Source: https://europeanaffairs.eu/news-category/human-rights/
Timestamp: 2019-12-07 01:57:16+00:00

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Aug 22,2019 Leave a Reply Antonio Guterres, Scientology, United Nations
That is why the General Assembly adopted the resolution A/RES/73/296, titled “International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief” strongly condemning continuing violence and acts of terrorism targeting individuals, including persons belonging to religious minorities, on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief.
Aug 22,2019 Leave a Reply FoRB, minorities, recognition, Religious Freedom, Scientology Europe
The EU has always been at the frontline in promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief. The guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief approved in 2013, reaffirm that state institutions have a duty to guarantee freedom of religion or belief, and to protect individuals from violence based on the actual or assumed religion or belief of the targeted persons, or based on the religious or convictional tenets of the perpetrators. Violence perpetrated under the pretext of a religious prescription or practice, such as violence against women and girls including “honour” killings, female genital mutilation, child early and forced marriages as well as violence perpetrated against persons based on their sexual orientation or gender identity is also unacceptable.
Jul 4,2019 Leave a Reply Article 17 TFEU, FoRB, Libertad religiosa, religion, Scientology
El pasado 28 de junio de 2019, el Ministerio de Justicia de España otorgó el estatus de entidad religiosa a la “Oficina Europea de la Iglesia de Scientology para Asuntos Públicos y Derechos Humanos”[1].
La entidad europea establecida en Madrid, España, y dirigida por un español, opera en diversas localidades en toda Europa y más allá. Esto incluye una segunda oficina principal en Bruselas y actividades en Berlín, Copenhague, Estrasburgo, Ginebra, Londres, París, Roma, Varsovia, Viena, entre otras capitales. Representa a los Scientologists de al menos 37 estados miembros del Consejo de Europa, [más de un 78% de los estados miembro].
Los primeros esfuerzos de la Iglesia de Scientology para dialogar con las instituciones internacionales e intergubernamentales y contribuir a construir los valores europeos comenzaron con una Oficina Europea de la Iglesia en Bruselas y se ha ocupado de asuntos públicos y derechos humanos en toda Europa desde entonces, cuando se estableció en 1990.
De acuerdo al comunicado, desde sus inicios los diferentes equipos y esfuerzos de la Iglesia de Scientology se han guiado no solo por los valores consagrados en el Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos, sino también por los promovidos y protegidos por la Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea.
Iván Arjona, presidente de esta nueva entidad ha declarado que “Europa ha estado evolucionando hacia un movimiento más democrático y justo donde los derechos fundamentales son cada vez más importantes para todos los ciudadanos, contribuyendo a una cooperación más fuerte y positiva entre las naciones de Europa”.
En vista del artículo 17[1] del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea[2], la Unión “respetará y no prejuzgará el estatuto reconocido en los Estados miembros, en virtud del Derecho interno, a las iglesias y las asociaciones o comunidades religiosas” y “reconociendo su identidad y su contribución específica” la UE “mantendrá un diálogo abierto, transparente y regular con dichas iglesias y organizaciones”.
Entre los esfuerzos realizados por la Iglesia de Scientology para contribuir adecuadamente a este diálogo, según el comunicado de la Iglesia de Scientology, un equipo y una oficina renovados ingresaron en dicha esfera al inscribirse en el Registro de Transparencia de la Unión Europea el 18 de julio de 2017, con el número 872253227782-36[3] en la sección de “Organizaciones representativas de iglesias y comunidades religiosas”.
Desde entonces, dicha Oficina ha participado en los diferentes debates sobre temas relevantes, especialmente en el Parlamento Europeo, habiendo logrado la primera acreditación oficial personal para un representante de la Iglesia de Scientology en octubre de 2018.
