NEW DEATH MUSEUM EXPOSES HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), the premier watchdog group on psychiatric violations and human rights, recently opened their new museum, Psychiatry: An Industry of Death. See www.cchr.com for details and the museum itself for the truth about psychiatry, and what you can do to stop psychiatric abuses.

This is Scientology

The RTC web site has an excellent description of the Scientology religion. It is an excerpt of a speech given in the summer of 2004 by Mr. David Miscavige.

There are a number of websites that give more information about Mr. David Miscavige.

As the Chairman of the Board Relgious Technology Center, he has often addressed Scientologists at events. This has been at celebrations of L. Ron Hubbard's birthday, at the openings of new Churches and other major events marking the expansion of the Scientology religion.



There are various profiles on Mr. Miscavige and some relevant links are here:

NNDB People

Various interesting postings

Official Press Page

Blogs by others of interest

Covering humanitarian activities

I found a personal home page that gives some advice I really agree with. It was put up by Jeri-Lynn Johnson, and here's what she says:

1. The most important thing you can do for your friend in crisis is to LISTEN! Your friend in crisis needs to talk about it. Often, just the act of speaking everything that is on one's mind is enough to help that person see things more clearly and find solutions without your intervention.

2. Don't give advice unless you are specifically asked for it. Even then, don't be surprised or offended if it is ignored. Your friend really doesn't want your advice. What is really needed is the opportunity to express one's feelings and have those feelings validated.

3. Don't try to solve your friend's problem. Your role is to show your friend you care by being there and supporting whatever decisions are made. You can't "fix" it and you shouldn't try.

4. Don't say, "I know how you feel." Unless you have actually experienced exactly what your friend is going through, you don't know how that person feels - they know it and they'll resent you presuming to know. Instead say something like, "I can only IMAGINE what you must be going through."

5. Don't say, "If you need anything call me." I guarantee you'll never get that call. People don't like to intrude on others or be a burden. They secretly hope you will see what is needed and offer assistance. When no help is offered, the person will just dig in and do it himself. Instead, tell your friend specific things you are willing to do, such as:

"I go to the grocery store every other day. Call me if you want me to pick up some groceries for you."

"Why don't you let me drive your carpool this week."

"How about letting me bring you dinner Thursday night? If not Thursday, when?"

I've been a Scientology Volunteer Minister for many years, and I have run into the same kinds of situations Jeri-Lynn describes here. By studying the Scientology Handbook, which is the text the Volunteer Ministers study, I have also gained a greater understanding on how to help people even more effectively.

Over the years Churches of Scientology have traditionally continued
L. Ron Hubbard's humanitarian work, founding and supporting groups that
are working to improve conditions in society.

Scientologists help in these campaigns as can be seen by the work done including
many high profile members of Scientology; Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley, Kelly Preston
and many others are doing.



I have some cool links that show what these are:


CITIZENS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CCHR):

* CCHR (Citizens Commission on Human Rights) Freedom article

* Supporting the LA Marathon, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights


APPLIED SCHOLASTICS:

* Applied Scholastics International

* L. Ron Hubbard talks about Applied Scholastics

* Applied Scholastics in the UK



Also check out:

ASSOCIATION FOR BETTER LIVING AND EDUCATION



And just for fun -
Here's the Wikipedia Tom Cruise (Scientology) page and others:

* Tom Cruise Scientology stand in Germany

* New Madrid Church for Scientology: Tom Cruise officiates

* Helped by Scientology - Tom Cruise

* Spiegel article on Tom Cruise and Scientology

* Tom Cruise on Scientology, family values and epic movie

Over the years Churches of Scientology have traditionally continued L. Ron Hubbard's humanitarian work, founding and supporting groups that are working to improve conditions in society.

Scientologists help in these campaigns as can be seen by the work done including many high profile members of Scientology; Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley, Kelly Preston and many others are doing.

