Category: Scientology

  • Scientology Opens Ideal Center in Pilsen: A European Hub for Culture, Spiritual Growth and Community Help

    KINGNEWSWIREAGENCY – On February 22, 2025, the first Ideal Dianetics and Scientology Center in the Czech Republic opened in Pilsen. The event marked a milestone for local community projects and spiritual development. Guests, including local leaders, praised its role in social betterment, drug prevention, and disaster relief. The center offers spiritual counseling, life improvement courses, and volunteer initiatives. Director Petr Gono emphasized its mission to help individuals lead fulfilling lives. The facility embodies L. Ron Hubbard’s vision of uplifting society through personal and community growth.

    Brussels, Belgium, 26th Feb 2025 – Saturday, February 22, 2025, marked a significant milestone for Scientology and its long-standing community projects in the Czech Republic. In the historic city of Pilsen—famous for its industrial heritage and rich cultural life—the first Ideal Dianetics and Scientology Center in the Czech Republic was officially opened.

    Pilsen, home to nearly 200,000 residents, is a city where history meets modern life. It proudly holds the title of European Capital of Culture 2015, and it is now the site of a center dedicated to personal development, spiritual growth, and community support. The Ideal Center offers a full range of basic and introductory Scientology services, including spiritual counseling (auditing), and is designed to help individuals achieve spiritual freedom.

    A Celebration of Community Spirit and Help

    The grand opening was not only the inauguration of a new center but also a celebration of the fifth anniversary of the original Dianetics Center in Pilsen. Guests from across Czech Republic and the neighboring Slovakia gathered to commemorate this milestone and the progress made in community help and spiritual development.

    Several distinguished guests spoke during the ceremony, sharing their experiences with Scientology Know-how and Scientology-supported initiatives and studies emphasizing the importance of cooperation and helping others.

    The Mayor of Nerestce addressed the growing social challenges in his speech:

    “Over the years, I have witnessed the moral fabric of our society deteriorating. It seems that kindness and compassion are fading, while we face rising violence, drug abuse, and social problems. Organizations like yours are crucial – they educate young people and show them that running away from challenges is not the solution.”

    An international leader in Roma football and the founder of the Mongaguá project highlighted the power of unity:

    “I believe that if we stand together, we can positively impact countless children, their parents, and entire communities…. I trust that you will continue spreading values and respect.”

    The Mayor of Písečná delivered an emotional speech, expressing gratitude for the help provided by Scientology Volunteer Ministers after the devastating floods of 2024:

    “The most important thing, as you demonstrated when helping the people of Písečná, is HELP.”

    In fact, the Ideal Mission serves as the central hub for organizing and launching Scientology community projects. One of its main focuses is helping younger generations avoid drug abuse through weekly drug education programs, which have been running for over 20 years in the Czech Republic.

    To address the decline in moral values, The Way to Happiness book is regularly distributed throughout the community, encouraging positive change and ethical living.

    The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program operates under the motto, “Something can be done about it,” a principle actively demonstrated during last year’s devastating floods and through ongoing clean-up efforts in several areas of Plzeň. This initiative, which has been running for several months, continues to set a positive example for others. In times without natural disasters, one of the key activities involves removing discarded syringes to ensure a safer environment for everyone. Volunteer ministers are working on this for several months, every day.

    A Mission to Help and Inspire

    Petr Gono, Director of the new Ideal Scientology Center, outlined the organization’s mission in his address:

    “We are here to help restore the desire to live a fulfilling life—free from drugs, with harmonious relationships, where children can grow up in an environment full of love and care. We are here to help people overcome past failures and build a better future—not just for themselves, but for all of us. That is our mission.”

    “The local Ideal Dianetics and Scientology Center is an important place because it is open to everyone—whether they are Scientologists or not. All it takes is a good heart and a desire to improve oneself, one’s group, or to help the entire society. This is the place where we organize most of our community projects—whether it’s a simple clean-up, promoting moral values, or disaster relief. It is where we bring the vision of Mr. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, to life,” said the Director of Scientology Community Projects and Public Affairs, David Macoun.

