups that could take a lesson or two from you all. My hat is off to you for that.”

Executive Director of 2nd Call, Skipp Townsend, acknowledged the empowerment that comes from the Church’s programs: “We are grateful that the Church of Scientology is here and provides a stream of resources to the City of Inglewood. Your church is an open door to those individuals who seek betterment in the community. The beauty of it is that the Church has both developed a community and opened the doors to the community. That’s not just development, that’s empowerment. You empower the people. And I am sure the Church will continue the empowerment process by leaving the door open, so they can come in and get the resources and benefits you have to offer.”

Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, retired head of the First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles and now Professor of Religious Studies at USC, expressed highest regard for Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard and the Church of Scientology: “My friends, this new Church is an opportunity to make change. I encourage you, the community, to take full advantage. L. Ron Hubbard was a genius of a man who could say, ‘Here’s the problem, here’s the solution, and here are the details of how you achieve that solution.’ Well here is a mansion that has been constructed by L. Ron Hubbard, an architect of the soul and a designer of dreams. Our challenge is to make use of what we have been given. I am so very thankful for what you bring us today. God bless you all.”

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Church of Scientology Ideal Orgs realize the fulfillment of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the religion. Ideal Orgs not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their spiritual ascent, but they are also designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift citizens of all denominations.

The Church of Scientology of Inglewood is the third Ideal Org to open in the Greater Los Angeles area since 2010. Other Ideal Churches of Scientology opened in 2011 include:

Church of Scientology of Twin Cities opened October 22, 2011, in Minnesota’s Capital of St. Paul

Church of Scientology of Tampa opened March 13, 2011, in historic Ybor Square

Church of Scientology of Moscow opened February 26, 2011, in the Russian capital’s central Garden Ring, a mile from Red Square

Church of Scientology of Melbourne opened January 29, 2011, in a landmark estate in the cultural capital of Australia.

Other new Ideal Churches of Scientology opened in the past two years include Dallas; Nashville; Washington D.C.; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Pasadena; Seattle; as well as Malmo, Sweden; Rome, Italy; Brussels, Belgium; Quebec City, Canada and Mexico City, Mexico.

For a complete list of new Churches of Scientology, visit Scientology.org.

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The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 9,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 165 countries.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Church of Scientology Cuts Ribbon on Twin Cities Landmark Home in Minnesota’s Capital of St. Paul

2011-11-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Scientologists, guests, state and city officials assembled in downtown St. Paul, Saturday October 22, for the dedication of the new Church of Scientology Twin Cities. The Church stands at 505 Wabasha Street and was formerly home to the Science Museum of Minnesota. The acquisition of the 82,000-square-foot facility in the heart of St. Paul was necessitated by the meteoric growth of the resident Scientology community. The Church of Scientology Twin Cities is now the largest Scientology facility in the American Midwest and will serve parishioners from Wisconsin to the Dakotas.

Located just blocks from the State Capitol and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Church is additionally adjacent to the famed Fitzgerald Theater and so forms an “historic square” of buildings in downtown St. Paul. The premises were carefully renovated to preserve its most memorable features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Wabasha Street and the three-story atrium. Also faithfully preserved was the original 300-seat IMAX Theater, now to serve as the Scientology Chapel and community meeting ground for citizens of all denominations.

Just off the expansive reception is a Public Information Center presenting the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion as well as the life and legacy of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center further provides an overview of the many Church-sponsored humanitarian programs. These programs include a worldwide human rights initiative, an equally far-ranging drug education and prevention campaign, global networks of literacy and learning centers and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program now comprising the largest independent relief force on Earth. The multimedia displays include nearly 500 documentary films.

In tribute to the import of the occasion, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated at the ceremony. In pointing to the significance of the day, Mr. Miscavige cited all that new Ideal Churches of Scientology traditionally bring to their surrounding communities, pledging the Church's resources and support across a broad range of civic programs for the benefit of all citizens. Thus, by dedicating a new Church for Minneapolis and St. Paul comes the inauguration of a new partnership in Twin Cities.

Welcoming the new Church were St. Paul City Councilmember Dave Thune; Minnesota State Senator Sandra Pappas; Minnesota State Representative Rena Moran; and President of the Minneapolis Chapter of MAD DADS (Men Against Destruction Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder), Mr. V.J. Smith.

In his salutary address, City Councilmember Dave Thune said: “I’m so happy to see that the Church of Scientology has moved into this landmark building. I always hate to see buildings go unused and sit vacant, especially in my Ward! So let me say this: thank you for moving across the river to the best side of Twin Cities.”

President of the Minneapolis Chapter of MAD DADS, Mr. V.J. Smith, addressed the Church’s anti-drug initiative: “I want to thank you, because we’ve already given out thousands of your Truth About Drugs booklets that show the impact drugs have on a person. The Church of Scientology and the Foundation for a Drug-Free World provided those to make it easier for us to do our job. You gave us a resource... and we’re really excited to see this beautiful Church open up in our community.”

Minnesota State Representative Rena Moran spoke of the Church’s pervasive volunteerism: “I believe very strongly in community engagement. And that is why I’m especially excited about your Volunteer Ministers and so impressed by the work that they do. It takes a certain kind of heart to give unconditional help to people you don’t even know and may never meet again. Your volunteers seem to specialize in that. They’re reaching out, they’re engaged, they’re facing the needs in our communities—and proving that something really can be done about it.”

Minnesota State Senator and leading proponent for human rights and human trafficking legislation, Sandra Pappas spoke to the Church’s award-winning Human Rights education materials and its longstanding support of human rights in general: “At the core of this support is an educational campaign that delivers a clear and impactful presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. That is certainly a credible endeavor that I think you should be acknowledged for, so thank you. …I am proud of my work and you should be proud of your work to educate others on what are human rights. Please continue.”

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The Church of Scientology of Twin Cities is the newest of dozens of Ideal Scientology Church Organizations (“Ideal Orgs”) opened in the past five years. Ideal Orgs realize the fulfillment of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the religion and its Churches. Ideal Orgs not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their spiritual ascent, but they are also designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift citizens of all denominations.

The Church of Scientology of Twin Cities is the fourth Ideal Org to open in 2011, joining these new Churches:

Church of Scientology of Tampa opened March 13, 2011, in historic Ybor Square

Church of Scientology of Moscow opened February 26, 2011, in the Russian capital’s central Garden Ring, a mile from Red Square

Church of Scientology of Melbourne opened January 29, 2011, in a landmark estate in the cultural capital of Australia

Other new churches opened in the past two years include Dallas; Nashville; Washington, D.C.; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Pasadena; Seattle; as well as Malmo, Sweden; Rome, Italy; Brussels, Belgium; Quebec City, Canada and Mexico City, Mexico.

For a complete list of new Churches of Scientology, visit Scientology.org.

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Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Scientology News

2011-09-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

The Scientology Media website at www.scientologynews.org is an excellent way to learn what Scientologists are doing in their churches and communities.

There is also an excellent biographical section on David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the religion.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY ACQUIRES HOLLYWOOD STUDIO FACILITY

2011-09-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Church of Scientology is pleased to have acquired the historic KCET studio lot in Hollywood. At nearly 5 acres, this studio includes two sound stages, extensive post production resources and state-of-the-art TV, satellite and Internet broadcasting capabilities. It is a perfect fit, in both size and location, for the expansion of the Church of Scientology's production of religious and social betterment audiovisual properties, and we welcomed the unexpected opportunity to acquire it. >>

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Church of Scientology of Pasadena—A Year of Contribution to the Community

2011-08-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

Scientology Church celebrates its first year in Old Pasadena with community involvement and contribution high on its list of priorities.

On Saturday, July 30, 2011, the Church of Scientology of Pasadena hosted “Reversing Hunger—A Forum on the Most Basic Human Right.” The event was the latest in a series of community services and activities the Church has initiated, supported or sponsored over the past year since its July 2010 grand opening.

Pasadena Scientologists manned a drug-education and prevention booth at Villa Park last August to help make the city’s annual “National Night Out” a success.

In September, members of the Pasadena Church were key players in organizing and staging the 10th annual “Say No to Drugs” Race at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, held in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Agency’s “Take-Back” initiative, which focuses on curbing prescription drug abuse. Runners and fans alike returned home with copies of the Truth About Drugs series of drug-education booklets, distributed by volunteers from the Church’s “Say No to Drugs” group.

The environmentally conscious Church made news on Earth Day in April when local media reported, “It seemed fitting indeed that an Earth Day bicycle tour of Pasadena should end at the Church of Scientology of Pasadena’s 58,084-square-foot, newly certified LEEDS [Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design] energy efficient headquarters building on South Raymond Avenue.”