I have some cool links that show what these are:

CITIZENS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CCHR):

APPLIED SCHOLASTICS:


ASSOCIATION FOR BETTER LIVING AND EDUCATION


And just for fun - Here's the Wikipedia Tom Cruise (Scientology info too) page and others:

* Tom Cruise Scientology stand in Germany

* New Madrid Church for Scientology: Tom Cruise officiates

* Helped by Scientology - Tom Cruise

* Spiegel article on Tom Cruise and Scientology

* Tom Cruise on Scientology, family values and epic movie

* At the gala - Tom Cruise at Scientology Celebrity Center

I haven't really covered a very important issue that affected the whole planet.
While it may be "old news" the tsunami in South-East Asia, I think that a good percentage of the world have no idea what it was like for the people affected.
The Churches of Scientology sent over 350 Scientology Volunteer Ministers to help the people. They did everything from helping with the food and supplies distribution to giving spiritual aid to those in terrible distress.

There are many individual stories and it is worth taking the time to realize how much help is possible. Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) trained over 33,000 local people how to give spiritual aid to those in need. This has been a very successful project and it still continues.

If people can help, go to this website and get the information.

Here is a Scientology VM helping a woman affected by the tsunami:

.

Dianetics and Scientology in Iran


A Persian (Farsi) version of Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health was published some years ago. I think Dianetics, the Evolution of a Science was also published in Farsi.

Additionally, the Church of Scientology International sponsors a human rights group called Youth for Human Rights and publishes a booklet for youth educating them on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This has recently been translated into Farsi too.

Finally, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard has wrote a non-religious moral code called The Way to Happiness which has now been translated into Farsi as well.

Dianetics and Scientology in Viet Nam

The Dianetics book
has been translated into Vietnamese as well. This can be purchased over the Net at www.dianetics.org

Tom Cruise - Cienciología en España en Madrid

I just received this wonderful news and decided to pass it on!

El Presidente de la Asociación Civil de Dianética de Madrid, tiene el placer de invitarle a la ceremonia inaugural de su nueva sede central en Madrid al proximo 18 de Septiembre a las 16,30 h.

Cordialmente tengo el honor de informarle que Tom Cruise va a estar en la apertura de la nueva Sede de la Iglesia de Cienciología en España en Madrid.

La nueva Iglesia de Cienciología de España que se acaba de restaurar ahora está aquí como monumento que representa la libertad para toda España Está usted invitado/a para asistir a la gran inauguración. El sábado, 18 de septiembre de 2004 que se realizaráen la 16,30 h.

Asociación Civil de Dianética de Madrid
C/ Santa Catalina, 7 (esq. C/ del Prado)
Madrid, España

Recursos de Web Sites de Cienciología

Article on Tom Cruise and Scientology in the Rolling Stone
Tom Cruise: Scientology Helped Me
Ocio : Religión : Cienciología
Cienciología soluciones eficaces - L. Ronald Hubbard
Iglesia de Cienciología/Dianética
Cienciología: Web site de referencia sobre la Iglesia de Cienciología

Right now there is excitement mounting the Church of Scientology Madrid and the Church of Scientology New York prepare for their grand openings.


NEW CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY MADRID

The Church of Scientology Spain has been an area with history and color, while Scientology in New York has to be one of the most exciting places for a new religion to expand in to.

Due to the international flavor of Spain, I have also included some links that describe the religion in more detail in Spanish:

Religion de Cienciologia

Cienciologia Ministro Voluntario

Cienciologia Soluciones

Cienciología: Drogas-Informacion

Cienciología: Educacion Efectiva

For the English speaking people these are the words: "Cienciología" is "Scientology" and "Dianética" for "Dianetics."

The Church of Scientology New York is active in many areas and here are a few links about that:



Scientology Volunteers in New York

Scientology New York at Ground Zero

Human Rights for Scientology in New York

Scientology Treatment: New York Fire Fighters

New York Scientology Drug Rehab

The next couple of months are going to be very exciting for Scientology Madrid and Scientology New York

Mr David Miscavige:

Human rights is an issue the world over. The Church of Scientology International is heavily involved in both human rights and religious freedom. Mr Miscavige, the Chairman of the Board RTC, has fully supported these efforts over the years and continues to do so.

Every year Mr Miscavige hosts a tribute to L. Ron Hubbard, here are the speeches for the years 1993 and 1994, and more recent ones for the years 2001 and 2002.
This was also covered in a Freedom magazine article.

Of interest is an index of references and information about Mr Miscavige and another reference point that takes you to the main site.