    From Brussels, Ivan Arjona-Pelado, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights stated that “the people of the Czech Republic are setting an example as to what it means to help those in need, and keep showing it once and again, so I can only be happy that they have this ideal facilities from where they can further expand their help and open the doors to spiritual enlightenment to even more people”.

    Comprehensive Facilities for Personal Growth and Community Help

    As an Ideal Dianetics and Scientology Mission, the Plzeň facility is equipped with all the necessary resources to deliver a wide range of introductory Scientology services. These include:

    • Life Improvement Courses – offering practical solutions to everyday challenges, such as improving communication, raising children successfully, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and achieving personal goals.

    • Personal Efficiency Seminars – covering topics such as the human mind, effective communication, and stress management.

    • Spiritual Counseling (Auditing) – helping individuals overcome spiritual and emotional barriers and achieve personal freedom.

    This new center is not only a place for personal growth but also a hub for extensive Scientology community projects. The organization focuses on raising moral standards, drug prevention, disaster relief, and other initiatives aimed at creating a positive social impact.

    The new Ideal Scientology Center in Plzeň represents another step toward fulfilling the vision of L. Ron Hubbard, who believed that helping others and working together are the keys to building a better and more just society.

  • Human Trafficking Under the Spotlight

    KINGNEWSWIRE // In its efforts to uphold rights worldwide the Church of Scientology plays a significant role in the fight, against human trafficking by raising awareness through campaigns and educational programs and collaborating internationally. Scientologists are actively involved in preventing exploitation and aiding survivors by advocating for the values outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as well as partnering with organizations that address trafficking from its core. The commitment to this cause was showcased during a town hall event at the Church of Scientology in Seattle where both local and global professionals discussed the importance of education and laws in combating human trafficking while supporting those at risk.

    A Multi-Faceted Approach to Combat Trafficking

    The recent community event held by the Church of Scientology in Seattle brought attention to the concerning problem of trafficking with a specific emphasis on child sex trafficking, in Washington state. The gathering coincided with UN International Human Rights Day and centred around the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” Notable speakers shared insights. Rallied for immediate action to combat this widespread issue.

    Butch Yarnell captivated the audience with a speech during his keynote address as the Eastern Washington & Idaho Regional Coordinator, for Shared Hope International. He shed light on the mission of Shared Hope International to combat sex trafficking through prevention efforts and interventions and highlighted the truth of trafficking in Washington. Yarnell stressed the importance of taking steps and garnering legislative support to disrupt trafficking operations and provide aid to those who have survived such ordeals.

    In 2024 in Washington state there have been new laws passed with Senate Bill 6006 making a strong impact on empowering survivors by providing civil protection orders and victim compensation without time limits while also getting rid of the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex trafficking cases. The mention of Seattle as a point in a trafficking network that reaches as wide as Honolulu and Canada highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and support, for this issue as noted by Yarnell.

    Youth Education as a Preventative Tool

    Dave Scattergood from Youth for Human Rights presented materials designed to educate young individuals about their essential human rights inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). These resources consist of brochures, videos and a complimentary online program accessible on the website of this international organization. 

    Scattergood emphasized the importance of education in stopping exploitation by saying; “It is vital that our youth are educated on their basic human rights to help prevent them becoming victims of human trafficking crimes”.

    European Perspectives

    On 24 January 2024, EUROSTAT published the 2022 statistics for trafficking in human beings. The newly released data showed that 10,093 victims of trafficking in human beings were registered in the EU in 2022, representing a 41% increase compared to 2021.

    Despite the rising number of registered victims, the number of convicted traffickers remains significantly lower. In 2022, there were 2,097 convicted traffickers in the EU, reflecting a 16.7% decrease compared to 2021. This disparity underscores the challenges in effectively prosecuting and convicting individuals involved in human trafficking.

