Scientology Asia Pacific News

Church of Scientology Melbourne Opens Ideal Scientology Church

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:40:22 GMT

January 2011 marks a new era for the Scientology religion in Australia with the opening of its new Melbourne Church.

Thousands of Scientologists, dignitaries and guests from across the nation celebrated a milestone—the opening of the first Ideal Scientology Church in Australia.

Auntie Joy Murphy Wandin, senior elder of the Wurundjeri people, opened the dedication with the traditional “Welcome to Country” ceremony, welcoming Scientologists to the lands of her ancestors.

Scientologist, Melbourne native and award-winning singer and songwriter Kate Ceberano performed a moving rendition of her original composition “This Song is You,” written in honour of the occasion and the heritage of the city and all that Australia holds dear.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, dedicated the new Church of Scientology of Melbourne.

In tribute to the significance of the occasion Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, travelled to Melbourne from the United States to officiate at the dedication. He acknowledged the long parade of accomplishments by Australian Scientologists that culminated in the new Church.

“It is my honour to join you this evening and commemorate a moment that will live on in history for a long time to come. Not that you haven’t loomed large in history before, not that you haven’t triumphed over great adversity in years gone by, not that you didn’t stand firm for the dignity of Man, and not that you didn’t indeed uphold the God-given rights of all religions all over this world.

“But having triumphed today in the name of our religion, you just flipped this planet all the way around so that Melbourne now sits on top of the globe. And that’s what it means to build an Ideal Org beneath the Southern Cross.”

Mr. Miscavige also spoke of Melbourne’s hallowed place in Scientology history, noting that Founder L. Ron Hubbard himself came to Melbourne in November 1959 to deliver a series of lectures to its founding Scientology community. As Mr. Miscavige explained: “Those November 1959 lectures marked a turn in the path and a rise in the road, from which the whole panorama of human potential came into focus. Whence, the highest levels of Scientology and the whole vista of spiritual enlightenment and freedom.

“So you wonder where you stand in the history and legacy of LRH and our religion as a whole? None of it would exist were it not for what began right here—and that’s both the heritage and legacy, which is indelibly woven through the brickwork of your new Ideal Org of Melbourne.”

Melbourne has long held importance for the Scientology religion. Within months of L. Ron Hubbard authoring Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health in 1950, the first Dianetics group in Australia was formed here and in 1955 the first Scientology Church in Australia opened in this city.

Australia similarly long held a place near to L. Ron Hubbard’s heart, beginning with his service “Down Under” as a United States Naval Officer through the first days of World War II. Principally stationed in Brisbane, but also operating from Melbourne, then Lieutenant Hubbard was charged with organising relief efforts for Allied troops trapped in the Philippines. He also proudly served with Australian gunnery units for the defence of Brisbane.

As Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard returned to Australia in 1959 to deliver two historic lecture series: The Melbourne Congress and the 1st Melbourne Advanced Clinical Course. Remembered today for his delineation of the highest spans of the Scientology Bridge, Mr. Hubbard’s Australian lectures will forever hold a cherished place in the religion.

Today, the Melbourne Scientology Church is the first Ideal Church of Scientology Organisation in Australia, realising Mr. Hubbard’s vision for what Scientology can provide for its congregation and community.

The Church now stands on the site of the 19th century estate of Robert McCracken, leading businessman and founder of the legendary Essendon Bombers football team. After the turn of the 20th century, this building became the home of Mercy Teachers’ College, later part of the Catholic University. The original name of the estate is “Ailsa” for Ailsa Craig, an island off the west coast of Scotland from where the McCracken family sailed more than 150 years ago.

Melbourne’s Public Information Centre offers more than 450 informational films illustrating Scientology beliefs, the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard, and the full array of Church-sponsored social betterment and community outreach programs.

The Chapel seats hundreds, the library contains all Church Scripture. Course rooms and counselling rooms accommodate Scientologists from throughout Victoria. Seminar rooms, film rooms and Life Improvement Course Rooms make effective solutions to the most pressing challenges people face today easily available to Scientologists and non-Scientologists alike. Workspaces for volunteers stand open and ready for use by parishioners and the community.

