Religion and Churches News

ATLANTA, Ga., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — This year’s Rx and Illicit Drug Summit highlighted a grim fact of life: “Overdoses and deaths involving synthetic opioids have reached record rates, and every community across our nation is feeling the impact.” According to the CDC, more than half of opioid overdose deaths in 10 states studied tested positive for fentanyl. It’s time to slam the pedal down on prevention, says Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

MUNICH, Germany, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In July 2016, an armed shooter killed nine and injured 16, leaving Munich reeling. A team of volunteers from The Way to Happiness Association sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Munich literally took matters into their own hands. They began giving copies of The Way to Happiness to people one-on-one, beginning with those living or working in the district where the shootings took place.

NEW ORLEANS, La., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — United for Human Rights brought its youth-friendly human rights program to NSBA24 – National School Boards Association (NSBA) Conference for 2024 in New Orleans April 6 to 8. The purpose of NSBA is “to ensure each student everywhere has access to excellent and equitable public education governed by high-performing school board leaders and supported by the community.” So how does human rights education relate to this endeavor?

WASHINGTON, D.C., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — L. Ron Hubbard joined the Boy Scouts in Tacoma, Washington, in 1923, in the early years of Scouting, a movement founded by Robert Baden-Powell in 1910. By the spring of 1924, Ron had not only earned an impressive 21 badges, he also led Washington, D.C., Troop 10 to victory in the Washington Post-sponsored Scout Advancement Competition and was one of four youths to represent Scouting at President Calvin Coolidge’s Presidential Celebration of National Boys’ Week. Five days later, two weeks after celebrating his 13th birthday, L. Ron Hubbard became the nation’s youngest Eagle Scout.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — L. Ron Hubbard Life Exhibition in Hollywood, California, proudly announces a new permanent display featuring the royal bestowal of Datu and a Kris sword, presented by HRH Sultan Tomas Cabili Jr. and HRH Sultana Remedios Pastor of Mindanao, Philippines, on the anniversary of Mr. Hubbard’s birthday.

AUSTIN, Texas, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 4, 2024, (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — SXSW EDU is an educator conference in Austin, Texas, “designed for the brightest minds in education to change the future of teaching and learning.” United for Human Rights set up a booth at the conference, where human rights was a recurring topic in presentations, conferences and workshops. Educators, entrepreneurs, and members of civil society from across the U.S. around the globe visited the booth to learn about the program.

MIDRAND, South Africa, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 3, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In South Africa, a country where effective education is key to reversing centuries of neglect and oppression, Scientology Volunteer Ministers Educator Empowerment Seminars aim to create significant change.

SAINT HILL, U.K., April 2, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Some 3,000 children, parents, and grandparents gathered at Saint Hill, the Church of Scientology estate in East Grinstead, for an enormously “egg-citing” Easter Egg Hunt. Families traveled from throughout Sussex, Surrey, and Kent for the fun-filled afternoon. Greeting the children, the Easter Bunny was joined by popular children’s book, cartoon, and film characters.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 2, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Despite predictions of rain over Easter weekend, Sunday’s annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 proceeded undeterred. Staff and volunteers from the Church of Scientology Los Angeles were prepared no matter the weather, with tents erected in case of a storm. But the afternoon was blessed with blue skies when nearly 7,000 neighbors joined the fun on L. Ron Hubbard Way for the annual Church of Scientology Easter celebration.

VIENNA, Austria, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 30, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — This Easter, the Say No to Drugs volunteers of Vienna extend their wish for a bright, healthy future for local children. They’ve packed their Easter baskets with copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets to give youngsters the information they need to decide for themselves to live drug-free.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 30, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In the wake of the untimely passing of beloved actor Matthew Perry, whose toxicology report revealed elevated levels of ketamine, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles and the Los Angeles chapter of Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) hosted a forum and open house to raise awareness of the dangers of so-called ketamine infusion therapy. Hosting the event was Erin Godley from the Los Angeles chapter of CCHR.

EAST GRINSTEAD, UK and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 28, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Despite forecasters predicting rain, young Scientologists gathered at Saint Hill in East Grinstead, slipped on their signature teal Foundation for a Drug-Free World T-shirts over hoodies, unfurled their “brollies,” and took off for the nearby town of Crawley to share the truth about drugs with local families. They handed out youth-friendly Truth About Drugs booklets to help other kids make the self-determined decision to live drug-free.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 27, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Members of the Commission of Culture of the LXV House of Representatives of the National Congress of Mexico paid tribute to the enduring legacy of L. Ron Hubbard by presenting a proclamation to the Friends of L. Ron Hubbard Foundation and representatives of the Church of Scientology of Western United States.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 27, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, “Each year, millions of K-12 students experience hostile behaviors like bullying, hate speech, hate crimes, or assault.” Many attending the Innovative School Summit at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square in New York February 28 to March 1 are keenly aware of the urgent need for effective programs that empower young victims of abuse. United for Human Rights, an international, not-for-profit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, approaches this issue with education.