    In Europe’s sphere of influence Ivan Arjona, Scientology representative to the European Union and the UN, has spoken numerous times urging authorities and civil society for a unified strategy to tackle human trafficking throughout the continent. Through different conversations and meetings, Arjona has highlighted the importance of international partnerships and extensive educational initiatives. “Human trafficking represents an unforgivable infringement on fundamental human rights. In Europe it is imperative that we enhance collaboration across borders, safeguard victims of trafficking, prosecute offenders and hold perpetrators accountable with the full force of the law” he emphasizes. 

    Arjona suggests boosting funding for community outreach efforts in areas at risk and advises governments to take a tough stance on those involved in trafficking activities, while calling for empowering civil society organizations to engage youth in educational programs to fight against human trafficking.

    A Global Crisis with Local Impact

    The International Labor Organization estimates that 27.6 million individuals are trapped in forced labor worldwide, generating $236 billion annually in illegal profits. In Washington state alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 202 cases last year, involving 367 victims. These stark figures highlight the urgency of addressing this crisis on both local and global scales.

    Scientology founder L. Ronald Hubbard‘s aims for human rights to become a reality and not just an idealistic dream, has been a driving force for the Church of Scientology’s dedication to promoting education and activism around human rights issues. Every church worldwide plays a role in engaging with the community and providing support for initiatives like United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights, establishing chapters wherever possible. The original series Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network documents the remarkable results achieved by the program.

    The Seattle forum, like many initiatives by the Church of Scientology worldwide, reinforces the importance of collective action in eradicating human trafficking. From legislative advocacy to education and community engagement, the path forward requires collaboration among governments, NGOs, and civil society. As Ivan Arjona well summarizes, “Only through awareness, action, and accountability can we hope to turn the tide against this modern-day slavery.”

  • From Los Angeles to Paris and beyond: How Scientology Transformed Its Global Presence in 2024

    Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 1st Jan 2025 – The final night of 2024 saw the Shrine Auditorium transform into a dazzling showcase of expansion, as Scientology‘s ecclesiastical leader David Miscavige, staff and and parishioners gathered to celebrate their most successful year yet. The evening played out like a Hollywood premiere, complete with a descending 2025 sign and enough sparkle to light up downtown Los Angeles. 

    When Mr David Miscavige, took the stage, he didn’t just walk – he immediately gathered everyone’s attention, addressing the packed house of 6,500 with recounts on how L. Ron Hubbard‘s spiritual and practical technologies have impacted millions of lifes through 2024.

    From the Screens to the Streets

    The numbers tell a compelling story of Scientology’s digital reach in 2024. Their network, broadcasting around the clock globally, didn’t just grow – it exploded, “picking up new viewers faster than you can blink” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Scientology’s representative for Europe. The crown jewel of their programming slate, “Operation: Do Something About It,” received a Platinum Viddy Award, adding to their growing collection of industry recognition with over 150 awards.

    But perhaps more telling is how the Scientology Network is converting online curiosity into real-world engagement: people aren’t just watching, they’re clicking through and completing online courses every minute and a half, and walking into Scientology centers worldwide just as frequently. It’s a digital-to-physical pipeline that many religious organizations would also need.

    Building a Society for All

    If 2024 proved anything, it’s that Scientology knows what is talking about. They didn’t just open new buildings – they created landmarks. Austin got a prime spot across from university life, while Mexico City saw a towering 12-story addition to its skyline. Chicago welcomed them to historic Printer’s Row, but it was Paris that got the crown jewel: a massive 8,826 square meters complex that shows how a religious place of worship can at the same time look as a modern art museum. Standing near the Stade de France, “it’s impossible to miss by one who goes around with their eyes open” said Arjona – which seems to be exactly the point. All told, they added enough new space the globe around to fill several city blocks.

    Making Waves in Local Communities

    When it comes to community impact, Scientology’s approach in 2024 went bigger than ever before. For example South Africa, where Scientologists turned a game reserve into a high-end drug rehabilitation facility near the Magaliesberg Mountains. It’s still home to wildlife, but now it’s also training addiction specialists so the Narconon technology can be brought across the continent for a Drug Free Africa. 

