Religion and Churches News

Religion and Churches News – as issued by the Send2Press Newswire service.


Young UK Scientologists Brave the Storm Clouds To Share the Truth About Drugs Rain or Shine

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

Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard Honored: His Life, His Legacy and His Many Contributions

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

United for Human Rights, an Innovative Education Initiative, Was a Perfect Fit at the Innovative School Summit in New York

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

Arizona Interfaith Movement Honors Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Church of Scientology

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

Skateboard Legend Steve Berra Partners with LAPD Hollywood Division for Charitable Skateboard Giveaway

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

Los Angeles Deserves to Know the Hidden Source of So Many of the City’s Problems: Find Out at the Citizens Commission on Human Rights ‘Psychiatry an Industry of Death Exhibit’

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

The Scientology Network’s International Day of Happiness Marathon Features an Array of Changemakers Raising the Quality of Life in Their Communities

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

Church of Scientology of Milano Shares Tools for Helping Victims Recover from the Emotional and Spiritual Consequences of Disaster

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

How a Scientology Volunteer Minister Reached Out to a Friend With an Offer of Help and the Difference it Made

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

Scientology Tools for Life: Empowering South African Officials to Make a Difference at the Grassroots Level

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

Using Human Rights Education to Create a Culture of Peace

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

Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Vienna Marked World Civil Defense Day by Sharing Their Unique Disaster Response Program With the Community

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

A Tip From the Church of Scientology to Help Make International Happiness Day Something to Celebrate

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

March 13, the Birthday of Author, Humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard

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

Scientology Volunteer Ministers: Helping First Responders Deal With the ‘Human Factor’ in Times of Disaster

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

Church of Scientology in Sydney Hosts a Multicultural Festival Honoring Those Who Serve the Community

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

Volunteers From the Church of Scientology Ask, Do You Know Your Rights?

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

Austin Leads As the First in a Series of Beautiful New Scientology Churches Opened One After Another in Just Over a Week

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

Hollywood Village Does Something Special to Back Up Local Firefighters – Men and Women Who Risk Their Lives to Ensure the Safety of Us All

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

Protestors at the American College of Psychiatrists Convention in New Orleans Demand an End to Electroshock: It is Not Therapy, it is Torture, They Say

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

Church of Scientology Seattle and its Volunteer Ministers Hold an Open House to Honor Those Who Help Through Community Service and in Times of Disaster

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

Scientology Tools for Life Empower the South African ‘Green Angels,’ The Men and Women of the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services

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

Seminar Introduces Those New to the Scientology Tools for Life to the Practical Use of This Technology for Improving Daily Life and Relationships

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

Brazilian Gangsta Rapper, Once an Addict and Drug Dealer, Now Uses His Music and Passion to Reach Kids With the Truth About Drugs

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

Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology of Budapest Continue Their Outreach to Underserved Romani Families and Their Children

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

Quito Welcomes and Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Ideal Church of Scientology Mission in the City that Stands at the ‘Center of the World’

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

‘Stop Stigmatizing Children for Normal Childhood Behavior’ Says Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights Executive Director for the UK

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

Join the Scientology Network on Valentine’s Day for a Story of True Love and Artisanal Italian Chocolate

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

Drug-Free World and the Church of Scientology Las Vegas: Leading the Charge at Super Bowl LVIII Against Drug Abuse

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

Get a Behind the Scenes Glimpse of Fashion Week in New York in an Episode of ‘Meet a Scientologist’ on the Scientology Network

NEW YORK, N.Y. and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — February 9-14 is Fashion Week in New York. The event takes place twice a year, in February and September. It begins in New York and moves on to London, Milan and Paris. This is a week where careers can be made or broken. The world’s top designers present their new collections in a series of runway shows. But who takes care of the last-minute crises to ensure a brand’s success? In an episode of Meet a Scientologist on the Scientology Network, master pleater George Kalajian gives us a look behind the scenes.

Religious Freedom: A Fundamental Human Right at Risk for 80 Percent of the World’s Population

WASHINGTON, D.C., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — “The challenges to religious freedom across the globe are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched,” said U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken in a statement January 4. “But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality.” It is just such a sustained commitment that informed the annual IRF Summit January 30 and 31, 2024. The Church of Scientology supports and participates in the annual summit and programs that protect and advance this vital freedom for all.