Under the guidance of Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, 23 Ideal Churches have been dedicated and opened since 2003, including those in world cultural capitals—The National Church of South Africa in Johannesburg; the National Church of Scientology of Spain in Madrid; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the Church of Scientology of London, located in the epicentre of the city; the Church of Scientology of Italy in Rome; the Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House on “Church Row”; the National Church of Scientology Mexico, in Mexico City; and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate. Another 60 Ideal Churches are in design, planning or construction phases.

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has today expanded to more than 9,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 165 countries.

New Scientology Churches Revive Historic Buildings

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:20:21 GMT

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the character of what was once a turn-of-the-century bicycle factory has been transformed into a unique blend of old and new, its four-story atrium and original façade still intact. With attention also given to 21st century detail, the restored building will also be LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

The Church of Scientology International has been working for the past six years on a program to acquire new buildings for its regional Churches around the world. Launched in 2004 by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige, the aim of the program is to establish each Church in premises ideally suited for its many and varied religious services as well as its community outreach activities. So far, 19 such ideal Churches have opened, eight of them in unique historic buildings, with more on the horizon.

“These Churches have already been in their cities for many years and their buildings need to be large enough to accommodate all their activities including a chapel, rooms for the study of our theology and introductory courses for new people and individual spiritual counseling rooms,” said Church of Scientology International spokesman, Tommy Davis.

Far from a Sunday-only meeting place, Churches of Scientology hum with activity seven days a week. In addition to common congregational services such as weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies for newborn children and Sunday service, parishioners can study days and evenings as well as receive the religion’s unique form of one-on-one religious counseling, participate in the Scientology Purification Program (a precise and closely supervised religious regimen that addresses barriers to spiritual gain) and take part in community betterment planning and activities, sponsored and initiated by the Church.

In May the Nashville, Tennessee Church of Scientology historic building took top honors in the city’s 35th Annual Preservation Awards for meeting all safety standards while preserving the beauty and grace of the 1898 building, which opened last year. Built just two years after the famous Grand Ole Opry in a similar style, its features include red brick walls, original doors and hardwood floors, 14-foot ceilings and an unusual three-floor atrium crowned with a glass cupola.

Last January, the Church opened the Belgium branch of the Churches of Scientology of Europe, an 88,000 square-foot early 20th century historic structure in the heart of Brussels. In October 2009, the Founding Church of Scientology in Washington, DC completed renovation of its seven-story, 49,000-square-foot historic building by architect Appleton P. Clark, Jr., half a mile from the White House. And another historic Church property fully restored in 2009 is the 1926 Mediterranean Revival-style Fort Harrison building in Clearwater, Florida.

Other cities with historic buildings now home to Scientology Churches include: San Francisco, California; London, England; Tampa, Florida; and Buffalo, New York. The Church has also acquired historic buildings that are in pre-construction stages in Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon; Montreal, Canada; and Manchester, England.

“We take a lot of pride and care in adapting and rehabilitating our historic buildings,” said Davis. “The result is truly unique as these new Churches exemplify our religion and are dynamically practical and aesthetic, and enable us to practice the full range of Scientology services as laid out by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.”

The first floor hallway of the Brussels branch of the Churches of Scientology for Europe with study rooms, offices and the a Documentation Center which holds the written and recorded works of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

The Brussels branch of the Churches of Scientology for the European Communities situation at Boulevard de Waterloo 100-103, is an early-20th-century structure fully renovated to serve the congregation and the community. It was dedicated 23 January 2010.

Foyer inside the Church of Scientology on Victoria Street, London.

The birth L. Ron Hubbard to become a holiday in Spain

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:12:51 GMT

The Foundation for Pluralism and Coexistence, under the Patronage of the Ministry of Justice, publishes an annual calendar with a guide to the different religious holidays that people of different faiths hold in Spain, with particular emphasis on the festivals of minorities.

"The birth of the founder of Scientology Ronald Hubbard, will become a religious holiday in Spain.

"The Foundation for Pluralism and Coexistence, in the Ministry of Justice, has included that the birth of L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, will be present on the calendar of religious holidays which it presents on its website.

"The Foundation for Pluralism and Coexistence, under the Patronage of the Ministry of Justice, publishes an annual calendar with a guide to the different religious holidays that people of different faiths hold in Spain, with particular emphasis on the festivals of minorities.