In May, the City of Pasadena’s Historic Preservation Commission, the California State Assembly and the California State Senate recognized the Church for its achievements in historical preservation.

Over the past 12 months, hundreds of local residents have enrolled on Life Improvement Courses offered by the Church, short courses that help the individual address everyday life issues such as relationship difficulties, coping with work or financial stress, raising children, and dealing with drug abuse, study problems and challenges to personal integrity.

The Church of Scientology of Pasadena is open to the public Monday through Friday 9 a.m.—10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.—6 p.m. Visitors are welcome to tour the Church’s extensive first-floor Public Information Center containing multimedia displays illustrating Scientology beliefs, the life and legacy of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard and the full array of Church-sponsored social betterment and community outreach programs.

For more information:

Rev. Eden Stein
(626) 792-7532
edenms004@gmail.com.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

GOLDEN ERA PRODUCTIONS RECEIVES TELLY AWARD FOR HOW TO USE DIANETICS

2011-06-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

How to Use Dianetics was honored Monday, June 13, with a Bronze Telly Award for Film or Video in the category of Religion and Spirituality. The film is a four-and-a-half-hour book on film of L. Ron Hubbard’s seminal work, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, the all-time best-selling book on the human mind.

This is the second coveted industry award received this month by the film, produced by Golden Era Productions, worldwide dissemination center for the entire Scientology religion, responsible for all film, video, television, Internet and international event production.

For more information about Golden Era Productions and the How to Use Dianetics DVD, visit www.Scientology.org.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

2011-04-06T15:58:00.001-07:00

The source and Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard who devoted his life to finding answers to questions that have troubled Mankind for millennia. Mr. Hubbard’s intellectual rigor, his curiosity and boundless spirit of adventure inspired his search, even as a young man.

The first widely released results of Mr. Hubbard’s researches did not lie in Scientology, however, but in another field of endeavor: “Dianetics.” The word Dianetics comes from the Greek words dia, meaning “through” and nous, meaning “mind or soul,” and is defined as “what the mind (or soul) is doing to the body.”

Dianetics constituted L. Ron Hubbard’s first breakthrough. And it was his initial discoveries in this area that led to further researches and the exact isolation of the source of life itself.

Man does not have a spirit. He is a spirit. He has a mind and he has a body. Dianetics addresses and handles the effects of the spirit on the body. Dianetics thus helps provide relief from unwanted sensations and emotions, accidents and psychosomatic illnesses (ailments caused or aggravated by mental stress).

The word Scientology is taken from the Latin scio, which means “knowing, in the fullest sense of the word,” and the Greek word logos, meaning “study of.” It literally means knowing how to know. Scientology itself is defined as “the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life.”

Scientology addresses the spiritual being. It directly raises his awareness and ability. And by so doing, he also becomes increasingly able to overcome the negative factors that impair him.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

KARLA JO HELMS, A PORTRAIT OF A SUCCESSFUL PR

2011-03-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Everything in Karla Jo Helms’ life was just fine—on the surface. But appearances were deceiving, she soon found out. Her profile is one of 200 “Meet a Scientologist” videos available on the Scientology website at www.Scientology.org.

Growing up in a high-end suburb of Houston, Texas, Karla Jo Helms lived in a “perfect” world where everything had its place and life was fine. Then she started to realize everything was not what it appeared to be, but no one could tell her why.

“I was 10 years old when I had my first inkling that something might be wrong. Despite the fancy cars and beautiful homes, people really weren’t happy,” says Helms.

Nonetheless, she carried on as expected.

With her sights on a career in dance from the time she was five, Helms attended private schools, college, did everything according to plan—until a back injury when she was 21 slammed the door shut on the one thing she’d always wanted to do in life.

“I was devastated,” says Helms. “And I suddenly realized I had no idea how to put my life back on track.”

Having heard about Scientology, and hoping it might have some answers, Helms walked into the Church of Scientology Mission in Houston. She went in looking for help, not sympathy—and what she found was herself.

“They encouraged me to think for myself and decide based on what was true for me,” says Helms. “In his essay called ‘Personal Integrity,’ L. Ron Hubbard wrote, ‘Personal integrity is knowing what you know. What you know is what you know and to have the courage to know and say what you have observed.’ So I started looking for things that were true for me. That was tremendously empowering. It was a turning point in my life.”

Studying administrative technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Helms learned basic skills that contributed to her success in the business world. She gravitated toward public relations, which matched perfectly with her inherent abilities.

After managing the PR for a Florida-based Inc 500 company for several years, Helms decided to open her own PR firm in the first quarter of 2009. It was the height of the economic downturn, and friends were advising caution, but although she understood the risks, Helms assessed her skills and the local scene and went forward with her plans. Her judgment proved sound and her business is thriving.

“I love the Tampa Bay area and I like to give back,” says Helms. “We do quite a bit of pro bono work on community events and activities, including the local Boys and Girls Club. We took on the Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival, helping make it a total success. A project like that takes a lot of work, but it’s interesting that the more work we do for the community, the more we expand.”

What she has learned in Scientology has helped Helms pull together a team of very talented people, including the perfect business partner. They all love working hard and helping their clients succeed.

Helms approaches life with energy, self-assurance and the knowledge that whatever comes next, she’s ready.

“Scientology is a big part of me,” says Helms. “It taught me the basics of how to operate in life, how to improve my abilities and reach my goals. It gave me the certainty of who I am and the confidence to be myself, and that’s the best of all.”

View the Karla Jo Helms video at Scientology.org.

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The popular “Meet a Scientologist” profiles on the Church of Scientology International Video Channel at Scientology.org now total 200 broadcast-quality documentary videos featuring Scientologists from diverse locations and walks of life. The personal stories are told by Scientologists who are educators, teenagers, skydivers, a golf instructor, a hip-hop dancer, IT manager, stunt pilot, mothers, fathers, dentists, photographers, actors, musicians, fashion designers, engineers, students, business owners and more.

A digital pioneer and leader in the online religious community, in April 2008 the Church of Scientology became the first major religion to launch its own official YouTube Video Channel, which has now been viewed by millions of visitors.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

What the New Yorker Missed--What Scientology Really Is

2011-02-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

THEY ALWAYS KNEW HER BY HER LAUGH

| SOUTH AFRICA • February 06, 2011 |

Scientology restored Heidi Wolfaardt’s happiness and love of life. Her profile is one of 200“Meet a Scientologist” videos available on the Scientology website atwww.Scientology.org.

Scientology is the workable technology developed my L. Ron Hubbard--an incomparable genius who battled the power elite and status quo and never quit when it came to finding the truth and making it known.

It is the Church of Scientology whose ecclesiastical leader, David Miscavige, is tireless in making Scientology available to anyone who seeks to help himself or his friends, family or fellow man.

Scientology is the millions who have benefited from Scientology like this Scientologist:

In her “Meet a Scientologist” video on Scientology.org, Heidi Wolfaardt of South Africa tells how Scientology restored her belief in herself.

“It gave me data about personal integrity, to observe something and really see it for what it is for you, not what somebody else says,” she says. “At a point in my life I felt I lost that. Through Scientology I became my own best friend again.”

Right after she completed university in 1994, Wolfaardt first heard about Scientology from the sister of a friend. She immediately enrolled in a three-day seminar at the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg.

“Everything in the lectures was absolutely real to me—it was how I've viewed things my whole life,” she says. “There’s not a thing that I’ve asked about life or relationships or problems that I haven’t found a solution for in Scientology.”

This statement was truly put to the test in 2006 when Wolfaardt’s mother died of leukemia.

“I experienced an enormous feeling of sorrow,” she says. “It was constantly with me.”

It was then that Wolfaardt moved to Clearwater, Florida—the spiritual headquarters of the religion. She was devastated and needed help, and that help arrived in the form of Scientology spiritual counseling.

“Had it not been for Scientology I would not have been able to feel relief or move on,” she says. “I no longer have those dark clouds about me. Now it’s sunny days ahead again.”

When growing up, Wolfaardt was famous for her laugh—so unique that her friends could pick her out in a crowd just from the sound of it.

Because of Scientology she is laughing again.

View the Heidi Wolfaardt video at Scientology.org.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Meet a Scientologist: Scientology New Yorker and Subway Engineer, Phil

2011-02-06T21:33:00.000-08:00

Scientology helped Phil Hargrow, New Yorker and New York City subway engineer, come to terms with his grief and help others

His profile is one of over 200 “Meet a Scientologist” videos available on the Scientology website at www.Scientology.org

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2011 /NEWS.GNOM.ES/ — If you are one of 5 million people who daily ride the New York City subway system, Scientologist and Scientology New Yorker Phil Hargrow may be more important to you than you know.

