David Miscavige Dedicates the Ideal Org in Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scientology Volunteers Help Cope with Record Flooding

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scientology YouTube Video Channel Launches Meet a Scientologist Videos

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

Meet A Scientologist YouTube Videos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.>>