Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, is driving a movement now spanning the world with new Ideal Churches of Scientology.
SWEDEN
4 April 2009: A new Church of Scientology in the Swedish seacoast city of Malmö was formally opened by Mr. Miscavige. European dignitaries and guests from 32 nations gathered to celebrate an historic day: dedication of the 72,000-square-foot landmark Church of Scientology, acquired, designed, renovated and opened in less than six months.
“It is my pleasure and honor to join you on what is indeed an historical day for both our religion and, in due time, Sweden as a whole. Because for all you’ve heard from our many distinguished guests with whom we’ve been so fortunate to work—well, the fact is this Church stands for many-fold that and more. Our ability to uplift generations with Study Technology, our ability to eradicate drug abuse and awaken populations to the inherent moral decency within them—all this is now possible on a previously unimaginable scale. So, yes, today is truly just a beginning—and forever after, let us mark this day for freedom, for Sweden and for all eternity.”
Mr. David Miscavige
Chairman of the Board
Religious Technology Center
“I have seen how you help those who are addicted to drugs, through the Narconon program, and how you freely give of your drug education. I have seen how you dedicate yourself to helping our young people and how you work to make a better future for everyone.”
Dr. Iva Ryggestahl
Skäne Regional Council Member
Sweden
“The Church of Scientology is very important because it has picked up the light of spirituality. This is why more and more people are joining this philosophy of the Church of Scientology.”
Dr. Bertil Persson
Professor and Permanent
Scandinavian Representative
UNESCO, Sweden
DALLAS, TEXAS
11 April 2009: One week later, in Dallas, Texas, a 41,000-square-foot Church opened its doors. With Mr. Miscavige officiating, the Church of Scientology Dallas was formally welcomed to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex by City of Irving Mayor Herbert Gears.
“As you all well know, this Church is but one representation of a responsibility we assumed when we became Scientologists and committed ourselves to the aims of our religion: ‘A civilization without insanity, without criminals and war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights.’ That this decade brought the urgency of those aims into stark relief is, of course, what originally prompted our wake-up call—a call for every Scientologist to recognize that no one sits on the sidelines, hoping someone else will bring the help that is Scientology.”
Mr. David Miscavige
Chairman of the Board
Religious Technology Center
“When it comes to our priority for community health care, your drug prevention and education campaign could not be more relevant and more appreciated. When it comes to community safety, your emergency and disaster relief expertise is just the kind of citizen support that we need. And when it comes to neighborhood vitality, you as well roll up your sleeves and work with all your neighbors. You complete what you set out to accomplish and that exemplifies the spirit of this great city and the spirit of this great State of Texas.”
Hon. Herbert Gears
Mayor
Irving, Texas
“In my many years as a community worker, I know what it takes to bring someone back up after they have stumbled and I know the reward for a job well done. I also know that I can’t do that alone and that you need us and we need you. We look forward to working with you as a partner and bringing about a happy, productive and caring Irving.”
Ms. Teddie Story
Executive Director
Irving Cares
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
25 April 2009: The month of April ended with the grand opening of the new 36,000-square-foot Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville. The opening of the new Church building in Music City USA, an historical landmark, was again led by Mr. Miscavige and joined by scores of local dignitaries, residents and visiting artists totaling over 3,000 guests.
“For while Nashville is known as the heart and soul of American Music, let her now fulfill her destiny and write a song that will uplift every Man. And so it is today we give her the gift of our new Church, which we offer as her home, through which we extend a precious gift of immortality to those who give so much of their creativity and thereby pledge our help to Nashville for all eternity.”
Mr. David Miscavige
Chairman of the Board
Religious Technology Center
“Having a Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles and knowing what it’s done for me, I know well what it can do for Nashville and my fellow musicians here. Scientology has done a tremendous amount for me. It's helped me understand my role as an artist and improved my ability to communicate as an artist, not only with the art itself but in life.”
Mr. Mark Isham
Composer
“I think it’s a very appropriate new home for the artist and the community to rediscover and further their own individual dreams. After all, it is possible for the artist within each one of us to find his own true expression and flourish and prosper—and that is what this Church is all about.”