A subway engineer for the past 26 years, Hargrow drives the Q train from Coney Island to Prospect Park in Brooklyn, under the Empire State Building and Times Square in Manhattan and on to Astoria, Queens.

Hargrow, 53, says every day presents unique challenges, from slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting a schoolboy who fell on the tracks as he pulled into the station, to helping a blind man get into the train after several hundred strangers stampeded past him to catch their connection, not to mention being the one on the receiving end of frustrated and angry passenger complaints.

“Irate passengers tend to vent their upsets on the man in the uniform,” says Hargrow. “My Scientology communication skills make it easier not to take it personally. I understand where they’re coming from, let them know I got what they’re saying and that’s usually enough to chill them out.”

But it’s not just when they’re angry that people search Hargrow out.

“For some reason, I’m the type of person people come to — not only for questions on how to get around the subway, but they want to talk. And each and every one of them has a different situation in their life.”

Hargrow credits Scientology with his faster reaction time and helping him stay alert, vital when you’re responsible for the safety of as many as a thousand people at a time.

A personal tragedy prompted Hargrow to look into Scientology. Nine years ago, the death of a close

friend in a car accident shattered him.

“There have been a lot of deaths in my family but this topped everything. For two years, I felt like I was weighted down,” he says.

Never much of a reader before, Hargrow knew he had to heal himself and for two years he read every religious and self-help book he could find.

“One day, I told a friend what I was going through and he pulled out the Dianetics book,” he says. “I started reading it and got the Dianetics DVD. A couple of days later I found an ad for a Dianetics Seminar in a paper someone left on my train and decided to check it out. After just a few hours of Dianetics auditing (spiritual counseling — from the Latin audire, meaning ‘to hear or listen’) that unbearable weight was gone.”

“Dianetics brought me so much relief so fast, I thought about the people in the neighborhood who have lost loved ones, the mothers and fathers who have lost children, how much they need this technology now.”

Hargrow, who now serves as a staff member of the Church of Scientology of Harlem when he’s not driving trains says, “There’s no greater feeling in the universe than to help another person.”

View the Phil Hargrow video at http://www.Scientology.org.

The popular “Meet a Scientologist” profiles on the Church of Scientology International Video Channel at Scientology.org now total over 200 broadcast-quality documentary videos featuring Scientologists from diverse locations and walks of life. The personal stories are told by Scientologists who are educators, teenagers, skydivers, a golf instructor, a hip-hop dancer, IT manager, stunt pilot, mothers, fathers, dentists, photographers, actors, musicians, fashion designers, engineers, students, business owners and more.

SOURCE Church of Scientology International

http://www.Scientology.org

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Interactive Video Channel

2010-08-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

How do I Help People?

The new video on the Scientology, about how do you help people--the point is with Scientology you CAN. Most people WANT to. They just don't know how.

What goes on in a Scientology Church?

2010-08-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

What goes on in a Scientology Church?

Scientology Churches are vibrant centers of activity. Each Church of Scientology provides numerous religious services and materials through which individuals may pursue their studies of Scientology. The following offers a glimpse inside a Church of Scientology."

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

What does the word Scientology mean?

2010-08-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

What does the word Scientology mean?

The word Scientology, conceived by L. Ron Hubbard, comes from the Latin scio which means “knowing, in the fullest meaning of the word” and the Greek word logos which means “study of.” It means knowing how to know. Scientology is further defined as “the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life.”

^{Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe.~~L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion}

Every Five Seconds

2010-08-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

There is a hard-hitting video on the Scientology website that lays out why Scientologists are so involved in social issues, what they are doing, and the results. Twice a hear David Miscavige briefs all Scientologists on the progress of these programs--once in October at the event commemoration the anniversary of the International Association of Scientologists and once in June aboard the Freewinds. Orgs and missions just wrapped up showing the summer event to their congregations this weekend.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Scientology Newsroom

2010-07-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

There's a new site— the Scientology Newsroom. Very clean, easy to navigate and full of interesting information.

Excellent, not just for media, but for bloggers and anyone wanting to find out about Scientology.

There's information on new Scientology churches, David Miscavige, what is happening with Dianetics... just about anything you want to know.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Freedom Magazine Exposes Anderson Cooper Lies

2010-07-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

If you want a really good laugh at Anderson Cooper's expense I recommend a read through Freedom magazine. In 90-or-so pages the magazine leaves you wondering how anyone Cooper's journalistic irresponsibility can remain on the air. It sure isn't for his ratings.

I labored through his 5-part Scientology series in April and found it tedious, boring, insincere, trite. But then the rest of the show wasn't much better. So I concluded it wasn't only that he is running a hidden agenda against Scientology, although clearly he is. It's also that he's just a very bad journalist.

Since I never watch him I had a misconception that he was Mr. It of CNN. If that's so, CNN had better examine how it serves the public. That is, after all, it's job.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Truth about Drugs

2010-06-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

There is a real hard-hitting video on the real affects of drugs on the Scientology web site. It's called Real People, Real Stories.

If I'd watched these videos before I went to college I'd have saved myself mucho trouble.

The Church of Scientology has been involved in drug prevention since about 1980, but even more so since 2004, when David Miscavige announced the strategy to build Ideal Scientology Churches, the Church of Scientology has become more and more involved in outreach actions for broader impact on drug prevention.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Scientology Volunteer Minister helps Haitian Survivor get new leg

2010-06-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

In the New Haven Register today is a story of Scientology Volunteer Minister, Ayal Lindeman, and the Haitian earthquake survivor whose life he saved.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Scientology presence grows in Mexico

2010-06-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

De10.com.mx published an article on a new Scientology church opening in Mexico City. The new Mexico Church is one of three set to open over the coming weeks, the next stage of a project launched by David Miscavige in 2003 to create Ideal Scientology Organizations in every major city on Earth, beginning first with those where there are already Scientology congregations.

Scientology Presence Grows in Mexico

Open to the public in July its first national headquarters. The building, six floors, was built in seven years on the street corner Balderas Juarez, in Mexico City

Open to the public in July the first Mexican headquarters of Scientology, a system of beliefs and teachings, originally proposed as a secular philosophy in 1952, by L. Ron Hubbard.

The building has six floors and was built over seven years. Located on the corner of Balderas street Avenida Juarez, in Mexico City.

Headquarters

Seven years to finish the building at the corner of Avenida Juarez Balderas in the Federal District. The building was built in what once were the offices of a bank that changed its address to Paseo de la Reforma. The six-story building, includes an exhibition with displays on various aspects of Scientology, a chapel for 250 people, 18 training rooms, cafeteria, rooms for personal counseling and seminar areas.

"This project was carried out with funds from the donations of parishioners across the world. The building has the same status as headquarters in Berlin, Madrid, Brussels, South Africa, London, Toronto and New York," said Jonathan Marduk Rico, spokesman for Scientology in Mexico.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

New Church of Scientology in Burmingham

2010-06-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

The building here is the new Church of Scientology of Birmingham, as shown on the Scientology web site.

Described in the news this week as:

THE Church of Scientology is set to open its new multi-million pound Midland headquarters in Moseley within weeks.

The well-known Grade II-listed Pitmaston building, in Moor Green Lane, was snapped up by the church for £4.25 million two years ago.

The whole concept of creating these beautiful, Ideal Scientology Churches comes from a directive issued by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1970s and taken up in 2004 by David Miscavige to really make Scientology services available at the correct order of magnitude. The photo comes from a video on the Scientology website. You can watch the whole presentation at http://www.scientology.org/churches/churches-of-scientology.html where you can also see videos on lots of other upcoming Ideal Scientology Churches.

News about Scientology Churches can be found at Scientology Today web site.
Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Nashville religion writers tour Church of Scientology

2010-06-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

(reprinted from the Religion Communicators Council [RCC] website)

Members of RCC's Nashville Chapter toured the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre May 19. The church recently moved into the historic Falls School Building on Eighth Avenue South.

Religion communicators saw the public information center and two rooms devoted to educating people in Middle Tennessee about church practices. The Rev. Brian Fesler, RCC member and tour leader, said that Scientology was open to everyone regardless of race, color or creed.