"This year's calendar includes the birth of Ronald Hubbard, 13 March, with the following: Ronald Hubbard was born in Tilden, Nebraska (USA). A humanist philosopher who founded the Scientology religion in 1952. Each year, the Scientologist celebrate the birthday of Mr. Hubbard doing an annual survey on the impact of positive change and improvement that their discoveries have had on society."

Click here for the article from www.barcelonareporter.com

"Lifeboat for Haiti" Bringing Supplies for Next Phase of Relief

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:47:13 GMT

Scientology-Sponsored "Lifeboat for Haiti" Bringing Supplies for Next Phase of Haiti Disaster Relief

Representatives of the Miami Haitian Community Award Scientology Volunteer Ministers for Haiti Disaster Relief Effort

Miami (Vocus/PRWEB ) March 20, 2010 -- A Scientology-sponsored ship is loading up with supplies for Haiti, including wood-burning stoves from the charity founded by the Lola Poisson-Joseph, wife of the Haitian Ambassador to the United States. The 896-ton Hornbeam, a former U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker, is transporting more than 165 tons of cargo to Haiti including an ambulance, a school bus and more than 20,000 Meals Ready to Eat.

Church of Scientology representative, Pat Harney, accepts the key to North Miami Beach and a proclamation from Councilperson John Patrick Julien and Daphne D. Campbell In a dockside ceremony welcoming the Hornbeam to Miami, North Miami Beach City Councilmember John Patrick Julien presented the Scientology Volunteer Ministers with the key to the City of North Miami Beach on behalf of Mayor Myron Rosner and a proclamation dedicating the day to a Scientology Volunteer Ministers for their work in Haiti.

Also present were Phillip Brutus, former Florida State Representative and current candidate for U.S. Congress; Daphne D. Campbell, RN, Haitian community leader and candidate for the Florida State House of Representatives; Marleine Bastien, executive director and co-founder of Haitian American Women Association (FANM) and the Haiti Relief Task Force; and Marie Yolaine Ferdilus, co-chair of Haitian Relief Task Force and founder of Legal Protection of America.

The supplies on the “Lifeboat for Haiti,” scheduled to depart for Haiti this coming week, were donated by more than a dozen churches, charities and groups and will be delivered to schools, orphanages, hospitals, churches and disaster response groups in Haiti, including the Notre Dame de la Naiveté Orphanage, AIMER Haiti, Operation Compassion, and the Scientology Haiti, Disaster Response Team, which has provided emergency relief services in Haiti for the past two months.

Since the January 12 earthquake, the Church of Scientology has transported more than 450 medical professionals and 300 Volunteer Ministers to Haiti. The Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to provide support to doctors, nurses and EMTs, deliver food and water to the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps, and help with reconstruction, disaster response training and trauma relief.

For more information on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, visit their web site at blog.volunteerministers.org.

Statement From the Church of Scientology

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:28:48 GMT

The political witch hunt constitutes a severe attempted misuse of Parliament to infringe on religious freedom, under the protection of Parliamentary privilege.

Today’s rally outside Parliament organised by Senator Xenophon and some disgruntled former members of the Church of Scientology is an attack on religious freedom.

Allegations by some women that they were forced to have abortions are nonsense.

These allegations should be investigated by the police, not by the Senate.

We would urge those people with such complaints to go to the police.

It is not the role of Parliament to investigate any religious organization or seek to use Parliament as a forum for an unfounded attack on any religion.

The Church reiterates that Senator Xenophon’s allegations, old and new, are utterly without foundation. They are rumour and outright lies by individuals levelling scurrilous accusations against their former religion.

Scientologists across Australia believe in and support their religion and their Church.

Although Senator Xenophon refused to meet with Church representatives prior to raising his unfounded claims in Parliament, the Church has provided the Senate with factual, documented evidence of the falsity of Xenophon’s accusations. These include results of previous investigations by police and government agencies dismissing Xenophon’s allegations.

For more information, contact:
Vicki Dunstan: (02) 9638-5200
Cyrus Brooks: (02) 9692-7308 / 0428 755 244

Xenophon Scientology inquiry defeated

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:54:20 GMT

Church spokesperson, Ms Vicki Dunstan, said the decision taken by Labor and the Coalition was a “victory for religious freedom”.

Ms Dunstan said none of the allegations levelled at Scientology by Senator Xenophon have been proved.