New Documentary Features the Church of Scientology Kansas City: A Welcome Partner in the Heart of America

KANSAS CITY, Mo. and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friends of many faiths from across the city gathered downtown at the Church of Scientology Kansas City last week for a special celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, set aside by the UN each year to promote harmony between all people regardless of faith. The event included a screening of the new documentary Operation: Do Something About It, which features a segment on the Kansas City Church at a time when cooperation and help were vital to the people of the city.

New Year’s Wishes in the Year of the Dragon From the Church of Scientology Kaohsiung

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 8, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Church of Scientology of Kaohsiung extends wishes to all for a Happy New Year in the Year of the Dragon. The holiday is celebrated for 15 days, beginning February 10. Church staff invite everyone to join them as Destination: Scientology, Kaohsiung takes viewers through the colorful pageantry of the final day of the New Year’s holiday – the city’s Festival of Lights: a 3,000-year-old tradition.

The Untold Story of the Church of Scientology Global Response to the Pandemic Now Airs in New Documentary

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 8, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Scientology Network announces an original feature-length documentary, “Operation: Do Something About It,” now airing on DIRECTV Channel 320 and available to stream. The documentary tells the story of how the Church of Scientology harnessed its state-of-the-art facilities, rallied its worldwide network of volunteers and mobilized the largest humanitarian effort in its history to bring hope, help and compassion in the wake of the unimaginable.

Enjoy a Slice and Half an Hour of Fun on National Pizza Day: Watch an Episode of Meet a Scientologist on the Founder of Mr. Jim’s Pizza

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 7, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — According to a Harris Poll survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, pizza is America’s favorite food. So, in honor of National Pizza Day, celebrated each year on February 9th, you are invited to enjoy a slice with your favorite topping while the Scientology Network serves up an episode of Meet a Scientologist, featuring Jim Johnson, who turned pizza into a way of life.

Thanks to a Learning Support Program Based on the Scientology Tools for Life, At-Risk Children Now Have a Chance to Succeed

SOSHANGUVE, South Africa and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 7, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — “I couldn’t just stand by idly while the many children in my community lost hope in education,” says Juliette Mfomadi, principal of Kamogelo Daycare in Soshanguve, South Africa. Deeply concerned about the dropout rate and struggling pupils in her community, she searched for solutions and found the learner support program offered by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers.

Celebrating Religions Working Together at an Interfaith Harmony Event at the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 6, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In an era of increased polarization, rising hate crimes, and social and economic challenges affecting all segments of society, religious leaders gathered at the Church of Scientology to review how religions can work together to improve the quality of life for their congregations and the greater community.

Church of Scientology Los Angeles Hosts an Event to Help Reunite Long Separated Mexican Families

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 3, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Many men and women who emigrate from Mexico to America do so not only for the promise of a better life for themselves and their children. They leave to help support families left behind with the dream of one day reuniting under better circumstances either at home or in their adopted country. But in many cases, this means families are separated for decades.

Scientology-Supported Drug Prevention Campaign Raises Awareness About Drugs to Help Youth Stay Healthy and Safe Despite Emerging Drug Trends

PARIS, France, and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Despite one of the most restrictive drug policies in Europe, France has the highest use of cocaine and second-highest use of cannabis in Europe according to a March 2023 report by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Trends (OFDT). But in Paris, drug-prevention volunteers of the Church of Scientology believe drug education can radically change this trend for the better. They are ramping up their Dites Non à la Drogue (Say No to Drugs) campaign to help youth create a better future for themselves.

Tampa-Based Human Rights Activist Helps Protect Youth from Human Trafficking

TAMPA, Fla., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Jan. 31, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Florida is the third-busiest hub for child sex trafficking in the United States. Tampa-based activist Christopher King, United for Human Rights Florida Executive Director and Founder of the nonprofit The Gentlemen’s Course, works to protect youth from being trafficked. How he came to take on this mission is documented in an episode of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network.