People don't necessarily "convert" to Scientology, Fesler said. Some consider Scientology their only religion. Others attend a different service on their sabbath and come to the Church of Scientology for courses during the week to improve their spirituality and happiness. >>

The church was dedicated in April 2009 by Scientology ecclesiastical leader, David Miscavige. They have an active Scientology Volunteer Ministers program that has been helping in the cleanup after the Nashville floods.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Profile: L. Ron Hubbard - Scientology founder

2010-06-07T15:08:00.001-07:00

L. Ron Hubbard [March 13, 1911 - January 14, 1986] lived an extraordinary and adventurous life. Although best known as the founder of the Scientology religion, he was also a Master Mariner, Pilot, Photographer, Musician, Author, Explorer, Philosopher and much more besides.

He lived at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, between 1959 and 1967 during which time he greatly contributed to the local community. He was the East Grinstead Road Safety Committee organiser, an East Grinstead Parade Marshal and he sponsored children's cycling competitions.

He was Vice President of the East Grinstead Horticultural Society and carried out revolutionary horticultural experiments at Saint Hill. He was also involved with and contributed to numerous community events and local organizations such as the St Johns Ambulance brigade and the Adeline Genee Theatre to which he was an original donor.

The East Grinstead community has profited enormously from Mr. Hubbard's decision to make East Grinstead the place to further his research on the mind and life. Countless visitors have come from all over the world to study his discoveries here since 1959 when Saint Hill was Mr. Hubbard's home.

A brief summary of his life reads as follows:

At the age of 13 years he became America's youngest Eagle Scout.
At George Washington University Hubbard studied Engineering, Atomic and Molecular Physics.
In 1933, Hubbard led the West Indies Mineralogical Expedition which completed the first mineralogical survey of Puerto Rico.
Hubbard's first fiction publication was in 1934 and in the next six years he completed 138 novels and short stories plus he wrote extensively for Hollywood.
In 1940 he was elected a member of the prestigious Explorers Club.
In 1941 he was awarded Master of Sail license for "Any Ocean''.
During WWII, he took command of convoy escort vessels in the Atlantic and then submarine hunters in the Pacific. He received over 20 decorations during his military career. He had been injured in the war and his earlier discoveries helped him to cure his disabilities.
In 1947-1948 Hubbard served as a Special Police Officer with the L.A. Police Department which gave him the opportunity to study the criminal mind. This led to the development of Criminon, the prison inmate rehabilitation programme, which is in use in over 750 prisons and has the support of Judges, Parole Officers and other penal system professionals.
In 1950, he published "Dianetics, The Modern Science of Mental Health ", now the biggest selling self-help book of all time, with well over 17 million copies sold. Further research led him to the development of the Scientology religion.
Hubbard's researches in the spiritual technology of the Scientology religion comprises over 500,000 pages, more than 3,000 recorded audio lectures and in excess of 100 films.
As an author Hubbard has sold over 120 million copies of his works and is one of the greats of the Golden Age of science fiction. He was equally prolific as an author of western, adventure, romance and mystery.
He developed a system of administration, which is used in over 35,000 companies world-wide
He developed the techniques used by the Narconon drug rehab programme which has helped over 100,000 people to kick the habit in 37 residential centres across the globe.
Hubbard developed a methodology of study, which is now in use by millions of school children in numerous countries with remarkable success.

Posthumously, Hubbard has been awarded numerous accolades such as:

Los Angeles City Council have renamed a street in his honour "L. Ron Hubbard Way''
The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People has awarded Hubbard its highest honours
Over 150 United States Mayors and Governors proclaim March 13 as "L. Ron Hubbard Day"

www.lronhubbard.org

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Scientologists help organize peace march in Southern California

2010-05-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Scientology Volunteer Ministers participated in a peace march. The whole story is here:

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Ideal Orgs

2010-04-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

There have been nine Ideal Scientology churches opened this year. Nine if one year! When you walk through the new Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, you get the magnitude of what that means. Bottom line--anyone who wants help can come in and get it. That's pretty incredible. Coming up next are Pasadena, Seattle and a Mexico City church called ITD.

This is all thanks to the vision (and hard work) of David Miscavige.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

KCAL 9—Inside the Church of Scientology

2010-04-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

KCAL 9 visits the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles’ newly redesigned 64,571-square-foot property at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and L. Ron Hubbard Way.

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.

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Los Angeles Scientology Church Reopens

2010-04-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

The official reopening of the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles took place on Saturday. I think the reports of 6,000 people attending is much too conservative. There was no room to breathe at all. It was a glorious LA day--not a speck of smog. And the excitement surged through the crowd when David Miscavige walked on stage.

What I didn't know before was that this place isn't just important because it's the oldest Scientology congregation anywhere -- the first Scientology church incorporated in 1954; it's not just because there are more Scientologists here than anywhere on Earth. It's because in addition to serving the immense Scientology field of the greater LA area and the public of the community with its outreach programs and facilities, this is the Church where every Scientology executive on Earth will be trained and apprenticed. This is where new courses and programs will be piloted and exported to the rest of the world, and to make it perfect every detail was accounted for in the construction and furnishing of the Church and all the electronic systems throughout the org.

It is amazing, and it is well worth a trip to Los Angeles if you don't live here to come see what a Scientology Church is.

And you don't have to be a Scientologist to take advantage of these services. Everyone is welcome to come in and find out "What is Scientology?"

Official Scientology News: ScientologyNews.org

Scientology-sponsored Youth Group Brings Truth about Drugs to Los Angeles Thai New Year Festival

2010-04-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles chapter of the Drug-Free Marshals, sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, joined the festivities of the Songkran Festival, the celebration of Thai New Year, getting kids to pledge to live drug-free lives.

Located just blocks from the heart of Thai Town, the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles joined this year’s Songkran Festival, the celebration of Thai New Year, by helping neighborhood children avoid the tragedy of drug abuse. Scientology volunteers distributed copies of The Truth About Drugs drug-education booklets and “swore in children” as Drug-Free Marshals, a program that encourages youth to pledge to live drug-free lives and help their friends and family do the same.

Thai New Year, celebrated each year in April, is a time of renewal, marked by lighthearted fun and enthusiasm. Several blocks of Hollywood Boulevard were closed to traffic and filled with hundreds of booths, offering a variety of Thai products including food and beverages, clothing and gifts. There were also booths from community programs including the Drug-Free Marshals.

“Every 12 seconds another school-age child experiments with illicit drugs for the first time,” said Noelle North, Outreach Program Coordinator for the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles. “Our aim with the Drug-Free Marshals is to reach children with the truth about drugs before they succumb to peer pressure or pro-drug false propaganda.”

The Drug-Free Marshals program was founded by the Church of Scientology International in Los Angeles 17 years ago. The non-denominational program has been adopted by individuals and organizations throughout the United States and in many other countries as well.

For more information on drug education and prevention programs of the Church of Scientology, visit www.scientology.org.

Birthday of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard a Religious Holiday in Spain

2010-04-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Scientology event is broadcast to all Scientology Churches and Missions around the world in 16 languages.

Madrid—With the recognition of Scientology by the National Court of Spain in October 2007, the Ministry of Justice in December 2007 and the Ministry of Economy and Taxes in December 2009, the Foundation for Pluralism (Fundación Pluralismo y Convivencia) of the Spanish Ministry of Justice has added the birth date of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard to its calendar of religious holidays.

Each year, the Pluralism Foundation publishes a calendar of religious holidays in Spain, including those of Christians, Jews, members of Orthodox Churches, Hindus and Baha’is. This year, the Foundation included the birth date of L. Ron Hubbard, March 13, with the following description: “Born Lafayette Ronald Hubbard in Tilden, Nebraska, USA, he is the philosopher and humanitarian who founded the Scientology religion in 1952. Every year, Scientologists celebrate the birthday of Mr. Hubbard with an annual summary of the impact, positive change and social betterment caused by the discoveries of Mr. Hubbard.”

On March 13, in Clearwater, Florida, thousands of Scientologists and their guests celebrated the legacy of L. Ron Hubbard at an annual gala celebration. In Spain the rebroadcast event is Saturday, March 20, at the Church’s national headquarters in Madrid.

New Scientology site!

2010-04-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

The new Scientology site is terrific. What an upgrade!

It's much easier to search for the news you need. It has all kinds of videos that weren't available before, like international events, church grand openings.

And it's gorgeous too. Very 2010

Scientology Church in Milan and Human Rights Association of Italy Help Build Schools in Ghana

2010-03-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

On January 6, 2010, Annalisa Tissoni, President of the Church of Scientology of Milan, and Fiorella and Gaetano Cerchiara, President and Director respectively of the Association for Human Rights and Tolerance of Italy, presented a special gift to the village of Twewaa—a new school. With the opening of this school, the second sponsored by Italian Scientologists, the children of the village gained an important human right, as stated in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—”the right to education.”