El último paso dado por Scientology para lograr un diálogo más fructífero, transparente y apropiado con las diferentes instituciones europeas, cumpliendo así con los requisitos formales que se encuentran en las Directrices de 2013 para la implementación del Artículo 17 del TFUE, ha sido la reciente inscripción como persona jurídica de la mencionada “Oficina Europea de la Iglesia de Scientology para Asuntos Públicos”.
La entidad, reconocida ahora como entidad religiosa por el Ministerio de Justicia de España, menciona expresamente en el artículo 2 de sus estatutos, unirse: “…a los valores europeos de Dignidad Humana, Libertad, Democracia, Igualdad / Equidad, Estado de Derecho y Derechos Humanos”.
Los estatutos aprobados establecen su alcance territorial como “nacional y europeo”, actuando como “una entidad de referencia para todo el territorio europeo” y operando como “una organización sin fines de lucro puramente religiosa, que será responsable de llevar a cabo sus propias actividades y actuar como representante de las diversas Iglesias en Europa ante instituciones públicas y privadas nacionales y supranacionales, fomentando lo que se establece en el artículo 17 del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea y de conformidad con el artículo 2.2 de la Ley Orgánica [española] sobre la libertad religiosa[4]”.
De acuerdo con sus estatutos, explica el comunicado, el crecimiento espiritual en Scientology se alcanza de dos maneras: a) ayudando a los individuos con sus problemas espirituales y b) aumentando su conciencia espiritual y sus capacidades individuales para ayudarse a sí mismos y a otros a alcanzar las libertades y la dignidad.
Y así esta recién inscrita entidad religiosa, representa diversas entidades religiosas e iglesias nacionales cuyo propósito es practicar, enseñar y dar a conocer la religión de Scientology establecida a través de las obras religiosas de su fundador L. Ronald Hubbard “en beneficio de todos los miembros de la Sociedad”. La Oficina declara que trabaja en involucrarse y en promover un abanico de actividades de mejora social y derechos humanos, entre los cuales están la promoción, educación y campañas de sensibilización en temas de derechos fundamentales; prevención y rehabilitación de drogas, así como la promoción de estándares morales y éticos en la Sociedad. De esta manera, según Arjona, desea “apoyar y ayudar a preservar o restaurar los valores históricos y culturales que tanto benefician a la humanidad”. La creciente comunidad de Iglesias, Misiones, Grupos y entidades de mejoramiento social de Scientology ahora supera los 11.000 distintas organizaciones en más de 170 países.
[1] Article 17 TFEU – 1. The Union respects and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities in the Member States. 2. The Union equally respects the status under national law of philosophical and non-confessional organisations. 3. Recognising their identity and their specific contribution, the Union shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organisations. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT
[2] The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (latest version 2007) is one of two primary Treaties of the European Union, alongside the Treaty on European Union (TEU). Originating as the Treaty of Rome, the TFEU forms the detailed basis of European Union law, by setting out the scope of the EU’s authority to legislate and the principles of law in those areas where EU law operates.
[3] http://ec.europa.eu/transparencyregister/public/consultation/displaylobbyist.do?id=872253227782-36
[4] O.L. 7/1980 5 July on Religious Freedom. Article 2.2 The rights of Churches, Faiths and religious Communities also include establishing places of worship or assembly for religious purposes, appointing and training their ministers, promulgating and disseminating their own beliefs and maintaining relations with their own organisations or other religious faiths, within the national territory or abroad. https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1980-15955
Jun 28,2019 Leave a Reply Opinion
While it cannot be denied that the transparency and the perspective of people working in the EU institutions are regularly broadening for the better, it is also true that ‘institutionalised action’ expected as a result of the values expressed in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter, now 10 years after becoming a legally binding instrument, is far from ideal.
This is definitely the case as regards the rights associated with freedom of religion or belief, and non-discrimination based on religious affiliation.