    In Miami, they’re tackling crime in a more direct and proactive way – their “Way to Happiness” program has become required reading for police officers, coinciding with a significant drop in violent crime. And flying back to Europe, over in the Czech Republic, Scientologists are teaching English at record speeds through their LITE centers, helping thousands land better jobs in the process.

    Ethical Business Meets Belief

    The ethical business approach for a happy and thriving society had its own success story in 2024. In Rwanda, the company of a Scientologist is helping build the country’s tech infrastructure, jumping from 20 to 140 cell towers in a year. Crossing the Atlantic back to Argentina’s San Luis province, Scientologists transformed the local construction industry through a massive steel distribution network. But it’s in Taiwan where their business training really shines – their Taichung administration college shows how graduates succeed in their endeavours, beating national start-up odds by a mile.

    Tomorrow’s Church

    The night wrapped up with a glimpse into Scientology’s future. They’re swinging for the fences in 2025, starting with a Super Bowl commercial that promises to be more philosophical than promotional. “Mr Miscavige closed the event making it clear that everything we saw was just a warm-up act. When the confetti finally settled, one thing was clear to me: Scientology isn’t just planning for tomorrow – we are building it today” said Ivan Arjona.

  • A Ruby Celebration: Scientology Marks 40 Years of Advocacy and Achievement through the IAS

    KINGNEWSWIRE Press release // On a crisp autumn night in East Grinstead’s embrace of England saw an assembly gather as the members of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) convened to mark a significant occasion. Their organization’s 40th year milestone celebration known as the Ruby Anniversary event was more than just an ordinary festivity, but rather a poignant moment to reminisce on their past journey and reaffirm their dedication towards impacting the world positively. 

    The celebrations began on October 25th in 2024 at Saint Hill, once home to L. Ron Hubbard and where he established Scientology. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation as attendees were greeted by the tunes of Great Highland Bagpipes and a spirited drum ensemble. The ecclesiastical leader of Scientology, Mr. David Miscavige, addressing the crowd brought fervor to his marks our Ruby Anniversary.

    “Tonight we celebrate our Ruby Anniversary. And, in so doing, we have arrived at a place that was unimaginable 40 years ago,” said Mr. David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “But here we are and what a view it is—our Churches and Missions encircling this planet, our Technologies at work in almost every land on Earth, our horizons boundless, our future infinite and we, ourselves, universal.” 

    The International Association of Scientologists (IAS) was established in 1984 through the efforts of a group of passionate individuals who aimed to create a collective support system and safeguard the Scientology religion. Their endeavors over time have led to triumphs in advocating for religious freedom not only for Scientologists but for individuals following all faiths. During his address Mr.Miscavige recounted accounts of key events:

    • In Portland, Oregon, where a prejudiced verdict from a heresy trial in 1985 was met with peaceful protests by tens of thousands of Scientologists, marking the first Scientology Religious Freedom Crusade and culminating in a historic judicial precedent. As a final statement on the win, just steps from the site of victory stands an Ideal Church of Scientology Portland;
    • In England, where, after years of discrimination, the UK Supreme Court made a unanimous decision recognizing Scientology’s religiosity, redefining what constitutes a religion for the 21st century and beyond. And where also now stands an Ideal Church of Scientology on London’s Queen Victoria Street;
    • In Italy, where a Supreme Court decision in 1997 upholding the religiosity of Scientology provided the defining statement on religion—a victory now symbolized by new Ideal Churches arising in Italy’s cultural center of Milan, amidst landscapes of heritage in Padova and on a hill atop the Eternal City of Rome;
    • In Spain, where Scientology prevailed after years of oppression, winning total vindication and religious recognition—victories now defined by an Ideal Church at the seat of Spanish government in Madrid;
    • In Germany, where attempts to quash Scientology were decisively overcome with multiple victories for religious freedom throughout the past 40 years—victories now realized with Ideal Churches of Scientology in hubs of power at Berlin, centers of commerce in Hamburg and titans of industry in Stuttgart;
    • In Belgium, where a protracted battle against bigotry resulted in total triumph in 2016, which is now embodied in an Ideal Church of Scientology in the seat of global influence in Brussels;
    • And in the United States, where the Church emerged victorious from a 40-year war with the IRS, gaining full recognition for 150 Churches of Scientology and related organizations.