“Many of the incidents Senator Xenophon has referred to have previously been investigated by police, coroners and other agencies and no adverse finding has been made against the Church or any Church official,” Ms Dunstan said.

“The Church has provided Senators and MPs with a comprehensive rebuttal of the allegations made by a very small number of disaffected former members through Senator Xenophon.

“It is not the role of Parliament to investigate a religious organisation; if people have genuine grievances they should report them the relevant authorities, not seek to have Parliament used as the forum for a political witch hunt.

“The Church again takes this opportunity to reject the baseless and outrageous claims made by Senator Xenophon under the protection of Parliamentary privilege.

“The Senator is yet to provide a scintilla of evidence to back these claims other than allegation, innuendo and rumour.”

The High Court of Australia recognised Scientology as a religion in a landmark decision in October 1983 that became a benchmark for religions in Australia.

For more information, contact:
Vicki Dunstan
(02) 9638-5200
public_affairs@scientology.net.au

Senate has No Role Silencing Mental Health Debate

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:57:59 GMT

“The Church of Scientology is entitled to hold views on particular psychiatric practices, just as Professor Pat McGorry is, and to warn people of their dangers,” Church spokesperson, Mr Cyrus Brooks said.

“We of course, disagree with the Professor.

“However, it is not the role of the Senate to investigate any organisation because of its views on treating mental illness; in fact it would be an attack on free speech and democracy,” Mr Brooks said.

“The Church of Scientology has had a policy for over 50 years that people seeking to treat any ailment should be sent to a doctor for a full medical exam where any underlying condition can be found and handled with competent medical assistance.

“Professor McGorry and fellow psychiatrists Louise Newman and Ian Hickie are attempting to use the Parliament to silence critics of their profession.

“Why are they so fearful of criticism and debate?”

Mr Brooks urged all Senators to consider the precedent that would be set if their motivation for holding an inquiry was that they disagreed with an organisation’s views.

“This could have a chilling effect on free speech and debate in this country,” Mr Brooks said.

The Church of Scientology is not surprised that psychiatrists want to silence the Church and the human rights organisation, Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), due to their success in stopping a number of cruel psychiatric practices. The Church established CCHR with psychiatrist, Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969.

Mr Brooks said both bodies have stood up for the rights of psychiatric patients for decades, including exposing Chelmsford Hospital’s ‘Deep Sleep Therapy’ by Sydney psychiatrist, Dr Harry Bailey, which killed 48 people.

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights is a leading watchdog of the psychiatric profession, so it is understandable that psychiatrists would support Independent Senator, Nick Xenophon’s, call for a Senate inquiry into the Church of Scientology.

The Church and the Citizens Commission on Human Rights have supported psychiatric patients, raised awareness and brought needed reforms to psychiatry and mental health, notably the over-drugging of children, the use of drug induced comas and shock treatment.

“We support parents' rights to be fully informed about adverse reactions to psychiatric drugs including heart problems and suicidal behaviour, so they can decide for themselves about any treatment proposed for their families,” Mr Brooks said.

“Studies have shown people with underlying physical conditions can exhibit psychiatric symptoms and that a full searching medical exam will uncover this.

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration has not approved any Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor anti-depressants for children under 18 for depression, yet the CCHR revealed that 30,000 children under 18, including 48 babies are on anti-depressants.

“We live in a country where we are free to express our beliefs and promote our opinions on this very important issue. These professors think any organisation not agreeing with them should be criticised despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.”

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights’ challenges of the psychiatric industry have earned the respect of governments internationally as well as earning a commendation from the UN's Human Rights Committee for its work bringing about changes to over 30 pieces of mental health legislation to make real human rights possible.

“The work done by the Church and CCHR has actually made our communities safer as far as mental health is concerned and earned a commendation from the UN's Human Rights Committee,” Mr Brooks said.

Contact: Cyrus Brooks
(02) 9692-7308 / (02) 9638-5200

40,000-square-foot Church of Scientology Opens in Las Vegas

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:38:20 GMT

LAS VEGAS, Nevada-Fifteen hundred Scientologists and their guests from across Nevada and the Western United States gathered Saturday for the grand opening celebration of the new Church of Scientology of Las Vegas. The 40,000-square-foot Church, located at 2761 Emerson Avenue, will serve parishioners from throughout Nevada and represents significant growth for the congregation formed in Las Vegas 40 years ago.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, presided at the evening dedication ceremony, welcoming the assembled Scientologists and guests to their new Church. He was enthusiastically acknowledged by those in attendance for dedicating the Las Vegas Church and for his instrumental role in making it possible.