Opinion article about Discrimination of Scientologists by Munich authorities. Written by Prof. Georges Elia Sarfati 🗺
May 29,2019 Comments Off on Opinion article about Discrimination of Scientologists by Munich authorities. Written by Prof. Georges Elia Sarfati 🗺 discrimination, FoRB, freedom of religion, Munchen, religion, Scientology, sekt filter
ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN SPECIALIZED NEWSPAPER NEWEUROPE.EU
Is Germany, in 2019, really the democratic state we believe it to be? Are freedom of conscience and expression respected by the authorities as most Europeans think? There is every reason to believe that this is not the case when we consider the poor faith trials, as well as the discrimination suffered by the followers or sympathisers of the Church of Scientology whose inspiration and value system have their source in the thought and work of the writer L. Ron Hubbard. …
Jan Figel on FoRB: “The aim has to be to raise awareness of what is going on in Europe itself” 🗺
Apr 5,2019 Leave a Reply faith and freedom summit, FoRB, Scientology
Published 21:47 April 2, 2019 – Updated 09:47 April 5, 2019
Journalist, New Europe (https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eus-religious-freedom-envoy-wants-europe-to-do-more-to-protect-minorities/ )
The EU’s special envoy for religious freedom, Jan Figel, believes that Europe needs to “face up” to the numerous cases of discrimination that occur against religious minorities within its own borders.Speaking at a high-level conference in Brussels, Figel said the upcoming European elections in May was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the threat to religious freedom and belief.“The credibility of the EU and Europe is at stake,” Figel said during his opening address at the Faith and Freedom Summit, a coalition of 18 NGOs which have come together to promote religious tolerance, including in Europe.
Figel said he had personal experience of a society where freedom of speech was frowned upon, saying, “I spent half my life in Czechoslovakia under Communism so know all about this issue. Even today, data shows that some 73% of the world’s population lives in countries which have high or very high restrictions or obstacles in place against religious freedom and belief. We must stop these negative trends and reverse the threat that currently exists. It is not just discrimination against minorities that is going on, but persecution and, in some cases, even genocide,” said Figel, who added, “We simply cannot stand by here in Europe and be mere commentators or observers of this.”Figel outlined some positive developments that have occurred in the last five years including the creation of his own special envoy post in 2016 and the adoption of EU guidelines on religious freedom three years earlier, as well as the creation in the parliament of an intergroup for religious tolerance.
The EU Fundamental Agency on Human Rights was another “vital instrument” in the struggle against restrictions on religious freedoms.
Noting the difference between “Continental Europe” and the wider region covered by the Council of Europe, Figel said that “real problems” still exist in Europe, including in Turkey in the crackdown against the Orthodox Church and also in Russia against Jehovah’s Witnesses, as well as numerous cases of anti-Semitism in various EU countries.
“We have got to face up to these problems and tackle them head-on. The aim has to be to raise awareness of what is going on in Europe itself, as well as further afield, and to seek improvements,” said Figel. “We have to realise that we, in Europe, cannot preach to others what they should be doing if we are not credibly tackling these issues within our own borders”.
Mar 11,2019 Leave a Reply Belgium, Brussels, discrimination, FoRB, persecution, Prejudice, respect, Tolerance
Published 12:42 March 11, 2019 Updated 12:51 March 11, 2019
On March 11, 2016, the criminal court of Brussels threw out a case that involved a dozen Scientologists, the Belgian Church, itself, and the European office of the Church of Scientology International that could have seen Church of Scientology banned as a “criminal enterprise” after a judge said the defendants were targeted because of their religion.At the time, the judge criticised the investigators who were involved in an 18-year inquiry into Scientology in Belgium, saying the law enforcement officials and Belgian intelligence officers that carried out the investigation acted out of prejudice and the case brought against the Scientologists was based on vague accusations that were obviously based on targeting the religion.