    As the festivities carried on into the nights, revelry and excitement grew in the air like a crescendo of anticipation for what was to come: Mr. Miscavige proudly revealed the grand achievement of opening the Paris Ideal Church and Celebrity Centre, a magnificent 8,827 square meters building nestled close to the iconic Stade de France stadium. This brand new place of worship has been buzzing with activity and vibrant energy since its opening and drew in throngs of guests during the Summer Olympics, showcasing in this way the IAS unwavering dedication to expansion and the spreading of social solutions such as drug prevention and human rights education.

    The event also showcased the IAS’s efforts in helping others through the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) which has been dedicated to uncover misconduct on a global scale for years now. Mr. Miscavige recounted tales of CCHR’s influence like prompting a Royal Commission in New Zealand to look into psychiatric mistreatment and winning legal fights in Spain that shed light on the importance of monitoring psychiatric procedures and abuses. 

    The IAS has not been focusing only on mental health matters but has also introduced numerous worldwide charitable initiatives like The Way to Happiness and United for Human Rights along with Drug Free World campaigns with the aim of reaching out to millions of people globally to advocate moral principles and raise awareness about human rights while working towards preventing drug abuse issues on a global scale as highlighted. Mr. Miscavige mentioned during the events that the Drug Free World campaign alone has successfully distributed more than 160 million booklets, empowering communities to tackle substance abuse problems effectively. 

    The event ended with the presentation of the IAS Freedom Medal to commend individuals who have played a role, in promoting social justice and humanitarian causes.

    • Giovanni Citterio, Milan, Italy: A young Giovanni found Narconon, the drug rehabilitation program based on the discoveries and writings of L. Ron Hubbard, to overcome his own addiction. Giovanni then dedicated his life to saving people from drugs. After convincing the owners of an Italian luxury hotel to let him convert it into a rehabilitation center, it became the largest Narconon in the country. He went on to combat Italy’s addiction crises, opening centers all over the country, until Italy now has more Narconon centers per capita than any other nation on Earth. Giovanni’s single-minded dedication led to more than 150 acknowledgments of gratitude from every pillar of society, whereupon he stands as a 40-year Narconon legend.
    • Vincenza Palmieri, Rome, Italy: As a university student, Vincenza volunteered to help asylum patients and was horrified at what she witnessed. Using her master’s degrees as a weapon to save families from psychiatric abuse, she faced down psychiatry, taking a case all the way to Italy’s Supreme Court in the name of protecting children and families from harm. Vincenza further exposed a “Psychiatric Supply Chain” in a bestselling book, uncovering an obscene “kickback scheme” orchestrated by psychiatrists. To close the door on the profit-driven psychiatric sham, she ultimately created an entirely new profession, the Family Specialist, now recognized by the Italian government and today empowering families without medication or psychiatry.
    • Antónia and Ferenc Novák, Budapest, Hungary: This couple embraced L. Ron Hubbard’s The Way to Happiness to combat rampant school bullying, launching a nationwide contest, inviting children of all ages to create art projects featuring the book’s 21 moral precepts. While to extend their reach further still, Antónia and Ferenc created an online teachers’ platform called Cool School. All combined, they have introduced The Way to Happiness to students in nearly a third of all Hungarian schools, with incidents of youth violence plummeting by 60 percent where the precepts are in play.