The Twewaa school opening ceremony included speeches by village Chief Nana Somua Nyampong II, Assembly Member Paul Adarkwah, and Chief Executive of Kwahu South District Assembly, Samuel Asomani.

“We involved the community in every aspect of the planning and construction of the school because it belongs to them,” said Ms. Tissoni. They also hired local companies and artisans and purchased all raw materials for the construction from local merchants, as well as school supplies, clothes and shoes for the children and classroom furniture.

The project began three years ago when an educator in the Ghana capital city of Accra needed additional funds to complete the construction of a school. He invited Ms. Tissoni and Ms. Cerchiara to Ghana, and when they saw the need, they immediately decided to help. With funds raised by the Milan Church of Scientology and the Association for Human Rights and Tolerance, the construction of the Untoma Oxford International School was completed, opening in August 2008 with some 300 children enrolled.

When the Untoma Oxford School was completed, Tissoni and Cerchiara visited outlying villages and chose Twewaa as their next project. With the Twewaa school now opened, they are focusing on their third project, a school in a nearby village in Eastern Ghana, scheduled to open before the end of 2010.

“We have taken on this project because education is a basic human right and a vital component to creating a better world,” said Ms. Tissoni. “Our Church is very much involved in promoting human rights awareness. Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard said ‘Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.’ By helping to build these schools, we are enabling the children to create a better future for themselves and their communities.”

To learn more about the human rights initiatives of the Church of Scientology, visit the Scientology website at www.scientology.org.

Australian Scientology members Fight Human Trafficking

2009-11-18T10:18:00.000-08:00

Scientology volunteers demand effective action to knock out modern slave trade. Australia is the destination country for victims trafficked from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe, says U.S. State Department.

Scientology Volunteers in Sydney circulated a petition at Sydney Town Hall November 16, calling for mandatory human rights education in Australia to eliminate human rights abuses. One of the worst abuses is the criminal practice of human trafficking in the country. As many as 27 million are enslaved in the world today according to the United Nations, earning perpetrators upwards of $34 billion Australian annually. Some estimate half of those trafficked come from Asia-Pacific and that at least half of all victims are children.

According to the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report for 2009, despite major strides by law enforcement, Australia is the destination country for many of the victims trafficked from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe, particularly the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand.

Members of the Church of Scientology of Sydney held Monday’s petition signing because they believe Australians would never stand for human trafficking and other human rights abuses in their country if they knew of it.

Scientology Churches around the world sponsor the largest non-governmental information campaign the world over, which has made the Universal Declaration of Human Rights known to more than 900,000 people through public service announcements, booklets and petition drives.

For more information about the Church of Scientology human rights initiative visit the Scientology web site at www.scientology.org.

Scientology materials

2009-11-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

The materials of Dianetics and Scientology comprise more than 35 million spoken and written words of the religion’s founder L. Ron Hubbard. Scientology is an applied religious philosophy and is the spiritual cornerstone for millions of people across all continents. At the heart of this fastest growing religious movement on Earth today is an absolutely unique view of man as an inherently spiritual being — intrinsically good, immortal and omnipotent.

Thousands of new people discover Scientology each week and take their first step toward true spiritual freedom, while hundreds of new Scientology organizations open doors to meet the ever-increasing demand for

Mr. Hubbard’s technologies. Scientology has become the most broadly inclusive movement to emerge in the 20th Century, embracing people from all walks of life, from every denomination and every faith.

Scientology Members in SoMa Gain from Reading Hubbard Books

2009-11-04T11:18:00.001-08:00

Eight Years After Tom Cruise, Jenna Elfman and David Miscavige Helped Cut the Ribbon the Scientology Mission of SoMa is Still Thriving

The Scientology Mission sponsored by Jenna Elfman in the SoMa (South of Market) district of San Francisco gained prominence in 2001 when Tom Cruise showed up to help cut the ribbon along with Church leader David Miscavige.

Elfman took on opening the Scientology center to do something effective to counter the fear and despair spawned by the World Trade Center terror attacks.

Eight years later the mission is thriving, with many Scientology members taking courses on L. Ron Hubbard's books and recorded lectures, which they describe as helpful, indispensable, and most revealing, in testimonials on the Scientology SoMa Blog.

One man described how he learned to "accomplish miracles from a seminar on the Dianetics book," and he's looking forward to "easing the troubles of family, friends, and the society at large."

Describing a course on the book The Way to Happiness, a Scientology member wrote: "It made me realize that even though life can get tough, it doesn't mean that when you fall down that's the end of the road. You get up and keep going."

The Scientology Mission of SoMa is located at 566 Folsom Street between 1st and 2nd in San Francisco. It is open 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM Monday through Friday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays.

For more information call (415) 243-0322 or email soma@scientology.net.

Rolling Stone Beck Retrospective

2009-10-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

Scientologist, Beck, is featured in this rock & roll retrospective on Rollingstone.com:

Exactly a month from today marks the 10th anniversary of Beck’s Paisley Park-inspired classic Midnite Vultures. In our effort to find a Flashback video worthy of the album’s tenth birthday, we stumbled upon the above clip — recorded for the French program Nulle Part Ailleurs on April 1st, 2000 — of Beck performing “L’Anamour” with actress Jane Birkin, the cover girl who played the title character on Serge Gainsbourg’s Histoire de Melody Nelson.

David Miscavige Hosts Internationa Association of Scientologists 25th Anniversary

2009-10-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

This was no ordinary "tent" -- David Miscavige hosted and more than 6 thousand Scientologists gathered last weekend to celebrate 25 years of accomplishment since the forming of the International Association of Scientologists.

Amazing who far we've come.

Makes me so proud!

Scientology Volunteers Help Victims of Sumatra Earthquake

2009-10-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Australian Scientology Volunteer Ministers bring spiritual first-aide to survivors of devastation in southern Sumatra.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers arrived in Indonesia the day after the September 30 earthquake left more than 1,000 dead and half a million homeless.

The Australian Scientology Volunteer Ministers who traveled to Padang, 28 miles from the epicenter of the magnitude 7.9 earthquake, are no strangers to disaster. They are veterans of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2007 Yogyakarta tornado and the 2007 Java quake. But even they were challenged by the enormity of the devastation they encountered.

Here is an account of their first day:

In Padang, 28 miles from the epicenter of the magnitude 7.9 earthquake, they started in Chinatown, left in shambles by the disaster. There, in a medical tent, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers showed the doctors and nurses how to provide Scientology Assists and gave them copies of an instruction booklet. Assists are procedures developed by L. Ron Hubbard that provide relief by addressing the emotional and spiritual factors in stress, trauma, illness and injuries.

A nurse said “So, you can give relief using no drugs and no medicine? This is really needed. We all need to know this!”

On to a Chinese temple serving as a shelter for those whose homes were destroyed. The volunteers met the head of the medical clinic who had relocated his operation to the temple’s basketball court when the earthquake destroyed his offices. He could not keep up with the flood of people who had come to the temple for help so the Volunteer Ministers went to work. They set up tables to provide Scientology Assists and chairs where others could sit while they waited their turns.

As lines of people received Assists and word of the physical and emotional relief spread, and the lines grew longer, the volunteers decided to train those waiting how to give Assists to each other. Their mission accomplished at that location, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers took their leave and moved on to a hospital where they could give assistance.

As they drove on through the city, they saw the eerie capriciousness of the earthquake. A three-story building leaned precariously over its neighbor’s home. Another building looked untouched until they saw that one wall was missing entirely. One house stood with every room exposed to view, a snapshot of a family no longer there.

The first hospital they found was completely destroyed. The next, a private hospital, was still operating despite damage. There, on the steps, a woman holding a baby was crying uncontrollably—her brother was inside dying because she didn’t have the 125,000 rupiah to buy what he needed from the blood bank. The Volunteer Ministers paid for the blood—$15 to save a life.

The volunteers moved into the wards and started giving Scientology Assists to injured patients while others explained the procedure to the nurses and taught them how to give Assists.

One man whose leg was completely numb received an Assist. When it was over, not only was the feeling in his leg restored, but his huge smile attested to the fact that the pain that had wracked the rest of his body was gone as well.

Concrete had crushed another man’s leg, breaking it in dozens of places from knee down to foot. The doctors had inserted metal rods into his leg. Blood was seeping out into the freshly bandaged wounds and he was writhing in pain. By the time his Assist was done he was calm and relaxed, and he smiled when he said, “I feel good… I feel good!”

Another man, whose entire body had been injured, was traumatized to the point of complete unresponsiveness—it appeared he could not hear or speak at all. The Scientology Volunteer Minister explained what she was doing with impromptu sign language and began the Assist. At first he didn’t appear to notice anything, but gradually he began to respond and in the end he was smiling.