“The prosecutor constructed his charges based on his own interpretation of Scientology scriptures, contravening just about every internationally recognised human rights standard that protects the right to religious freedom”. READ FULL ARTICLE CLICKING HERE
Feb 20,2019 Leave a Reply FoRB
This week millions of people in over 167 countries celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the starting of the Church of Scientology. Currently thriving on 6 continents, the Scientology religion is experiencing greater expansion than in any time in its history, and so are its efforts to promote, defend and protect freedom of religion or believe for all citizens in the world. The Church has recently joined the Faith and Freedom Summit NGO Coalition in Europe becoming an important stakeholder on the subject, and is actively participating at the Geneva UN NGO Committee on FoRB and the Washington International Religious Freedom Roundtable.
“You are a spirit,” wrote L. Ron Hubbard in 1954. “You are your own soul. You are not mortal. You can be free.”
Less than 4 years after the release of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, a group of Scientologists in Los Angeles incorporated the very first Church of Scientology when it was clear to them that this new subject to them was most definitely a religion.
In the last chapter of the book Dianetics, released in May 1950, Mr. Hubbard set 2 goals: “further research into life force” and “an effort to discover a higher echelon of universal origin and destination.”
By Feb. 18, 1954, he had actually accomplished these objectives as well as registered his route of study and research as well as discovery through 450 recorded conferences and also 7 new books.
What he had actually accomplished led the subject directly into the world of faith, religion and spirituality. By establishing processes that could make exteriorization happen — the separation of the spirit from the body– he verified that the Human Beings are actually immortal spiritual beings.
Through the continuation of his task, he supplied a total record of his research into the enigma of existence, the puzzle of death and his mapping of a path to spiritual freedom– all of it fully preserved now for every future generations.
For 65 years since that day, the church has continued to expand throughout the globe. The founder’s publications are now readily available in 50 languages and some of them in more. Scientology has now millions of members as well as churches, missions and groups in 167 nations.
Since almost one year now, March 2018, the church launched the Scientology Network making the religion available to any person, anywhere, causing more people beginning their travel in Scientology than at any previous time since the founding of the movement.
In the past few years, the church has opened 70 new churches from Los Angeles to London, Bogotá to Berlin and Tel Aviv to Tokyo , and counts with an almost 8000 square meters church in the capitals of Europe, Brussels, from where its social campaigns are coordinated in the continent through its Public Affairs and Human Rights Office.
It is under the care and leadership of Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, that the church has actually experienced bigger growth in the last decade than in the previous half a century altogether.
Ivan Arjona-Pelado, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, which is included in the Transparency Registry of the European Union, congratulates “all Scientologists around the world and specially the ones Europe” for “the dedication through generations of ensuring the existence of Scientology into its current state”, so that all citizens can now “benefit from the workable solutions and programs that the Church is carrying out in Europe to help having a more moral, united, civic, educated, healthy and free society”.
“For countless ages, a goal of religion has been the salvage of the human soul,” wrote L. Ron Hubbard in Phoenix in 1954. “Man can save his soul. Like the bright cool dawn after a night of prison and of thunder, Man can taste that freedom sought so long … We are extending to you the precious gift of freedom and immortality — factually, honestly. You are a spirit, You are your own soul. You are not mortal. You can be free.”
Dec 22,2018 Leave a Reply
Written By: Seringe S.T. Touray for the www.europeangazette.com
Visible from the peaks of some of Madrid’s high-rise structures is the municipality of Pozuelo de Alarcon at a distance, surrounded by Mediterranean pine-tree forests, my family has made this part of the Spanish Kingdom home for a decade. With a mere ten-minute drive from the region of Pozuelo, one might easily chance upon the busy intersection of Plaza de Cibeles, the iconic square in the heart of Madrid overseen by the Cybele Palace. At a walking distance from this centre of the vibrant city stands conspicuously the Church of Scientology in Madrid.
With the help of the Church, I was put in touch with Iván Arjona Pelado – Director General of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights in Brussels, and President of the Church of Scientology in Spain. Iván Arjona was kind enough to grant my request for an interview in which to discuss important topics regarding Scientology and Scientology’s L. Ron Hubbard, and the religion’s perception through the lens of the general political world. Iván was born and raised in Tarragona, a Spanish city by the Mediterranean Sea, and would eventually elect to dedicate his life to the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. He has maintained his position as President of the Church of Scientology in Spain since 2007.