    As the evening came to an end, Mr. Miscavige encouraged those to reflect on the fundamental principles that have propelled the success of the IAS for four decades. “Forty years of achievements. Beyond that, a future even more splendid than we could have envisioned, he stated emphatically, stressing that the IAS is not merely a religious institution, but a cause committed to elevating mankind. 

    The weekend wrapped up with the IAS Global Salvage Seminar, discussing plans for the year ahead and the ongoing growth of the church’s charitable initiatives. The dedication of IAS to making a difference in the world stays firm as they anticipate the next phase in their long history. 

    On its anniversary milestone event recently held by the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) the organization looked back on its history while also paving the way for a promising future marked by aspirations for unity and social justice advocacy.

  • Scientology Mission of Bergamo, Italy, celebrates 35 years since first opening

    Bergamo, ITALY, KINGNEWSWIRE // On Sunday, November 10, hundreds of Scientologists gathered to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the presence of the Church of Scientology Mission in Bergamo.

    In fact, Scientology’s presence in Bergamo began in the early 1980s, when a small group of believers who attended the Church of Scientology in Milan decided to start spreading Scientology principles in their area on a permanent basis.

    Since then, the group has grown significantly until the current mission was founded. A mission has the task of making the religion of Scientology known by providing information services that help a person take the first steps on that path of rediscovery and spiritual enlightenment that can be continued in a church such as the one that can be seen in Milan.

    Welcoming the Scientologists and their guests who had arrived for the ceremony was Mrs Marta Riva, who has been a valued leader of the Bergamo mission for many years.

    Immediately after her welcome, Mrs Nilupa, Warnakulasooriya, originally from Sri Lanka but resident in Italy for over 20 years, took the floor. She is a person who embodies the fundamental values of healthy and conscious growth, including the importance of educating her fellow citizens with moral values that help them face the difficulties of living and working far from home.

    The values I have found in The Way to Happiness are universal,’ said Nilupa, ’I believe in the Values contained in The Way to Happiness that Mr. Hubbard has given us: it is an immense gift! I trust that the Programme you are implementing with The Way to Happiness will always be available to Everyone.’

    The second guest, Mr. Franco Ravaglioli, vice-president of the Universal Peace Federation Italia, a non-governmental body recognised by the UN, spoke about the inter-religious activities that have been initiated in Bergamo and which involve representatives of different religious faiths, including the Church of Scientology. ‘Religions should cooperate with each other, but also work together with governments and civil society to build the world imagined by their founders,’ Ravaglioli said.

    The third speaker was Dr. Daniel Sigua, journalist, TV host, entrepreneur, considered one of the most influential ‘Latino communicators’ in Italy, diplomat and founder of the first Latin American press agency in Italy and Europe. Thanks to his tireless commitment and contagious energy, he is inspiring many people to join the cause for a future where human rights are guaranteed for all.

    ‘Thanks to the Church of Scientology,’ said Dr Sigua, ’Today we have a community more aware and educated about human rights thanks to your Spanish-language resources and materials dedicated to promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.’

    Closing the speeches was Mr Gabriele Riva, a Lieutenant of the Alpine troops and very active in his Bergamo community with social and humanitarian initiatives that have generated a greater sense of belonging and solidarity among his fellow citizens. Mr Riva wished to thank the Bergamasque Scientology community for the concrete help it has received on the occasion of the sight of 40 university students forming the choir of the University of the Philippines who also performed in honour of the families tragically affected by Covid during the pandemic.

    After the ceremony, those present were able to visit the mission headquarters, which, besides being the place where people begin their journey of spiritual liberation, is also the meeting place for volunteers who have been engaged for years in information activities on the risks of drug use, one of the activities that has been carried out with continuity and effectiveness by the group of volunteers of the Bergamo community of Scientology.

    Scientology has been present in Italy for 50 years, its 13 Churches and 20 Missions are caring for the spiritual progress of thousands of people of all ages, social classes and professions.

    The first Church of Scientology was established by a group of believers in 1954, in Los Angeles, and there are now more than 11,000 churches, missions and groups in 167 countries worldwide.