Scientology Promotes Human Rights in Taiwan

Scientology missions throughout Taiwan conduct human rights education programs in local schools.

As Scientology churches and missions are committed to human rights, staff and volunteers throughout Taiwan are carrying out a human rights education campaign so children and teenagers learn what human rights are and what they can do to ensure these rights exist for everyone.

Although the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed and adopted more than 60 years ago by all member nations of the United Nations, human rights abuses abound in countries throughout the world.

The first step in eradicating abuses in human rights is education in what these rights are, as it is impossible to enforce these rights without knowing what they are.

Using a series of short films that convey the essence of each of the articles of the Universal Declaration, these volunteers bring human rights to life to children throughout the nation.

The work they did in just one recent week shows how determined Taiwanese Scientologists are to bring about human rights reforms.

One volunteer held a petition-signing event in the area around the Taichung Primary School, where 107 students signed a petition to support the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

That same week, another volunteer held a workshop at the Zing-Mei Elementary school where she trained 15 teachers on how to teach their students about human rights.

Yet another Scientologist gave a human rights lecture at the Shia-Ying Junior High School to 600 students. The mother of a student at the Wen-Fu Elementary school lectured 27 students on the subject and a Scientology staff member lectures 123 students at the Chong-Yi Elementary school on the 30 rights laid out by the Universal Declaration.

The work of these Taiwanese Scientologists is part of an international human rights education campaign. Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream,” and Scientologists in Taiwan and in countries around the world are working to make this dream come true.

For more information on the work Scientology is doing to promote human rights visit the Scientology video channel.

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Who is David Miscavige?

David Miscavige is Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center (RTC), a non-profit organization formed in 1982 to preserve, maintain and protect the Scientology religion.

RTC holds the ultimate ecclesiastical authority regarding the standard and pure application of L. Ron Hubbard’s religious technologies. Religious Technology Center is not part of the management structure of the Church, nor is it involved in the Church’s day-to-day affairs.

The Chairman of the Board is the most senior office in RTC, and one for which David Miscavige is uniquely qualified. An active Scientologist for most of his life, he first became a Church staff member in 1976 and has since been involved with nearly every aspect of the Church’s activities.

As a young man, Mr. Miscavige studied to become a Scientology minister and for several years he provided spiritual counseling to parishioners. He later worked closely with Mr. Hubbard, aiding in the production of instructional films and materials for Scientology ministers-in-training. A few years later, he progressed to international management, with responsibility for the worldwide activities of Church missionaries. In 1987, Mr. Miscavige became the Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center.  (More)

Scientology Church Supports Anti-Drug March

Youth from the Church of Scientology of Pasadena join anti-drug march to educate their peers on drug abuse and addiction

Sunland/Tujunga – Members of the Church of Scientology of Pasadena were among hundreds of youths who participated in an Anti-Drug March from Bolton Hall in Tujunga to Sunland Park. Supported by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, students from the Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga and the Delphi Academy in Lake View Terrace organized this walk and a festival to educate teenagers about the dangers of drugs.

“We knew we wanted to do something to tell people about drugs, and at first we thought of just doing talks in different classes at school. That would be good, but we wanted to do something bigger, to help the whole community. That’s how we decided on the walk,” said Krista Baysdorpher from Delphi Academy.

According to Eden Stein, President of the Church of Scientology of Pasadena, “L. Ron Hubbard wrote ‘Research has demonstrated that the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs.’ Drugs are a serious problem here in Southern California, and we are committed to helping young people stay out of this trap.”

The statistics on drug use among youth is particularly alarming. From a survey done by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, 50 percent of public school students in the United States have tried an illicit drug by the time they are 17 years old. To do something effective about this, the Foundation published booklets that provide information about the harmful and sometimes deadly consequences of the most popular drugs. During the recent anti-drug march, hundreds of these booklets were distributed, arming youth with the information they need to say “No” to drugs.

Youth for Human Rights 2009 World Fosters Peace and Hope

Scientologist Brings Message of Human Rights to the World

For eight weeks, members of Youth for Human Rights International carried out the Sixth Annual Human Rights World Tour, led by Scientologist and International Association of Scientologist Freedom Medal Winner, educator Mary Shuttleworth. The Scientology Press Office interviewed Mary on what inspired her to undertake this project and what results were accomplished.