I would say there has been an increasing interest and a real 360 degrees change since 1997. There are more and more people who just want to find out what Scientology is and what it could do for them. Of course most of them have heard all the non-sense that groups of vested interests have always been pushing, and when they come in we offer freedom and hope. Some specific people and groups don’t like that. Overall society is enduring a change, and looking more and more for effective solutions, so the image (of Scientology) will keep improving more and more.
Dec 17,2018 Comments Off on Madrid City Council presents first “Manual for the police management of religious diversity” of Spain with the participation of the Church of Scientology Ayuntamiento, Madrid, Policia Municipal
Scientology TV launches news season, including European content 🗺
Oct 8,2018 Leave a Reply
Los Angeles (CA) – Tonight, Monday, October 8, 2018 at 8 pm the Scientology Network begins its second season with more than 60 new episodes showing every aspect of the world’s youngest major religion and its global humanitarian mission.
Since launching on March 12 with more than 70 hours of programming, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 237 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages spotlighting the lives of Scientologists; showing the Church as a global organization; and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions.
The network has been praised for shattering the paradigm of religious broadcasting, ushering in a new era that shows a religion in action, making the world better. The Scientology Network doesn’t preach but, instead, through its dynamic selection of programs, simply shows the religion, its members and its work, so that viewers can see for themselves and this new Fall season includes also European content.
The network also uniquely features the good works of those across all major faiths, while providing a platform for independent filmmakers www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/ to air poignant, uplifting films on important social issues that underscore the goodness of the human spirit and show how determined individuals can make a difference.
The new season will launch with a three-hour special featuring programs across the channel’s spectrum of content, including:
For more information on the network debut, click here: https://www.scientology.tv/news/new-scientology-network-season-debuts.html
You can see the Scientology Network on DirecTV channel 320 or through live streaming via www.scientology.tv or:
APPLE TV app download here — AMAZON FIRE TV app download here — ROKU app download here
Jul 16,2018 Leave a Reply European Parliament, FoRB, freedom of conscience, Religious Freedom
BRUSSELS—On June 28 at the Solvay Library, situated just behind the European Parliament in the Parc Leopold, a large group of faith and government representatives met in what has been termed the launch of the Faith and Freedom Summit.
The European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights has been partnering with NGOs and the Alliance of Conservative and Reformists in Europe (3rd EU political party) to organize this non-partisan launch event of the Faith and Freedom Summit.
So much hope was placed upon this conference to address and resolve the divisions caused by intolerance that Archbishop Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher from the World Evangelical Alliance attended just after meeting with Pope Francis in Rome to receive the personal blessings of the Pontiff and his wishes for the Summit’s success.
The 80 participants—religious leaders and scholars, human rights advocates, members of the European Parliament, and other leaders from throughout Europe—included representatives from the United States and from as far away as Indonesia.
Richard Milsom, Chief Executive of the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe, introduced the conference and the importance to act now with reference to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), especially in light of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in December.
His speech was followed by a video address from Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, who spoke on the importance of European external and internal policies in regard to the freedom of religion or belief. He asked every Member of the European Parliament to sign the pledge of the Faith and Freedom Summit campaign that reads:
Panel discussions focused on the need for implementation of bold policies committed to freedom of religion or belief. These panels discussed what could and should be done to strengthen application of these policies to ensure these benefits carry through to every individual in the European Union.
During his keynote speech, Jan Figel, EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union, declared:
“For the sake of our external credibility we need to show coherence in external and internal policy”
Figel also exposed the different types of religiofobias that can be found, despite of all efforts so far, Europe, and how looking into the internal issues will help to protect FoRB in the rest of world.
According to Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights: “Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others”, and in this regards, the statements of the different keynote speakers could not be more relevant.