You will see that these sites are available in many languages, such as these ones for instance in German and French.

There is a lot of material available about anti-drug activities being done by the Churches of Scientology around the world.

There are drug prevention programs, drug education programs, rehabiliation facilities and many more.

The easiest thing is to give you a selection of pages to see:

Anti-Drug Program

Say No To Drugs Honor Roll
Community Outreach

Anti-Drug Campaign
Drug Prevention Program

Los Angeles Community

Freedom Magazine Coverage

There are many, many religious resources on the Net and the list of sites is endless. I know of quite a few and in them I find interesting articles. Of course, I am interested in ones that address the subject of Scientology. Here is one such site:

Beliefnet Scientology Page

Here is another:

Scientology Article

P.S. I covered some information regarding the Scientology motor vessel, the Freewinds in my last post and since then I have a new blog to show you:

Freewinds Blog

While I have mentioned it on some of my other blogs, I haven't here and it is appropriate that I cover this aspect of my religion.

As one progresses through the personal counseling and gets to a very high level of spiritual growth it is important that one is able to proceed without distraction. For this very purpose the motor vessel "Freewinds" exists.

Away from the day to day problems, one can concentrate on his studies and enlightment. And what a beautiful environment to be able to do this in.

Freewinds
The Freewinds, the Flag Ship Service Organization
Freewinds Virtual Tour

The "Freewinds" as well as being a safe haven for Scientologists, it also hosts many events, concerts, and local community activities. It frequents many ports in the Caribbean, its home ground.

Freewinds Jazz
Freewinds Jazz Concert
Freewinds Curacao Jazz
Freewinds in Bonaire
Freewinds in Barbados
Freewinds in Bridgetown

Freewinds Photos
More Freewinds Photos

While looking for material for this entry, I found another "Freewinds" and it too is a beautiful craft, so figured I would share the photos of it with you.

Another Freewinds
More Freewinds

Hope you enjoyed the trip with me.

Scientology Frequently Asked Questions

Here's a site that answers many questions about the Scientology religion. It is arranged as "frequently asked questions" and covers many different subjects, such as the basic beliefs and practices of the church. Church of Scientology International Answers Questions About the Scientology Religion

I believe it is very important for religions to cooperate with and understand one anothers' basic principles. That's why I think it is good to see a site like this:
Scientology, by by Jack Nation, ThM, Pastor (ret.)

It's also really good to see that the US Navy Chaplain site has printed factual information about Scientology:

Scientology: USN Chaplain Corps.

There's an article on the Scientology Web Site about a program the church is running to raise literacy levels, through the application of L. Ron Hubbard Study Technology.

The article begins: On April 21 and 22, 2004 a two-day practical workshop on the innovative Study Technology of http://www.able.org/aboutUs_lrh.html
was held at the European Office of the Church of Scientology International in Brussels and attended by officials from Brussels-based embassies and European Institutions. The workshop delivered under the banner of Applied Scholastics International, addressed the fact that nearly 1 billion people in the world are illiterate, 125 million out-of-school children are at risk of joining them and 11 million people in Europe alone don't have the basic literacy skills vital for survival.

This article can be read in full here:

Two-Day Hands-On Workshop for European Institutions and Embassies Tackles 1 Billion Illiteracy Problem Worldwide.

A new Scientology Mission opened in Belleair last year, and there was a decent article about it in the St. Petersburg Times.

Here's a section of that article:

Scientologists establish missions in their back yard
A Belleair storefront opened more than a year ago to spread "hope for man." Four more sites are planned in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
By ROBERT FARLEY, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 1, 2003


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sandwiched between a nail salon and a hairdressing and body wax boutique, one of the newest tenants in the smart-looking Belleair Bazaar strip center sports a simple red awning.

"Church of Scientology Mission of Belleair," it reads.

Opened quietly more than a year ago, it is the first of five missions Scientologists intend to establish in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties within the year.

Geared toward introducing newcomers to Scientology, the missions mark the first time in the church's 27 years in Clearwater that Scientology overtly will try to recruit Tampa Bay area residents.

"We definitely want to reach out into the Tampa Bay area more, and let them know there is a hope for man," said Kathy Feshbach, who operates the Belleair mission.