Scientology Today: You are not only the President of Youth for Human Rights, you also founded it in 2001. Why did you decide to do this?

Mary: As a young girl growing up in apartheid South Africa I saw firsthand the devastating effects of discrimination and the lack of the most basic human rights. Traveling abroad I realized that discrimination and slave-like conditions could be found far beyond the borders of my country. Children who do not know that they have human rights are vulnerable. As an educator I knew that teaching learners about human rights would be the first step for them to defend and protect not only their rights but also those of their peers.

Scientology Today: In less than a decade you have turned this idea into an international organization — Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI). What are you most proud of having accomplished?

Mary: Taking the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), an excellent but scholarly document, and depicting those rights in simple literature and videos so that anyone can quickly learn and teach the 30 articles enshrined in that document. We have brought the UDHR, a document for the people, to the people.

Scientology Today: You have just completed the 6th annual Youth for Human Rights World tour. In less than two months, you visited twelve countries. Why did you decide to do human rights world tours?

Mary: Human rights cannot be taught at people-it has to be with people. Because those rights need to relate to the people where they live, study, work and dream.

Nothing replaces meeting people and interacting with them where they live.By traveling to different countries I can see the issues people face and the outstanding efforts individuals are making to improve conditions. One face-to-face meeting accomplishes more than months of e-mails, phone calls or faxes.

This year our World Tour started in the US and wound its way through twelve countries: From Mexico to Barbados, Colombia and Argentina in the Americas, on to the Pacific and Australia and Timor-Leste (East Timor). From there we went to Jordon in the Middle East and Russia and Switzerland, and finally to Africa with Uganda and South Africa. Within the space of a couple of months, with the help of dedicated volunteers around the world, we spoke with hundreds of leaders, met thousands of students and reached millions through the media resulting in exponential expansion of global knowledge about human rights.

Scientology Today: What stands out about this year’s tour?

Mary: It was an inspiration to see how much support there is for human rights, and how many public-spirited leaders and dedicated individuals are adopting our program. United Nations officials, heads of state, ministers of education and so many other political and community leaders took it on themselves to teach human rights to the next generation as soon as they realized how easy it is to do so.

We learned the most profound lessons from the many wonderful people working hard to improve conditions with incredibly limited resources and under the poorest and most devastating conditions.

Scientology Today: What kind of impact is your campaign having on the world today?

Mary: When we started nine years ago, few people had even heard of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Even high-level officials whom I interviewed did not know what their human rights were.

Today millions of people are learning about human rights through community groups, religious groups, schools and the media. Thousands of groups have incorporated the YHRI materials into their own programs.

We are making “Human Rights” buzz words!

Scientology Today: You are a Scientologist — what does this have to do with why you chose human rights as the project you wanted to create and support?

Mary: What I believe is beautifully expressed in The Creed of the Church of Scientology, which states that “Man is basically good; That he is seeking to survive; That his survival depends upon himself and upon his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.”

I have witnessed extreme poverty and I have met children who are raising their brothers and sisters after their parents, families and even societies turned their backs on them. I have seen children dying of preventable diseases.

I have seen the effects of widespread illiteracy in the information age and I have listened to scholars discussing human rights with cold disconnect from the harsh realities faced by so many millions.

So I was inspired by L. Ron Hubbard who wrote, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”Scientology Today: Is there something that stands out about this year’s tour?

Mary: I was so impressed with the grassroots level work of local YHRI teams. Watching them in action in their own communities was amazing. During one of our meetings with top officials I listened to one of the YHRI youth leaders discussing human rights. He talked about the issues and the vital role that informed youth can play to help officials handle their local problems. That country has a majority youth population -more youth than adults. I watched the profound impact he created with his insight into the situations at hand and his clear explanation of solutions that can be brought about by teaching human rights to the youth. I was so incredibly proud!

Scientology Today: Where do you plan to go from here?

Mary: We are planning our sixth annual YHRI International Summit to bring together youth from around the world to discuss human rights issues and the important role of human rights education in raising the quality of life for young and old alike. And we are already planning the YHRI World Tour 2010. The exact route is not yet set but the countries are lining up with outreach and meetings that promise, once again, to expand YHRI exponentially!