In the beginning of afternoon, it was the turn of Salvatore Martinez, Rep of the Italian presidency at OSCE for Freedom of Religion, to say in a moving keynote speech:
“The denial of freedom of religion put at risks the most basic rights of everyone, and when this denial concerns a whole religious community, it endangers peace and security between states themselves. Freedom of religion must also be respected in its collective dimension.”
The impressive list of speakers and panellists made it maybe the most important event on Freedom of Religion that happened in Brussels since decades. The list included:
In a final keynote speech, Eric Roux, Vice President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, delivered the following message:
“Freedom of religion or belief has no religion. It has no political side. What people believe is their most ultimate freedom. Their link to God, or to the ultimate sense of life, and the expression of these inner beliefs are the most profound richness of a human being. That is why freedom of religion or belief must be fought for all, always, with no consideration of whatever faith one chooses.”
The faith and Freedom Summit will continue as a global campaign. The pledge of the Summit will be soon open for signatures for all, and especially for candidates to the 2019 European Parliament elections. Follow-up at www.faithandfreedomsummit.eu.
The event organized by ACRE was co-sponsored by the Church of Scientology, the Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society, the Coordiantion of Associations and People for Freedom of Conscience, and the UK based All Faiths Network.
The European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights is registered with number 872253227782-36 since 18/07/2017 in “Section V – Organisations representing churches and religious communities” of the European Transparency Register. Scientology is a recognized religion in many of the European systems already and by the European Court of Human Rights, and participates in the Civil Society Platform of the Fundamental Rights Agency of the European Union.
28 June – EU Faith and Freedom Summit 🗓 🗺
Jun 4,2018 Comments Off on 28 June – EU Faith and Freedom Summit 🗓 🗺
Attend the upcomming Summit on “FAITH AND FREEDOM SUMMIT: Practicing what we preach in Europe”.
Dr. Ahmed Shaheed – Special Rapporteur on human rights to UN Human Rights Council
Jan Figel – EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU
Salvatore Martinez – Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office 2018 on Combatting Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of other Religions
Bashy Quraishy – Secretary General of EMISCO
Dr. Eli Nacht – Official Representative of International Committee of Human Rights in Israel
Patricia Duval – Human Rights Attorney
Willy Fautre – Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers International
Sam Brownback – U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom
Aaron Rhodes – President of the Forum for Religious Freedom-Europe
Marco Ventura – Professor of Law & Religion at University of Siena
Hans Noot – Director of the Gerard Noodt Foundation
Greg Mitchell – Co-Chair, International Religious Freedom Roundtable
Vincent Berger – Former Jurisconsult of European Court of Human Rights
Thomas Schirrmacher – President of the International Society for Human Rights
Rev. Eric Roux – Vice-President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Ivan Arjona-Pelado – President and Director General of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Dr. Juan Ferreiro-Galguera – Professor of Law and Religion, University of A Coruña
Rosita Soryte – Lithuanian diplomat, President of the International Observatory of Religious Liberty of Refugees
It is with great pleasure that I would like to invite you to participate in the inaugural “Faith and Freedom” Summit that will take place in Brussels on June 28th, 2018.
Co-Organizing and sponsoring the summit:
Feb 26,2018 Leave a Reply Budapest, courts, Hungary, National Bureau of Investigation, Peterfalvi, Scientology, Victory
Dec 10,2017 Leave a Reply
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY—Scientologists from 27 nations demonstrated their commitment to religious freedom, joining Hungarian members of their religion in a march through the city to protest illegal government intrusion into the peaceful practice of their faith.
The marchers—1,500 strong, including many friends from other religions—gathered at Deák Ferenc Square in the center of Budapest where a prominent member of the Hungarian Church, Timea Vojtilla, expressed the Scientologists’ determination to overcome all barriers to freedom and to establish genuine religious freedom for everyone.