Special guests participating in the dedication of the new Church included United States Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Las Vegas City Council member Steven Ross, and Las Vegas Neighborhood Services Department specialist and mayor's representative to the Community Interfaith Council Maria Castillo-Couch.

In welcoming the parishioners and guests, Mr. Miscavige said, "You don't get much closer to the spirit of what we represent than a city that rests on the dreams of artists and treats everybody as somebody. So, yes, we have opened new Churches in cultural epicenters before. But talk about 'Center Stage Planet Earth.' This one stands in a town so bright you can even see it glowing from deep space. And now it's home to our newest Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Las Vegas."

The Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman, welcomed the new Church: "Artistic creativity not only transforms the way a city is perceived, but the way its residents think of themselves. It changes their entire outlook and attitude towards life itself. That is where you play an especially vital role. Therefore as the mayor of the fastest-growing city, I look forward to partnering with you as the fastest-growing religion."

In her address, Congresswoman Berkley acknowledged the human rights initiatives of the Church: "It is more than encouraging to find your members moving effectively among Las Vegas families, school groups, youth organizations, and other community-based organizations, to provide effective human rights education. It is through such effective community involvement and contribution that the Church of Scientology will continue to strengthen this nation and build a worldwide foundation for peace."

Talking about the new Church, Mr. Miscavige said that Celebrity Centres are those special Churches of Scientology designed to enhance a culture by enhancing the artist.

"The first of this new breed was opened only just last year in Nashville-otherwise known as Music City, USA," he said. "But as your honorable Mayor pointed out, what plays in this city now plays in every other cultural capital on earth.

"And even more than that-and with all due respect to your Mayor's modesty-it's not a London, a Paris, a Tokyo, Milan or New York that tops the résumé of international performers these days. No, it's the fact one can say: 'I do Las Vegas, which is Show Town planet Earth.'

"So, yes-and unquestionably-when L. Ron Hubbard spoke of 'art as viewed by people, heard by people and felt by people, because art is not just the fodder of a close-knit group of initiates but the soul food of all people...' he might well have been speaking of what this city represents as a worldwide capital of art and entertainment-a place where big shows qualify as an 'act of God' and there are no words for 'over the top,' so long as people are enthralled," Mr. Miscavige continued.

"All of which is why it's more than a little significant that we now cut a ribbon on an Ideal Organization that embodies what else LRH said about art-and I quote:

"'A culture is only as great as its dreams and its dreams are dreamed by artists.'

"But still that's not all this new Ideal Organization represents. Because as an Ideal Church of Scientology, it's amply equipped to embrace everyone else who makes up this culture. Those in the wings of every performance, those who service, care for, prop up and cater to every entertainer-as they, too, are Las Vegas, so this Church is also theirs. And the same again for everyone else who pumps the lifeblood through this city: Its technicians, its teachers, its cops, its cooks, its managers and professionals of every description-what this Church affords is likewise theirs for the asking.

"So if drug abuse and addiction plagues every showbiz palace, then spills out all over the streets-this Church can make a difference," he said. "In point of fact, you have our anti-drug programs that routinely knock down usage rates 40, 50 and 60 percent wherever they play. Then again, if there are kids out there who will never come close to achieving any meaningful goal for the simple fact they cannot read and cannot study, we have a technology that just as routinely raises literacy rates two and three grade levels in a matter of weeks. And if there are households out there in discord and contentious rifts in the neighborhoods, you have our common sense guide to living, The Way to Happiness. And wherever else social fabrics fray and citizens fall through the safety net, this Church is here to help."

Set on five acres of desert landscape, the former synagogue and school has undergone extensive renovation to accommodate all Scientology religious services and also serve as a home for the community services the Church provides through the many activities and humanitarian programs of its members.

An expansive Public Information Center houses a permanent multimedia exhibit describing the Church's beliefs and practices and the life and legacy of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Displays also cover the Church-sponsored humanitarian and social betterment programs that offer practical answers to the societal ills of crime, drug abuse, illiteracy, declining moral values and natural and man-made disasters. These programs represent the work of the Church of Scientology in servicing every community in which they reside as well as other communities around the world.