Scientology Today: Do you have a message for people reading this interview?

Mary: It’s easy to teach Human Rights. Tell your friends, your family and your neighbors. Inspire them to teach Human Rights. As a non-profit organization we need the help of likeminded people, groups and organizations to help reach people in all corners of the world so that everyone has the opportunity to learn about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and our human rights.

Church of Scientology of Pasadena Hosts Art and Photography Exhibit

The Church of Scientology of Pasadena hosted a free art exhibition at its future home, the historic Braley Building in Old Town Pasadena. Some 500 guests attended the grand opening,  where 25 artists displayed their works in the Scientology Church’s 18,000 square feet of space.

Eden Stein, President of the Church of Scientology of Pasadena and host of the exhibition, emphasized the value of art and culture, saying, “Art is very important for the community and society. Art is something you can look at, hear and feel.  Art is the soul food of all people. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard said: ‘A culture is only as great as its dreams and its dreams are dreamed by artists’. We thank the artists for giving us the opportunity to showcase their work.”

Guests were welcomed at the exhibit’s entrance by the work of Di Dier Lourenco from the San Marino Art Gallery.

Internationally recognized Los Angeles-based photographer Natalie Franco, who received three Honorable Mentions in the 2005 International Photography Awards, presented some of her early photographic documentation of people struggling with AIDS and drug addiction, and selections of her later works in which she fuses a hybrid of fictional elements and fantasy.

An African atmosphere infused the paintings of local artist George Combs, a favorite among Pasadena youth who know his work from the murals he created in several Pasadena schools. Other featured artists included Nestor Rodriguez, Patrick Chapman, Michael Earl Anderson, Floris van Breugel, David Taveras and Gianina Ferreyra.

Scientology Opens New Church in Dallas

The Church of Scientology of Dallas recently opened its new home to parishioners, dignitaries and their guests, with Texas cowboy fanfare and an invitation to all to find out for themselves the answer to the often-asked question, “What is Scientology?”

On a sunny and breezy Saturday afternoon, the Church of Scientology, in the Las Colinas community of the city of Irving, welcomed more than a thousand dignitaries and visitors to the grand opening of its new Church of Scientology.

“We are very happy about our move to Irving,” said Dallas Church President Mr. Arlo Ihrig. “This central location makes it possible for us to reach out to more communities and to extend our help across a broader range of demographics in Dallas county and beyond.” The Church of Scientology of Dallas supervises  Scientology activities for northern Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

The new Church of Scientology of Dallas represents more than four decades of growth of Scientology in Texas since the first Church of Scientology was founded there in 1967.

The new Church of Scientology of Dallas is a reflection of the world scope of Scientology today, which comprises nearly 8,000 churches, missions and groups across 164 nations. Each is dedicated to achieving the Aims of Scientology, as expressed by its founder, L. Ron Hubbard:  “A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where Man is free to rise to greater heights.”

The Church of Scientology of Dallas welcomes visitors seven days a week from 9:00 am to 10:30 pm and provides walk-in or scheduled tours at any time. For more information on the Church and its programs call (214) 524-5300 or visit its web site at www.scientology-dallas.org or the official Scientology web site.

Will those Germans ever learn to spell “Human Rights”?

Press release found on menschenrechtsbuero.de:

n a landmark decision for religious freedom in Germany, the Berlin Administrative Court ordered the immediate removal of anti-Scientology propaganda placed by the Berlin City Administration in front of the Church of Scientology of Berlin.

Shortly after dark on the evening of January 21, 2009, Berlin city officials placed a kiosk in front of the Berlin Scientology Church urging the public to “STOP SCIENTOLOGY,” and containing anti-Scientology propaganda.

The Court found that the City’s actions violated the Church of Scientology’s right to religious freedom under Article 4 of the Constitution. In reaching these conclusions, the Court held that the City of Berlin had violated its duty of religious neutrality and its obligation to remain objective on religious matters. The Court also ruled that the City’s warning campaign served no justifiable purpose.

City officials were forced to rapidly remove the offensive kiosk.