Scientology's commanding presence in downtown Clearwater -- a collection of hotel rooms and space for church services -- mainly serves Scientologists visiting from out of state or foreign countries. More than 12,000 journey each year to the church's spiritual headquarters in Clearwater to receive some of the highest levels of Scientology training.

Missions, on the other hand, offer a starting point.

Financed and staffed by private Scientologists rather than church officials, missions offer introductory Scientology courses and services. Scientologists have opened more than 400 missions worldwide, from Wichita, Kan. -- actor Kirstie Alley fronted that one -- to Italy and Russia, where 25 and 16, respectively, opened last year alone.

But until Feshbach opened hers in Belleair, the only local mission was on Belcher Road near the church's stronghold in downtown Clearwater. A small building marked only by a one-word sign saying "Dianetics," it has led a mostly quiet existence. Twice in the last month, though, the Clearwater mission paid for a four-page insert in the Suncoast News, promoting a Scientology treatment and book to a North Pinellas audience.

Missions will start popping up throughout the bay area, says church spokesman Ben Shaw, because the church has forged a "more stable" relationship with the community.

Also, Shaw said, 12,000 private Scientologists now live in the bay area, and opening missions is regarded as a core contribution for Scientologists. It's a "natural occurrence," Shaw said.

Specific locations have not been selected, but missions are planned in St. Petersburg, Largo, Hyde Park and West Tampa. The Scientologists who will finance and operate those missions are in training.

A 25-year Scientologist, Feshbach moved with her family from California to Belleair four years ago to be closer to the church's spiritual center.

Feshbach's husband, Matthew, is one of three brothers who made millions in the 1980s short selling stocks. Short sellers speculate stock prices will fall. They sell shares before prices decline, then buy back the shares at lower prices, profiting on the difference. The Feshbach family, working out of Palo Alto, Calif., emerged as industry leaders.

So far, 300 to 400 have visited the mission, Feshbach said. Word of the mission is spread by local Scientologists who urge the curious to take a look. Others responded to Feshbach's advertisements.

She recently paid for an insert in the Pinellas edition of the Tampa Tribune, touting a Scientology treatment called the purification rundown. It purports to remove harmful toxins from the body through a program of vigorous exercise followed by several hours in a sauna, in conjunction with a regimen of vitamins, minerals and oils.

Feshbach, 53, bubbles with enthusiasm and energy. As executive director of the mission, she said she draws no salary. "I want to help people like I have been helped every single day (through Scientology).

"Our purpose is to introduce new people to what Scientology can do for them," she said.

The four other planned missions would vastly expand the church's reach in the bay area. The church already has a bloc of staffers based in Tampa and last month announced plans to move from its Henderson Boulevard location to a former cigar factory in West Tampa. The church's Tampa branch says it has 5,000 members. But Tampa does not have a mission dedicated to introducing newcomers to Scientology.

"It's exciting," said Feshbach. "We do have the tools that can help man. It is important we get out there and reach people."

Read the full text of the article here

There are two new web sites I think are beautiful.

Scientology Effective Solutions gives such a good overview of the public benefit Scientology performs in the communities in which there are Scientology churches.

and Scientology Effective Solutions - Drug Abuse Information concentrates on the drug-prevention and rehab programs that the Church runs or supports.

The first site has comeo ut in non-US versions too:
Scientology - Antworten und Lösungen(German)

Scientologie - des solutions efficaces

Scientology Antworten und Lösungen (Swiss)

Scientology Effective Solutions(British version)

Cienciología : soluciones eficaces

Well today I want to divert a little and travel over to the exciting land of europe. I have only ever been there once on a in and out trip to Italy. I joke about the fact "I went to Italy for lunch" as I was there very briefly.

What I saw was exciting and of course we have all seen photographs and paintings of the beautiful scenery.

In Europe, there are many Churches of Scientology. Most major areas have at least one or possibly a mission. They are too numerous to list out.

Also, there is an advanced organization for those parishioners who wish to recieve advanced counseling and continue on their path of spiritual awareness.

This website shows you its location and tells you some more about it

Church of Scientology AOSHEU

By the way the initials AOSH EU stand for Advanced Organization Saint Hill for Europe (and Africa).

I will let you know about some of the other European Scientology Churches another day.