There is also a Chapel for Sunday services, weddings, naming ceremonies and other congregational gatherings including workshops and seminars for artists; spiritual counseling rooms; course rooms for religious study; seminar rooms; a bookstore containing the written and spoken materials of L. Ron Hubbard; and Community Relations offices and meeting rooms to coordinate social betterment programs with like-minded organizations in the community. There are spacious lounges and a central courtyard to serve as a gathering place for artists and community visitors, in keeping with the unique purpose of a Scientology Celebrity Centre to help the artist and thereby benefit the culture as a whole. In closing the dedication ceremony, Mr. Miscavige spoke of the significance for Las Vegas of the new Church: "Yours is a city that rose out of sand to become an artistic empire and inspire the world. As such, it really is a place of dreams-and extravagant dreams at that. So as we, too, know what it means to build upon a dream, let this new Church of Scientology signify the fact we believe in your artists, we respect the audacity of your vision-and together, we can light up this city so brightly, it will shine unto eternity."

Accompanied by local Scientologists who spearheaded the drive to build the new Church, Mr. Miscavige cut the ribbon and invited all to enter.

Las Vegas is the third new Church of Scientology opened in 2010 and the eighth in the past year. The Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe was opened on January 23. The Church of Scientology of Quebec was dedicated on January 30 by Mr. Miscavige, the first new major Church to open in Canada. In October 2009, Mr. Miscavige dedicated two major Churches: the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, and the Church of Scientology of Rome. In April 2009, he officiated at the openings of Scientology Churches in Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Malmo, Sweden.

These Churches join the roster of new Churches of Scientology in the world's cultural capitals, including the National Church of Scientology of Spain in Madrid's Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, California, in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of London, England, located in the epicenter of the city; and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, Germany, near the Brandenburg Gate.

Another 12 new Churches of Scientology are scheduled for completion before the end of the year.

Church of Scientology Responds to Xenophon in Parliament

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:19:34 GMT

CANBERRA – The Church of Scientology responded in Parliament yesterday to allegations made by Senator Xenophon in the Senate last November. The Church sought redress under a resolution of the Senate "relating to the protection of persons” who are referred to in Senate proceedings.

The Senate Committee of Privileges tabled its 143rd Report yesterday and resolved that the response from the Church of Scientology Australia to Senator Xenophon's allegations "be incorporated in Hansard in full and without change."

The response states "Senator Xenophon’s statements under Parliamentary privilege were false and unsubstantiated. Had Senator Xenophon sought confirmation of any of the allegations with the Church, we would have provided to him factual documents, including coronial reports, refuting them and endorsements of the Church by numerous community groups and countless individuals, including former members.”

The former members that the Senator relied upon, which number a handful, have publicly supported the cyber-hate group, Anonymous, a group whose members boasted about their unlawful attacks on the Australian Prime Minister’s website earlier this year, and whose members have been prosecuted criminally in the United States for illegal attacks on Church of Scientology websites. Anonymous members throughout the world have committed heinous actions of violence, bombing, hate mail and terrorism. In fact, Aaron Saxton, for whom Senator Xenophon tabled allegations, is one of the ringleaders of Anonymous in Australia and has posted self-made videos inciting people to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Anonymous and “go nuts”.

The Church’s Right of Reply continues: “All of these matters are the subject of documented evidence and sworn witness statements that the Church was prepared to provide to Senator Xenophon had he asked for them. Yet, Senator Xenophon never responded to the Church's request for a meeting with him prior to his parliamentary speech on 17 November 2009.

We regret that this matter has come before the Senate in this manner and seek only to correct the record.”

The Church filed an Annexure to its Right of Reply on 1 February giving specific documentation on these matters which was also passed by the Senate Privileges Committee.

The High Court of Australia recognised Scientology as a religion in a landmark decision in October 1983 that became a benchmark for religions in Australia.

Scientology is an applied religious philosophy that has helped millions of people the world over to lead better lives. And Scientology is expanding like never before. Today, there are more than 8,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups in 165 nations—doubling in number over the last five years. Over the past year, the Church completed the restoration of many landmark buildings and inaugurated seven major new Church buildings - in Malmo (Sweden), Dallas, Nashville (Tennessee), Rome, Washington, DC, Quebec and Brussels with Las Vegas opening this weekend.