“The City’s actions amount to a hate campaign in complete violation of the law,” said Sabine Weber, president of the Church of Scientology of Berlin. “We are happy that the Court has reaffirmed the our right to religious freedom.”

The Church of Scientology is recognized as a religious community throughout the world, including such countries as Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Hungary, Italy, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and many other countries. In the last 30 years German courts have acknowledged the religious character of the Church of Scientology in more than 50 decisions.

Download the judgement (German)! Press release pack with more photos (zip)

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Provide Disaster Relief During Melbourne Fires

Press release

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Melbourne, Australia Aided Firefighters and Provided Emergency Relief to Victims of Raging Wildfires That Took an Estimated 200 Lives

Scientology Volunteer Ministers, a grassroots community service organization, which provides on-site relief for emergencies and natural disasters, rushed to help overtaxed firefighters, police and emergency workers when bushfires broke out in the area around Kinglake and Whittlesea in Victoria, Australia on February 7, 2009.

The fires killed at least 200 and destroyed more than 1,800 homes. Some 5,000 people, many of whom are now homeless, were evacuated. The fire also laid waste to 400,000 hectares (988,000 acres) of forests, farms and country towns.

A team of 20 Scientology Volunteer Ministers took on whatever job was needed, providing help to over 3,000 people. Among the Scientology Volunteer Ministers were two chefs who took over running the kitchen that fed some 2,000 people each day. Volunteers organized and ran the frozen and refrigerated food area, handing out drinks and organizing the distribution of donated clothes.

The group also demolished smoldering homes, rebuilt damaged houses and established a “Scientology Volunteers Resource Centre,” where team members ensured the Red Cross and other disaster relief agencies on the ground had the supplies they needed to carry on their work.

One of the most important and unique services Volunteer Ministers provided was Scientology assists to help firemen cope with the devastation and grueling conditions they had to confront. These assists are simple procedures developed by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion, that help people overcome the emotional and spiritual side of trauma so they can recover fully from injury, stress or shock.

For more information on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program or to enroll in free online courses or schedule a seminar visit their web site at www.volunteerministers.org.

West Africa: Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour in Republic of Benin

Press release

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers, a community service organization specializing in disaster relief and emergency response, has moved from Togo to the Republic of Benin during its West Africa Goodwill Tour to address the country’s alarming poverty issues and illiteracy rates.

A grassroots organization called the Scientology Volunteer Ministers West Africa Goodwill Tour, is in Contonou in the Republic of Benin. Having completed their tour in Togo. , the Volunteer Ministers are offering courses, seminars and one-on-one help to improve conditions in this country.

Benin ranks among the worst 20 nations in the world in United Nations Human Development Index, which rates countries by life expectancy, literacy, education and economic factors. According to the CIA World Factbook, fewer than 35 percent of those over the age of 15 in Benin can read and write. On March 5, 2008, a study released jointly by the Ministry of Family and Children of Benin and the United Nations showed that in 2006 alone, more than 40,000 six to seventeen-year-old children were trafficked into slavery in the country.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tours go to remote areas and deal directly with individuals, nonprofit organizations, churches, schools and police and fire departments to deliver effective solutions to the community. Volunteer Ministers also train people with courses, workshops and seminars based on the Scientology Handbook. The book, a compilation of the works of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, provides technology for improving communication and relationships, learning how to learn, coping with job stress and overcoming drug addiction.

Moreover, it covers such essential subjects as ethics, how to resolve conflicts and the basics of organization. By training others in how to use this technology and through one-on-one help to anyone who comes to their big yellow tent, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers not only make an immediate impact on the lives of those in the towns and cities they visit, but also establish groups that carry on their work after they move on.

“Thanks to this training I will be able to help people who have difficulties in life,” said one person on completing a course at the Scientology Volunteer Ministers tent. “I am now capable of studying any subject efficiently and helping others succeed in their studies,” said a student who finished a course in study technology. After completing two courses, another student came back to tell the volunteers that his boss wanted to know what had happened to him because he was handling problems at work so much better than before.

There are Scientology Volunteer Goodwill Tours in Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Siberia, Asia, the South Pacific and the Australia Outback.

For more information on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, or to take a free course online or book a seminar visit the web site at www.volunteerministers.org.