As Day One in Padang drew to a close, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers met a team from the Indonesian Red Cross who had booked an extra hotel room where a bucket served as shower at the end of a long, hot and dirty day they will never forget.

Freewinds Refit

2009-09-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

When David Miscavige announced the plans for the full renovation of the Freewinds, I don't think anyone could have imagined what it would look like when done. It is really magnificent!

David Miscavige Dedicates the Ideal Org in Sweden

2009-08-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Scientology Volunteers Help Cope with Record Flooding

2009-08-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Scientology YouTube Video Channel Launches Meet a Scientologist Videos

2009-08-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

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

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.

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

2009-08-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

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.

13 years ago: Scientology leader David Miscavige and others open L. Ron Hubbard Way in Los Angeles

2009-07-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

More than 7,000 came together in Los Angeles to celebrate the grand opening of L. Ron Hubbard Way, a tribute to a man who is considered a true friend by millions across the globe. Describing the celebration as “The historic recognition of a man who, in all he accomplished, was a profound inspiration to people in this city – and to people everywhere,” was the President of the Church of Scientology International, Rev. Heber Jentzsch. Sharing the stage with Rev. Jentzsch were John Travolta, Kirstie Alley and officials representing the City Council, Mayor and the Governor of California. The ecclesiastical leader of the Church of Scientology, Mr. David Miscavige, should later assist in opening the new street that has been built by the hands of hundreds of Scientology members and neighbors in one big community effort.


An inaugural walk down L. Ron Hubbard Way: from left, Los Angeles City Council Member Richard Alatorre and City Council President John Ferraro, actor John Travolta, Church of Scientology International President Rev. Heber Jentzsch, Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan’s representative Chelsea Cochrane, and David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center.

Newest Scientology statistics - June 2009

2009-06-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

Scientology Today reports:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scientology Facts: L. Ron Hubbard books for the masses

2009-06-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

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

More facts

Scientology Books

2008-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's hard to call Scientology books "news" since they were all written more than 50 years ago! But they are news, because since David Miscavige released the new editions of the books and the publication of all the lectures that accompany these books, it's made a huge difference to Scientology.

I've never seen so much activity, with more Scientologists coming on board, reading their books or listening to lectures every day.

What a difference this had made in my life!

China Picking Up the Pieces

2008-06-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

In the news today, China has 5 million homeless in the wake of last month's massive earthquake.
According to the story I read just now "Beijing’s announcement last week that some 15.5 million people have been “relocated” because of the quake."

Some of my friends who are Scientology Volunteer Ministers are in China to help with the relief effort and what I hear from them, you can't even begin to conceive the amount of devastation the Chinese people are having to confront.

It's hard to believe that with all this going on the Olympics set to begin in 2 months.

Scientology Basics

On another subject entirely, I've been continuing my study of Scientology with the Basic Books and Lectures of L. Ron Hubbard . These are the materials that were released almost a year ago at an international event, by David Miscavige. And if anyone reading my blog has any concern about being able to get through these materials (since they are really extensive) there's a good solution to that in Study Technology. You can actually take a free course in Study Tech online at the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site.

Great Wins on the Basics of Scientology

2008-05-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

I'm having great wins on the Scientology Basic Books and Lectures.

I've been a Scientologist for many years, and I've had lots of Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling) and training. But I feel in many ways I'm just now becoming a Scientologist through studying these Basic Books and Lectures, exactly the way L. Ron Hubbard intended.

I am much more confident, more extroverted, more optimistic and happier (and mind you I wasn't a slouch in these departments before!) and I would recommend these books and lectures to ANYONE!

David Miscavige and all of Religious Technology Center, and Sea Org member sand Scientology staff did a magnificent job getting these materials available for us, and I am really grateful they did!

The Real Scientology News

2008-05-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

The real Scientology news is what it does to help people, all types of people, every day, all over the word.

And the new books, released last year by David Miscavige have everything to do with how fast we are growing in 2008. Outstripping every other year. L. Ron Hubbard would be so proud!

Human Rights Bloggers

2008-05-16T16:30:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while there's something so cool in the blogosphere, that is a phenomenon that could never have taken place without the Internet, and one such is the blogging for human rights.

Blog Catalog has been promoting to have bloggers speak up for human rights. This is part of their activism, which they describe is follows:

Bloggers Unite is an initiative designed to harness the power of the blogosphere to make the world a better place. By challenging bloggers to blog about a particular social cause on a single day, a single voice can be joined with thousands of others to help make a real positive difference...

Then any blogger who blogs for that issue can post their blog on this web site and it forms an instant community, and real solidarity for the issue.

This week was Human Rights blogging. Such a valuable message and such a great idea!

I support Youth for Human Rights, as I believe education is the way to change the attitudes that either support human rights, deny and prevent them, or neglect and ignore the entire issue. Knowedge is power.

Dianetics Bookathon

2008-05-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

One thing I really enjoy is helping people find out what's really going on when they're depressed or they lose their temper or act irrationally, when they do things they know will hurt them. What's road rage about? How come mothers who love their kids lose their tempers and wallop them for no valid reason. Why do people drink too much? How come all these meds?

I like going out for a few hours on a Sat or Sun and giving people stress tests (they can locate what is causing them the most stress in their lives, using a meter we have in Scientology that can measure thought) and then I show them how Dianetics can help them handle this.

The reason I find it so rewarding is because so many of these people come back to me later on and let me know how much it helped them. And that is so rewarding!

New Dianetics Site

2008-05-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to find out about the new Dianetics video site. It smokes!

I heard about it Saturday night at the Dianetics event at the Shrine Auditorium in LA.

There must have been 5 or 6 thousand Scientologists there, and we saw a video of the event that was held in Clearwater the night before.

The emcee for the event was Heber Jentzsch and there were presentations by Guillaume Lesevre and Claire Edwards as well. Scientologists from around the world were awarded for their activities in disseminating Dianetics, selling Dianetics books and opening new groups.

The part I loved best was a man from Kenya, a pastor, who found Dianetics on the Net, got a copy of the book, realized that was the thing that was going to help his people (he was already running schools and an orphanage) and he's created a firestorm of Dianetics delivery with new groups all over the zone where he lives. And his speech was a total tear jerker!

Then we got to see a preview of the new Dianetics site, which is stellar! Videos! A very good introduction to Dianetics. A compilation of "What people say about Dianetics" and tons of testimonials.

The whole event was a great acknowledgment to L. Ron Hubbard for his brilliant technology. Many of those awarded also thanked David Miscavige for his work to keep Ron's tech pure, and for the release of all the basic Dianetics and Scientology books and lectures -- the Golden Age of Knowledge.

Scientology Expansion

2008-05-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

Around 4 years ago I heard the rumor that once all Scientology churches in South Africa were the size of old Saint Hill (the church Ron personally directed in the mid-1960s and where a lot of the policy on Scientology churches was developed) then a new Advanced Org (organization) would be established in Africa.

The significance of this is that now, South African's have to travel to Denmark, the UK, Sydney, Clearwater or Los Angeles if they want to advance their spiritual progress. That can be pretty rough. You'd almost have to set aside several months because taking 2 weeks off a few times a year is totally unviable if you have to add an expensive overseas flight to the cost.

At the March 13th event (Ron's birthday celebration is a holiday we celebrate in Scientology, and there is a huge international event, usually held in Clearwater, Florida but then seen all over the world thanks to DVDs produced of the event), Chairman of the Board RTC, David Miscavige, announced that the building for the African AO (Advanced Org) has been purchased. And what a place!

They showed a video of the place at the event. What's really exciting is that it's in primo shape -- doesn't even need much by the way of renovation. It's ready to go!

You can tell from the image above, this is as ideal as you can get.

I suspect there will be people coming to South Africa from all over the world now (vs. vice versa) to do these upper levels in the most picturesque, tranquil, aesthetic environment you can imagine!

For anyone new to the subject, I recommend you watch the video on the YouTube Scientology channel or the Scientology web site on what auditing is. That's Scientology spiritual counseling (audire means to listen and that's the fundamental thing an auditor does -- listens to you and helps you locate what's wrong vs. telling you what he/she thinks.

(Thank you to http://www.flickr.com/photos/robgizzy/ for the image!)

Oprah and Tom

2008-05-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

I must admit I really enjoyed Oprah's Tom Cruise interviews last Friday and Monday.

I was a big TC fan long before I knew he was a Scientologist (and long before he was).