Ms. Anne Archer
Actress
ITALY
24 October 2009: In October, more than 6,000 people gathered in Rome's Casalotti de Boccea district to celebrate the grand opening of the new Church of Scientology Rome. The 69,000-square-foot Church, situated on 28 acres of parkland, marks the largest expansion to date for Scientology in its 30-year history in Italy. Mr. David Miscavige, welcomed parishioners to their new home. The new Church will serve parishioners of Central Italy and other regions of the Mediterranean.
“How on Earth can one possibly speak of history without a nod to Rome? This city of God, this city of Man, this city of the Western world for at least a thousand years—if ever a place was destined for an Ideal Church of Scientology, it’s Rome.”
Mr. David Miscavige
Chairman of the Board
Religious Technology Center
“From this new Church of Scientology in Rome, I see even greater coordination and cooperation between the Church of Scientology and Civil Defense at a national level, for the good of all.”
Mr. Dino De Pasquale
Disaster Manager
Italian National Civil Defense
“This is a historical moment, not only for you, friends of the Church of Scientology, it is, I feel, for all those who still believe in a better world and work to achieve it.”
Professor Luigi Berzano
Professor of Sociology of Culture and Religion
University of Turin, Italy
“Ron Hubbard left a heritage of wisdom and knowledge and you can now spread it in Rome and across the rest of the Mediterranean world. It is an important commitment.”
Professor Silvio Calzolari
Professor of Philosophy
University of Milan, Italy
“I had the chance to become familiar with the great work you have done, to take a stand for human rights and the freedom of all. I have seen how you respect all people, no matter their nationality, their belief or their social position.”
Ms. Laura Guercio
President Legal Aid Worldwide
WASHINGTON, DC
31 October 2009: One week later, the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, originally established in 1955 by Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, opened its new premises six blocks from the White House and minutes from the Capitol Mall. Attended by nearly 3,000 Scientologists and guests, the celebration was presided over by Mr. David Miscavige. The 49,000-square-foot building represents the largest Scientology presence in DC in Church history. The first DC Church was a milestone on the path to Scientology becoming the only major religion founded in the 20th Century and the world’s fastest-growing religion.
“Instill respect for human rights on the Hill up there or pass The Way to Happiness to your neighbors down the block and who knows how far the ripples will roll from there. The same goes for all else this Church presents. Let those who will, wander through your information displays and who knows how many students will forever love learning; how many felons will regain their self respect; how many kids will never touch an illicit drug; and, how many more will discover that no matter where, no matter what, something can be done about it.”
Mr. David Miscavige
Chairman of the Board
Religious Technology Center
“The dream of all of us who respond to disaster is that, someday, our service will no longer be needed. But for now, we live in a world that requires our help—requires your help. So I want to thank you for being an indispensable part of our team. And above all, I want to thank you for this new Church of Scientology. For with it, comes the assurance that you will always be here for us when we need it most.”
Ms. Diana Rothe-Smith
Executive Director
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters
“It is fitting that the Founding Church of Scientology has kept its roots here in the Dupont Circle community, and particularly in this 1918 legacy of one of DC's most important architects of the last century, Appleton Clark, Jr. Even though the building is certainly grand, the level of care and attention to historic preservation is worthy of great praise. It means so much to us that our buildings, these treasures, are kept as they were to give us this sense of place. That’s the least of it. More important now is what you will now do from within these walls, through your leadership and participation in our community.”
Mr. Mike Silverstein
Chairman
Dupont Circle Neighborhood Advisory Commission
“Of course you carry the burden common to all successful, truly helpful programs: to reach even more, to have even greater impact. The dedication of this new Church and facility is a stunning visual promise of even greater things to come. I’m proud to join you in helping to open this building, a place to encourage respect for all mankind and to better lives for millions.”
Ms. Addie Richburg
Founder
National Alliance for Faith and Justice
“The battle for human rights includes the battle to bring human rights awareness to all people. That is why the efforts of many churches and religions to focus on human rights issues is so important. And among them, the efforts of the Church of Scientology to promote the awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I look forward to continuing to work with you and other religious groups to support human rights in general, and awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in particular.”
Hon. Brad Sherman
United States Congressman
27th California District