PHOENIX, Ariz., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 23, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — 2024 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Church of Scientology, the world’s youngest major religion, and Phoenix played a pivotal role. Celebrating this historic occasion were Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) Executive Director Dr. Albert Celoza; President Rev. Rock Fremont, spiritual director of the Shephard of the Hills United Church of Christ; AZIFM Administrative Assistant Anne Taylor; and members of many Phoenix faiths.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 23, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As part of a toy giveaway in Hollywood for underserved youth, organized by the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in conjunction with LAPD Hollywood youth development programs, Scientologist and legendary skateboarder Steve Berra donated signature skateboards, hoodies, and Berra’s Berrics Cariuma CATIBA Pro skate shoes. And what could be more appropriate in a town known as the birthplace of modern skateboarding.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 22, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — It’s no accident that while prescriptions for psychiatric medications have soared, the Los Angeles suicide rate has risen 40 percent since the year 2000 while the county’s mental health budget, at nearly $3 billion and rising, is the largest in the United States. Ever wonder why? The answer is not easy to confront. But Angelenos owe it to themselves and their families to visit the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) ‘Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Exhibit,’ which begins its global tour this week in Los Angeles with a grand opening on Friday, March 22 at 1:30 p.m.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 20, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Scientology Network is celebrating International Day of Happiness with an all-day marathon featuring “The Way to Happiness” – the common-sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard – and its positive impact across the globe. The marathon event includes the two-hour The Way to Happiness book-on-film and features episodes of Voices for Humanity showcasing the movement in action.

MILAN, Italy, March 19, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A World Civil Defense Day seminar for first responders at the Church of Scientology of Milano shared unique and simple technology for helping relieve the emotional and spiritual trauma that can affect disaster victims long after the incident is over. Studies show that not knowing how to help victims deal with these needs can take a toll on emergency response personnel: Their concerns over their ability to help can be a factor in burnout.

ATHENS, Greece, March 19, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In September 2023, Julia, a Scientology Volunteer Minister from Athens, reached out offering help to her friend Mariza in Volos, Greece. The city, some 200 miles away, was all but destroyed by Storm Daniel. Julia assembled a team and traveled some 200 miles to the coastal port city.

GAUTENG, South Africa, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 16, 2024, (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Councillor Sibongile Soxuza, deeply troubled by the pervasive issues of domestic abuse, drug addiction, poverty, corruption and crime within her communities, recognized the urgent need for action. As speaker of the council, responsible for nearly a million residents, she took a personal stand to effect change. Seeking a program that could deliver tangible results, she turned to the Scientology Volunteer Ministers life skills training program.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Born in Iraq in 1974, Haetham Abdul-Razaq was 6 when war broke out between his country and Iran. “One common and fundamental principle is crucial to the well-being and prosperity of people, as well as the protection of their dignity, differences and ability,” Abdul-Razaq said in an interview with United for Human Rights.

VIENNA, Austria, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Civil Defense Day is marked every year on March 1st. It is a time to share information that can help shield individuals and property from natural disasters, accidents, and other crises. Trained in technology developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology Volunteer Ministers have helped countless victims recover from the emotional and spiritual stress and trauma of disaster.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — According to a February 2024 Gallup Poll, fewer than 50 percent of Americans are “very satisfied” with how things are going in their personal lives. With the International Day of Happiness approaching, Scientology Churches everywhere are opening their doors to the community to share The Way to Happiness, a booklet that can spell the difference between happiness and despair.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — While Scientologists across the globe celebrate L Ron Hubbard’s birthday today, they are joined by millions more who honor him for the humanitarian activities he inspired and his impact on their lives. In his famous essay, “My Philosophy,” L. Ron Hubbard wrote “I like to help others and count it as my greatest pleasure in life to see a person free himself of the shadows which darken his days.”

MIAMI, Fla., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — America’s emergency response personnel are heroes. They are dedicated to saving property and lives. But there is another factor in disaster relief: the ongoing spiritual and emotional consequences of disasters to both first responders and victims. Scientology Volunteer Ministers reached out at Disasters Expo USA 2024 in Miami March 6 and 7 to share simple techniques anyone may learn to help with this “human factor” that is so crucial to the quality of life.

SYDNEY, Australia, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Church of Scientology Advanced Organization in Sydney, Australia, hosted the “Thanking Festival” of the Australian Multicultural Arts & Values (AMAV) that honored 48 community groups for their outstanding service to the community. In addition to the awards presentation, guests learned to apply first aid skills such as CPR and the care of injuries.