I found Risky Business hysterically funny. But what really made me a Cruiser was Top Gun. I am not usually into action flicks. I'm more a chick flick person. But a friend of mine hounded me for weeks until I rented the video, and it was all over for me. I notice that in most of Tom's movies he starts off with glaring defects in his personality and the way he treats people, and through the course of the film, not only does he entertain and thrill us with the action (and his incredible good looks) but he undergoes a transformation, which makes him a much better person. You see it in Top Gun. It's there again in the Firm, in Jerry McGuire, War of the Worlds, Rainman. At the end, he's a real human being.

I went to see the new Tom Cruise web site, which was launched yesterday and looking through his filmography I noticed I'd seen all but 2 or 3 of him movies. I was amazed! (Nice touch, on his web site, to have the trailers for each of those films right there. I browsed through those too and thoroughly enjoyed myself!)

Now, I am so looking forward to Valkyrie (check out the trailer!)

YouTube Scientology Channel

2008-05-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

The YouTube Scientology channel is a great visual presentation of Scientology, what it encompasses, what the basic beliefs are and what Scientologists are like and what they do. Highly recommend anyone interested in the subject spend some time on this channel and find out what it's really all about.

So Cool

2008-03-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

I just spent about an hour looking at some of the videos on the new Scientology site. They are awesome! I think I recognized where one of these videos was filmed. It looks like a place in Northern California, around Santa Cruz. One of my favorite parts of the country. Brings back great memories.

But the video itself is so good. It is such a simple expression about what life is all about.

Scientology Video Site -- 10 out of 10!

2008-03-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I just got my first glimpse of the new Scientology video site. Whew! I'm thrilled!

Of course (from the name of my blog) you can see I've been sharing my thoughts and referring people to information on Scientology for YEARS. So having this as a tool...I can't tell you how exciting this is!

I don't know what it is about Scientology that gets people polarized. Seems you either love it or you are agin' it and there ain't too much in between. (Well, in fact it's probably MOST folks that are in between but they don't talk about it one way or the other). But from all my years of being up front about being a Scientologist I have found over and over again, the anti-guys are usually misinformed (except those deliberately doing the misinformation).

So, join me in a trip through this new site. If you've ever had a question or been curious about Scientology, here's a simple and very enjoyable way to get the straight scoop!

Religious Scholar Trounces Anti-Scientology Editorial

2008-02-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

An historian of religions at the UCLA Center for the Study of Religions responded last week to a guest editorial in the LA Times, criticizing Skeptic Michael Shermer for his irresponsible take on recent bigotry against the Church of Scientology.>>

Scientologists Against Drugs

2006-06-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

the Viwpoints from Florida blog has a post about Kelly Preston and the work she is going to help the kids in Hawaii.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Kelly Preston, who lives in Florida now, is originally from Hawaii.

She is also passionate about helping people avoid the tragedy of drug abuse.

Here's a recent story of how she is taking this passion back to her home state, to help with the Meth epidemic in that area.

For more information on Scientology-sponsored drug prevention and education programs visit the Scientology Anti-drug site.
Kelly's work was covered in the Hawaii NBC affiliate and they have a nice article on it on their webs site.

A great story

2006-05-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

I ran across this piece in the Briston Press
and I had to share it, it was so cute.

BRISTOL -- When Maureen Green and her daughter, Colleen Czarnecki, made their first trip to Europe two weeks ago, the city residents never imagined they’d share breakfast in Paris with movie star Tom Cruise.

"Our second morning [in Paris] we left our hotel and went out to find breakfast," Czarnecki recalled. "There are tons of cafés there, so we just picked one. ..We were pretty much the only people eating in there. Then the employees started changing the tables and everything, and they asked us to move to another table, by the window."

Green and Czarnecki moved and wondered what all the fuss was about.

"So now I’m facing the door," Czarnecki said. "Four adults and two children walked in, and [the staff] started moving the tables around. And I thought, ‘There must be a group coming in.’ I looked out the door, and I saw all these cameras going off. I looked again, and there was Tom Cruise, standing right by the window. And I said, ‘Mom, look, there’s Tom Cruise!’"

Czarnecki scrambled to find her camera and snap a picture before he left. But mother and daughter were both surprised when Cruise walked to their table and spoke to them.

"He thought we were French at first," Green said. "He said ‘bonjour,’ and I said ‘bonjour,’ and when he asked where we were from I said ‘les Etats-Unis.’"

"He seemed pretty happy that we were Americans, and that he could talk to us," Czarnecki said. "So he shook our hands, and asked us where we were from. We asked if we could take a picture with him and he said yes. ..he was really nice. Very down-to-earth."

Cruise was in Paris in late April to promote his new movie, "Mission: Impossible III," and, according to press reports, to shop for baby clothes. His fiancee, Katie Holmes, and their then week-old daughter, Suri, stayed home in Los Angeles

While Cruise and his entourage were in the café, the staff would not allow any new customers in. So Green and Czarnecki were the only other customers in the café.

"The whole time we were eating, people were just looking in the window and using their camera phones, trying to get a picture [of Cruise]," Czarnecki said.

"We didn’t talk to him anymore after that," Green said. "We kept looking over, but we didn’t want to bother him while he was eating with his kids."

"He was extremely nice and very friendly," Czarnecki said.

Scientology expands at home

2006-04-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

The St. Petersburg Times covers the global expansion of the Scientology religion and its impact on the Clearwater community in this article.

Meanwhile in the Clearwater/Tampa Bay area Scientology expansion is a very tangible thing, with the Church of Scientology of Tampa and the Scientology spiritual headquarters in Clearwater joining forces to bring help to the community.

Scientologist teams assist in storm relief

2005-09-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

The Baton Rouge Advocate published this piece yesterday.

Many of my friends are in Louisiana or have been there are are there now, helping as Scientology Volunteer Ministers

LAKE CHARLES -- Mixed in with the Red Crosses and various military units giving help in coastal Louisiana now, one might also see the bright yellow shirts of the Church of Scientology.

On Wednesday, a crew of four Scientologists was doing its bit in Lake Charles, offering direct hands-on help to local officials by helping clear and organize government buildings in the city still recovering from the onslaught of Hurricane Rita last week.

T.J. Hensley was supervising the crew, which he said was part of an overall count of about 300 Scientologist volunteer ministers pitching in across the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Another volunteer minister, Chris Parodi, said the four-person team had come over from helping the Katrina cleanup about two days ago, offering their services wherever and however needed.

Hensley said the contingent of Scientologists who have come down to the area are also offering aid specialized to their discipline to help people deal with the trauma of what they've experienced in the wake of the devastating storms.

That's taking the form of what the Church of Scientology refers to as "assists," which look to people not familiar with the process like a light massage.

Hensley said the ministers are using the assists to help hurricane victims and emergency workers recover from the mental and spiritual strain they are dealing with.

The "assists" are meant to help cleanse some of the pain and stress from the people they are provided to, Hensley said.

The ministers have also recruited volunteers to help out with the "assists," for which the Scientologists have detailed, step-specific procedures, he said.

Parodi said that at least half the team working with the ministers is made up of volunteers from outside the Church of Scientology.

Before volunteers can perform such "assists," they are drilled on the proper way to carry them out, Hensley said.

He pointed out that the ministers are not trying to convert others to Scientology, but simply trying to help get people through trying times.

Hensley said a basic tenet of Scientology is that people are free to choose their faith, and that applies to this situation, as well.

He said some people have drawn back from aid offered by Scientologists, but that's not a problem.

"We always have an open door," Hensley said.

I also found an interesting posting on http://davidmiscavige.blogsource.com/
that tells of the experiences of one Volunteer Ministers who went to Baton Rouge right after Katrina.

Scientology Counseling Group: Counseling that Works

2005-08-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

People looking for a Scientology auditor (the term used for Scientology spiritual counselor) in Montrose California are in luck. There is an auditor. They specialize in personal and marriage counseling, and in helping people solve their problems.

Scientology counseling is quite a wonderful experience. What is most amazing, to my way of thinking, is that things which have bothered you, or areas where you really knew you needed more ability but seemed to be blocked in acheiving it, suddenly resolve or improve.

And what is incredible is that really anyone can train at a Scientology church to become an auditor.

Some Interesting Blogs

2005-08-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Some blog reviews:

Sci Fi Reviews and More - This looked like it was going to take off and the review he posted about Conquerers' Trilogy was pretty interesting, but not much more action in the past year.

Issues and Ideas Tends to concentrate on Scientology issues like the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and descriptions of some of the Scientology beliefs.

Check out this cool photo of Michael Phelps on this blog.

