Nashville Church of Scientology Commemorates World Civil Defense Day with Special Workshop

The Nashville Church of Scientology observed World Civil Defense Day on March 1st with a special workshop called “Survival Training.”

The Nashville Church of Scientology recognized World Civil Defense Day by hosting a workshop with experts on emergency management, volunteerism and self-care in times of disaster. It has been nearly six years since the historic hundred year flood in Nashville, but organizers say vigilance is key. “You never know when something disastrous will happen, but you are always better off if you’re prepared,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church.

World Civil Defense Day was created by decision of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) General Assembly in 1990, and is celebrated every year on the 1st of March. According to ICDO, “This Day… has two main purposes: that of bringing to the attention of the world public the vital importance of Civil Protection and of raising awareness of the preparedness for, and prevention and self-protection measures in the event of accidents or disasters; and that of paying tribute to the efforts, sacrifices and accomplishments of all the national services responsible for the fight against disasters.”

Guest speakers from Hands On Nashville and the Office of Emergency Management briefed the attendees on how to be active during a disaster to help others and how to assemble a home emergency kit so as not to be caught off guard should disaster strike.

Fesler went on to explain how the Church of Scientology becomes involved during times of disaster. “Our Volunteer Ministers work with the Church of Scientology Disaster Response teams. Anyone of any culture or creed may train as a Volunteer Minister and use these tools to help their families and communities, and all are welcome to do so,” he said. Fesler points to the website volunteerministers.org, “The site contains online training one would need to utilize this technology.” 

In creating the Volunteer Ministers program, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.” For more information about Scientology or the Volunteer Ministers, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.