CANBERRA, Australian Capital Territory, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 6, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Australia’s 26th annual Canberra National Multicultural Festival brought together more than 170 diverse communities to share their customs, history, and heritage through food, art, song and dance. But while Australians today pride themselves on diversity and inclusion, this was not always the case. And ingrained bias and prejudice can die hard. This is why volunteers from the Church of Scientology brought their human rights education initiative to the festival.

AUSTIN, Texas and LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 5, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The dedication of the new Ideal Scientology Church in Austin, Texas, was the first in a series of stunning new Scientology Churches to open in 2024, and it embodies the spirit of unabated growth that has become the hallmark of Scientology today. Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, welcomed Lone Star State Scientologists and the purpose and pride they embodied in accomplishing this milestone.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 29, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Firefighters are in the business of saving lives. These are the men and women who provide fire prevention and rescue. They battle the blazes throughout the city and the notorious Los Angeles brushfires and wildfires. They are also the ambulance drivers, EMTs and paramedics who provide emergency medical response. And they do so day and night every day of the year. Hollywood Village is a partnership between the Church of Scientology, The Way to Happiness Foundation, the Los Angeles Police Department, local businesses, and numerous faith-based and neighborhood groups.

NEW ORLEANS, La., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 28, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Protesters demonstrated outside the American College of Psychiatrists Convention at the Marriott New Orleans last week, demanding psychiatrists immediately cease using ECT (electroconvulsive treatment). Some 100,000 Americans are subjected to ECT every year, making its use a multibillion-dollar industry. Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) organized the demonstration. CCHR, a mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and professor of psychiatry Dr. Thomas Szasz, says ECT sends 460 volts of electricity through the brain causing a grand mal seizure.

SEATTLE, Wash., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 27, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Whether responding to disasters or caring for the needs of underserved communities, Seattle nonprofits, churches and volunteer groups provide vital services to the city. The Church of Scientology of Seattle hosted an open house in support of Washington Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WAVOAD) and local nonprofits that respond to these needs.

MIDRAND, South Africa, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 24, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Through a series of seminars at Castle Kyalami in Midrand, South Africa, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are empowering employees of the Gauteng Department of Health. These healthcare workers, in their bright green uniforms, have become known as the province’s “Green Angels,” because they, along with staff of affiliated chaplaincy and faith-based organizations who also attended the training, put their lives on the line to help others.

CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 23, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — “I really liked the aura and environment of today’s event,” said one woman who attended the Interfaith Harmony Week event at the Church of Scientology Cambridge. “I learned new skills of effective communication and I will use what I learned for my personal development.”

CUIABA, Brazil, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 22, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Growing up surrounded by gangs, crime, and violence that plagued his neighborhood in Cuiabá, Brazil, in the ’80s and ’90s, Diogenes Luiz de Oliveira tried to escape from that life by using and trafficking drugs. Now, he uses his own story and the drug education materials of Foundation for a Drug-Free World to help keep kids out of the trap that consumed and nearly destroyed his life.

BUDAPEST, Hungary, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 20, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — When it became clear that the children of the town of Gyulaj were going hungry, Roma community leader István Szatmári took action. While he continues working to handle the underlying cause of the problem-improving education and job training opportunities – Szatmári knew who to turn to for immediate help. He called on the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology of Budapest.

QUITO, Ecuador, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 20, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Built on the foundations of an ancient Incan city on the equator – the “center of the world” – named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art, cultural treasures and architectural marvels, Quito is a thriving metropolis of breathtaking beauty and year-round sunshine. And on February 17, the city added another distinction to its profile with the opening of the first Ideal Church of Scientology Mission in Ecuador.

LONDON, England and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — “Psychiatrists have been editing childhood and adolescence out of existence,” said Brian Daniels, Executive Director of Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) for the UK, in an open letter written for Children’s Mental Health Week. CCHR is a mental health watchdog founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and psychiatrist Thomas Szasz to protect individuals from abusive or coercive practices in the field of mental health.

CATANIA, Italy, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — What could be more appropriate for Valentine’s Day than true love and chocolate? The Scientology Network shares the story of Armando Siracusano and Gabriella Comis – from their falling in love at a bakery to the many barriers they had to overcome on their way to creating the future of their dreams.

LAS VEGAS, Nev., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Volunteers from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Scientology Churches and Missions across the Southwest gathered at the Church of Scientology Las Vegas February 10 on the eve of Super Bowl LVIII to take on the drug epidemic affecting the city and the nation. According to the Southern Nevada Health District, 2023 saw a record 237 deaths in the region from fentanyl overdose.