Currently, more than 100 volunteers from the Church of Scientology are in Haiti conducting practical disaster relief work to help the earthquake survivors. For more information on Scientology, visit: www.scientology.org.

You can see the full right of reply from the Church of Scientology here:

http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/priv_ctte/
report_143/report.pdf

Australian Volunteer Minister Flies out for Haiti disaster relief

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:34:56 GMT

SYDNEY - 2 Feb: Australian Scientology Volunteer Minister Peter Dunn flew out from the Sydney Airport today to join the disaster relief effort in Haiti. He will meet up in Port-au-Prince with a team of 106 Volunteer Ministers (the Church of Scientology’s international disaster relief corps).

Peter had said when he saw the news of the disaster in Haiti he was moved beyond words. “After the initial shock of the news I felt a lot of grief, I was compelled to do something about it.”

Peter Dunn was born in Melbourne, raised in Elizabeth, South Australia until he was 16. From that point he traveled and adventured. Yet everything was with a purpose. As a Scientologist for the last 31 years, he spent 20 years counseling people of from all walks of life. He spent 11 of those years in Japan and after has lived in rural West Australia, in Newtown, Sydney and spent six months in Thailand and three years in China.

Now he is on the way to another most urgent mission, this time to Haiti.

Peter has counseled people and supervised others doing the same job for over two decades. “I have both seen misery in the streets and handled the misery right in front of me with Scientology counseling, directly helping people with their losses,” says Peter. “But little can compare with 200,000 people losing their lives in an instant of a trembling Earth.”

Peter continued, “I then thought that the Scientology Volunteer Ministers will be there and so I followed it up to see if I could lend my long experience to help.”

It’s not easy for anyone to drop everything and volunteer in the worst hit disaster zones in years—it’s no walk in the park. Yet for people like Peter, it was a matter of a quick decision and getting with the Volunteer Ministers group go through the training and logistics of arriving. “I looked it over and very quickly determined that it was the greatest good that I go and help. It's interesting that since I made the decision to go and help, everything seems to be going right! I’m getting help from many unexpected quarters!”

Scientology Volunteer Ministers had earlier rallied at their headquarters in Sydney to support the disaster relief effort in Haiti, in preparations for sending volunteers from Australia to Haiti this week to join medical professionals and about 100 disaster response trained Volunteer Ministers who are already on the ground.

Here is one Volunteer Minister’s tale of real life in Haiti from a few days ago, “I started off (the day) giving assists (a Scientology technique to get the person back in communication with their body and environment and less stuck in the trauma). Most of the people were amputees, others were severely disfigured, many had open wounds that were still bleeding. hey were so vocally appreciative that we often drew crowds of 10-15 people. Every person asked me to come back tomorrow to teach them and give them more assists. I literally sprinted from one assist to another. Family members patiently waited and then grabbed me the moment I finished an assist and took me to their loved one. One family of nine wouldn't let me leave until I had given all of them an assist. I spent half the day directly helping the doctors. I washed patients and fed those who could not feed themselves. I massaged atrophied muscles and even got people to sing to lift their spirits and make them feel better. One about 90-year-old woman who had just had her leg amputated and was severely out of it all of a sudden started tapping my leg and even sang along a bit. Everyone I met today was so eager to help and be helped. It was inspiring to work beside such dedicated doctors and nurses.”

The Church has already transported 251 MDs, nurses, EMTs and rescue workers and 100 Volunteer Ministers to Haiti last week. The third charter flight left from JFK Airport for Port-au-Prince on Saturday, with doctors and nurses from the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad and the Elizabeth Marie Pierre Centre for Humanity, Inc., Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and Scientology Volunteer Ministers. Australian Volunteer Ministers will fly to Los Angeles to join other volunteer ministers from around the world and head to Haiti on the fourth Scientology-sponsored chartered plane.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers Corps is an embracive program of the Church of Scientology to provide community service, disaster relief and emergency response. Created more than 30 years ago by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the program has expanded to 203,000 Volunteer Ministers worldwide who have served at 145 worst-case disaster sites, including Victorian bushfires, Ground Zero after 9/11, the Southeast Asia tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.