Big Happy Family Blog Happily raising and homeschooling 6 kids? She MUST have something going for her!

My Garden Home All about England and Scientology in England. I've been to St. Hill in England -- what an absolutely beautiful place! Magical!

On Art and Living I enjoy reading her posts. Wish she would do so more often.

Alpen Fun Interesting bi-lingual blog (English/German)

No Drugs This looks Swedish to me. Maybe it's Norwegian. I have trouble telling the difference. I do like the message, though. I feel very strongly about drugs. I had a drug problem and I think kids and youth should be told the facts about drugs and how they will affect them later on. If I'd had any idea what drugs would have done to me I'd never have taken them.

Tom Cruise and Scientology in the News Again

2005-07-01T18:41:00.001-07:00

I don't agree completely with what By Ruben Navarrette Jr. says in his article in the Sant Diego Union-Tribune but I respect him for his integrity in writing it.

Here's what he says (with some comments from me)

Tom Cruise has right to his opinion on important subject

SAN DIEGO -- I can't believe I'm defending Tom Cruise.

(I don't know why- maybe you've bought a bit too much of the media slant on him)

But someone has to do it. Cruise has been criticized and ridiculed after a heated exchange with "Today' show co- host Matt Lauer the other day over a rather important topic: the possible overuse of prescription drugs that supposedly treat depression or other forms of mental illness.

It all started when Lauer came to the rescue of Brooke Shields, who while promoting a book disclosed that she had therapy and took antidepressant drugs to combat postpartum depression.

Cruise doesn't believe in psychiatry ("a pseudo science') or antidepressants ("mind-altering, antipsychotic drugs'), and he said as much after Shields made her remarks.

Lauer thought that Cruise was being judgmental, and that he should keep his opinions to himself. He also thought Cruise should stipulate that while the actor didn't approve of taking antidepressants those for whom the drugs had worked should be free to take them.

Why should Cruise keep his opinions to himself? Shields didn't keep her bout with mental illness to herself. She advertised it to sell books. Cruise is entitled to his opinion, just like anyone else.

The problem isn't that celebrities have opinions. It's that the rest of society is quick to treat them as experts. They're not experts. They're movie stars with opinions. And they should be free to express their opinions, and the rest of us should be free to discount them if they don't hold up.

But Lauer seemed to be saying that Cruise didn't have a right to his opinion because many people like the millions of Americans who use prescription drugs might find it offensive.

Cruise held his ground. He didn't just give in to Lauer's brand of "I'm OK, you're OK' psychobabble. When asked if it was OK if drugs worked for Shields, Cruise said, no, it wasn't.

"I disagree with it,' he told Lauer.

Cruise suggested vitamins and exercise as a viable alternative and said drugs only "mask the problem.'

I enjoy a good fight. How many other celebrities in the same situation would have caved in and said whatever they thought the interviewer wanted to hear?

Instead, Cruise kicked off a debate over a subject that a lot of people don't feel comfortable discussing: whether Americans are too quick to turn to prescription drugs and whether their doctors are too quick to prescribe them. Cruise zeroed in on "drugging children' with Ritalin, which is supposed to treat hyperactivity or attention- deficit disorder.

That's a hugely important discussion and it shouldn't matter who gets the ball rolling. Even if the push comes from a gasp celebrity, and one who has links to gasp Scientology.

So far the public isn't buying it. According to an online poll by MSNBC, 69 percent of viewers said Cruise was "just plain wrong' on the role of doctors and the use of drugs to alleviate mental distress.

Those people are naive. My friends who are doctors tell me that they are constantly being lobbied by drug companies, trying to convince them to prescribe some of this and more of that.

Could this have anything to do with the economic incentives and perks that drug companies offer doctors and hospitals? What do you think?

That's the discussion we need to be having. And if it's finally under way, it is no thanks to the scores of newspaper reporters and radio talk show hosts who piled on Tom Cruise. After watching the interview and the reaction, I felt embarrassed not for Cruise, but for many of my colleagues in the media.

All of a sudden, the issue went from being about drugs to being about celebrity and Scientology. Talk-show hosts in Southern California ribbed "Dr. Cruise' for thinking that he knows anything about psychiatry. A writer for The Washington Post joined in, asking: "Should we address him as Dr. Tom Cruise from now on? Or will the Rev. Dr. Cruise suffice?' And how's this for a headline from one online newspaper: "Tom Cruise 'Today Show' Scientology Rant Hurts Image.'

What Scientology rant? The guy was talking about or rather trying to talk about our society's increasing dependence on mind-altering and mood-altering drugs. And at no point in the interview did he even attribute those views to his religion.

Do you suppose it's possible for an entire profession in this case, the news media to suffer from attention-deficit disorder? The problem is that Tom Cruise raised a serious issue, one that deserves serious attention.

E-mail Sant Diego Union-Tribune columnist Ruben Navarrette's at ruben.navarrette@uniontrib.com

2005-07-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Scientology Tom Cruise Media

2005-04-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

The media does go on and on. Sometimes they get it right, but usually they are just looking for a story.

This one isn't too bad and at least seems somewhat factual. But don't you get sick of the media looking for something to gripe about, looking for an angle, just because its a celebrity?

I do, so I have made comments.

"Doing business with Tom Cruise is turning out to be a religious activity for film executives in Hollywood as the actor is using his star power for promoting his religion - Scientology. "

That's right - isn't that great.

"Actors use their power in Hollywood to various ends. Some demand money. Some want to name a director or reject a co-star. Lately, doing business with Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood’s leading actors, means a bow in the direction of his religion, the Church of Scientology. Increasingly public about his long association with Scientology, Cruise recently invited film executives involved in distributing his summer movie, The War of the Worlds, on a four-hour tour of three different Scientology facilities in Los Angeles. About 20 managers from United International Pictures, which is distributing the Steven Spielberg-directed film abroad for Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks SKG, took him up on the offer in late January. "

Don't you use your contacts to promote what you believe in?

Andrew Cripps, president of United International Pictures, said the tour was useful because the news media often asks about Cruise’s religious beliefs. Cripps said no one was forced to attend, though at least one executive who took the tour said the visit was regarded by some as an unwelcome business obligation. Scientology tent The encounter came after Cruise had sponsored a ‘Scientology tent,’ offering what his spokeswoman, Lee Anne De Vette, called “assists” - a kind of massage administered by volunteer ministers - along with religious literature, on the War of the Worlds set. Also, the star had recently sent out a holiday greeting that included Scientological precepts on a plastic plaque. Notwithstanding Mel Gibson’s very public declaration of faith with his Passion of the Christ, Hollywood insiders typically avoid open discussion of their religious beliefs. But De Vette, who is Cruise’s sister, said he had been inviting colleagues to learn more about his religion in order to combat what he viewed as prejudice against a group that some critics have described as an exploitative cult. Adherents say Scientology is a method of counselling and courses that helps individuals break free from negative emotions and lead more rewarding lives. A celebrity religion? Founded in 1954 by the science-fiction writer L Ron Hubbard, Scientology has long had a close connection with celebrity. Contending that artists “are a cut above man” - according to a church Web site, Celebrity Centre Hubbard said, 'He who can truly communicate to others is a higher being who builds new worlds.' The church has celebrity centres in several cities where actors and other famous figures come to study and meet. (John Travolta and Kirstie Alley are among the best-known Hollywood adherents.) At the centres, according to the Web site, they are promised 'the best in service and care, for those are the people who are sculpting the present into the future.' In the last several years, Cruise has spoken more freely about Scientology in his many interviews promoting various films. And, increasingly, executives who do business with him have found themselves spending time at church facilities.

Yes, better that they check it out themselves. Rumors and the media manage to taint a number of well-intentioned individuals and groups.

Scientology in Madrid

2004-09-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Watch for the grand opening of the new Church of Scientology of Madrid which will be happening next week.

Two years ago, a landmark legal decision in the Spanish courts vindicated Scientology in Madrid and throughout Spain as a legitimate religion and dispensed with more than 15 years of religious intolerance in that country. Thus began a new era of cooperatio and interest in the Scientology religion.

Madrid, as the capitol of the country, is home to the national Church of Scientology of Spain. Its new premises are right next door to the Prado, in the heart of Madrid, in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Tom Cruise, who was in Madrid for the premiere of his new film, Colateral, announced that he will be back for the grand opening.

What an event this will be!

The Scientology Religion

2004-07-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have been a Scientologist since 1970 and have a great deal of experience with all aspects of the relgion. I am happy to answer any questions on the subject. I have seen Scientology applied religious philosophy help in countless ways, both in overcoming problems in life and in gaining awareness and certainty of oneself as a being.