After citing the nation’s proud legacy of freedom, extending back to the Edict of Torda in 1568—an enlightened statement of religious tolerance—she declared, “We are here to show and demand that our country, Hungary, can return to be the home of religious freedom again.” Based upon a 2011 law that withdrew recognition from all but 14 of 362 religious organizations, the national government has been discriminating against an array of faiths, including non-Catholic Christians, Jews, Muslims, members of Eastern religions, and Scientologists.
Vojtilla then introduced author Istvan Nemere, who spoke passionately about experiences during Hungary’s Communist era, when freedom was savagely suppressed. His message emphasized how vital the cause of religious freedom is to the future of the nation and its people.
Following the speeches, marchers made their way through the streets of Budapest, across the Danube River via the famous Chain Bridge, and on to Alexander Palace, home of the nation’s president.
Actress and humanitarian Ruddy Rodriguez, who flew in from South America to support the demonstrators, spoke about the ever-growing importance in today’s world of working for increased religious tolerance and peace.
Processing march over the Danube river
As the procession moved through the streets, actors depicted for onlookers some of history’s most egregious violations of religious tolerance and freedom, such as the Inquisition. Marchers from many countries unfurled their national flags to demonstrate solidarity with the messages of liberty and tolerance, while drums thundered and chants for religious freedom filled the air.
At Alexander Palace, as the historical re-enactors flanked the colorful stage, the president of the Church of Scientology of Hungary, Attila Miklovicz, read a declaration from the Church’s members demanding freedom to practice their religion without governmental hindrance or persecution. It was a strong message that resonated with the attendees of many faiths.
At the close of the event, Timea Vojtilla read each line of the Creed of the Church of Scientology. As she did so, the crowd repeated the words. This was in itself a moving affirmation of freedom and human rights, and a fitting culmination to the march that demonstrated their commitment to stand up for their religion and for freedom itself regardless of any attempt at oppression.
Oct 28,2017 Leave a Reply
Stick to Town center’s canals and bridges Then and Amsterdam drift east to stylish, the growing and studious Knowledge Mile and you’ll reach the fast lane of the creative capitals of Europe of one. The Knowledge Mile signifies a sign of learning and expansion an renewal and the advance guard of Amsterdam’s advancement.
Really, the launching of Amsterdam Church of Scientology Was an extravagant party of understanding, in sense and a contemporary. So it had been, guests and a few 1,300 Scientologists assembled in Amsterdam, October 28, on Saturday, to celebrate the unveiling of a landmark that is striking on the central apex — the Wibautstraat of the area.
In commemorating the occasion the Ecclesiastical chief of the Scientology faith, announced: “Prior to that ribbon drops, let us take a minute to consider your place in biblical history–and of course mythology. For you are sailing windward and seaward, and you skirting headlands. To the contrary, you are out bound on a path to eternity itself.”
The grand opening festivities struck on every notice on the town’s Cultural spectrum, in the timeless defeat of this “Ode to the Amsterdam Canals” into the Suriname drums and digital rendition highlighting the town’s location in fresh century audio folklore. It was a day heralding venture and diversity, led by dignitaries representing the belief.
Reflecting interfaith customs and the improvement of this Since opening its doors in Amsterdam in 21, city was active. One example is that the Chapter of Citizens Commission on Human Rights, which is a force in safeguarding Dutch children’s rights. Their presentation to the UN Committee for the Rights of the Child in the overdrugging of the children of the country, resulted to inquire into the root causes of ADHD’s signs.
Scientologists farther combatted drug abuse from town throughout the supply of over 25,000 Truth About Medicines substances, while L. Ron Hubbard’s universal ethical precepts in How to Happiness have Been spread to the tune of 150,000. The Church is an active voice in interfaith activities, where it champions talk to improve comprehension and bridge differences.
The new facility that is striking serves to expands That the Church’s footprint at town and offers a starting point to expand their outreach out of their location, only minutes by car, bike or subway in the centre of town. Therefore, the 5-story centre is a dazzling new milestone for cooperation and hope to the over 70,000 commuters daily departure by on Wibautstraat.
In support of the message of venture of this center were neighborhood Dignitaries on hand to welcome the Church to its new house, such as Mr. Maarten Lubbers, Chairman, Collectively 1 Amsterdam; Mr. Michael Van Gils, Senior Police Officer, Dutch Regional Police (Ret.) ; Ms. Sheela Vyas, Chair of the Women’s Council of Amsterdam; and Ari Van Buuren, Chairman of the United Religion’s Initiative Netherlands.
Chairman, Maarten Lubbersspoke of the Church As a brand new member to boost the institutes of education, businesses and associations of “the cleverest road” from the Netherlands: “Everybody requires a sanctuary that provides calmness and solitude, with yourself and with your loved ones and friends. But in life, people have tragedies experience reduction and desire and will need to reflect. Along with your house is similar to an extension of this road, the doors are open and the folks are welcome. And I feel that here everybody is going to be satisfied with empathy and be greeted with open arms–since this is a centre that’s genuinely committed to uplifting and inspirational our Dutch society.”
Michael Van Gils, expert and retired authorities officer, Talked into the CCHR motion and its heritage of defending kid’s rights: “With CCHR, I found myself one of a crusade of countless. Here was they’d do it. And you did so all. You went to inform them, ‘our kids deserve.’ You reached over 2,000 physicians, teachers and political leaders together with your message along with the truth… Due to CCHR, kid physicians needed to warn against the prescription of ADHD medication–and that’s permanent shift.”
Ms. Vyas emphasized the Bright future for Amsterdam heralded by the festivities and How to Happiness: “This small book is a really practical instrument to enable individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and the lives of other people around them. It compels them to develop to loving and responsible citizens. And it creates a stone to construct societies upon. Within this time when ethical criteria are declining in Holland and everywhere, individuals need effective tools to teach themselves… Since true schooling isn’t getting certificates but using a ideology into self-empowerment.”
Capping the sense of fresh starts daily celebrated Chairman of the Initiative Netherlands of the United Religion, Buuren, talked of the connection between spirituality and Scientology. “There’s an early Dutch proverb that states: ‘Improve the planet and start with yourself’… We’re needing a counter motion of spirituality, from solitude and isolation. Along with training and your transformation contributes. It’s all about consciousness. You provide a significant contribution to freedom and spiritual consciousness. In the Western civilization, rational thinking and spirituality are very divided–and Scientology reconnects them together again.”
The Church supplies an introduction to Dianetics to people And Scientology, starting with the Public Information Center. Its screens, including over 500 movies, present the customs and beliefs of the Scientology faith and the life and heritage of Founder L. Ron Hubbard.
The Information Center also details the many programs that Scientology supports. They comprise a global human rights education initiative; a far-reaching drug education, rehabilitation and prevention application; a international network of learning and literacy centers, and also the Scientology Volunteer Minister program, that is now the world’s biggest independent relief force.
Scientology congregational is provided for by the Amsterdam Chapel Parties which have Weddings Sunday Services and Naming Ceremonies. It is going to also host events. The centre further includes multiple conference rooms and classrooms, along with an whole wing devoted to Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling).
The Church of Scientology Amsterdam’s opening comes through a London to Milan, period of growth for the faith with 60 Churches of Scientology from Los Angeles to Tampa, Johannesburg into Kaohsiung into Tokyo and Tel Aviv. Those openings have driven expansion for the faith to a speed exceeding the 50 years.
In 2017, openings of new Churches of Scientology have happened in Auckland, New Zealand; the San Fernando Valley, California; Miami, Florida; Copenhagen, Denmark; and also 2 in only the last two months at Birmingham, United Kingdom and Dublin, Ireland.
Church openings are proposed for cultural in the following 12 weeks Epicenters in North America, Latin America, Europe and Africa.

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