Thursday, December 20, 2018

International Human Rights Day Celebrated in Tennessee

The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day took place in Nashville at the First Amendment Center in early December.  

International Human Rights Day occurs every year to commemorate the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, some seventy years ago, on Dec 10, 1948. In Tennessee, the Human Rights Day celebration has become a time to reflect and look to the future. During the annual event, people are honored that have given a lifetime of service to making human rights a reality, those who have demonstrated outstanding service to forward human rights and those who are picking up the torch and carrying it forward.

Tennessee celebrated Human Rights Day this year on December 11 in Nashville with a moving and memorable event at the John Seigenthaler Center. The theme for 2018 was chosen to align with the United Nations’ theme and was ‘Born Free & Equal? The Timeline of Justice in Nashville.’ This was showcased through segments on the past, present and future of human rights for Nashville with an audio recording from lifetime human rights advocate, Rev. Bill Barnes (1931-2017), a panel discussion of current human rights issues in the city, and a performance of encouragement by musical artist Wyte T Breezy.

Awards were presented for lifetime achievement and outstanding service in the field of human rights with video segments, along with recognition of rising advocates.

This year, four Rising Advocate Awards were given to those who have made great strides for human rights and show even greater promise for the future. They were Anne Barnett & Odessa Kelly, both with STAND UP Nashville, who were instrumental in making sure the ‘Do Better Bill’ passed earlier this year; Fayo Abadula, who co-founded Oromo Youth of Nashville, a mentorship group for the Oromo youth and anyone from the African Diaspora interested in pursuing a college degree; and the Community Oversight Now coalition which recently successfully got Amendment 1 passed which will create a Community Oversight Board for the police in Nashville, and has advocated for social justice and civil rights.

The award winners in the category of Outstanding Service are Dawn Deaner, who has served unselfishly as Nashville’s Executive Public Defender and stood strong against a criminal justice system fraught with injustice; and Tom Negri who has served on nearly 20 boards and action committees including the YWCA and Conexion Americas as well as taking a leading role on Nashville for All of Us, the initiative to defeat the ‘English Only’ bill.

Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to King Hollands, who fought for civil rights as a student of Fisk University during the Nashville sit-ins; and Dr. Blondell Strong Kimbrough, a lifelong advocate for civil rights and justice.

The program was co-organized by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, the Metro Human Rights Commission, the United Nations Association, UNICEF USA, Amnesty International, Tennessee United for Human Rights and the Church of Scientology.  

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology, has been the event chair since 2011. He said, “Not only do you have to educate people about their rights, but you have to celebrate and honor those who are in the fight. The more people who join in to work for human rights for all, the closer we get to human rights being a reality for everyone.”



Fesler said that the Church of Scientology supports United for Human Rights, the world’s largest nongovernmental human rights educational campaign. For more information about United for Human Rights or programs supported by the Church of Scientology, visit www.scientology.org.

To find out more about the Tennessee Human Rights Day event, visit tnuhr.org. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Learn What Makes an Idea Stick

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

How come some ideas stick while others fade? This is what religious communications professionals will learn during their monthly meeting in January. The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

“It’s important to know how to get an idea to remain relevant and interesting,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator of the Nashville chapter of RCC, “People of faith need to stay on top of current ways to communicate their message to people, otherwise religious influence could fade.”

The meeting will take place on January 8th at United Methodist Communications over lunch. The guest speaker will be Laura Buchanan, Senior Creative Content Specialist at United Methodist Communications. Her passion for writing, strategic messaging and connecting with audiences comes from a 12-year career in nonprofit fundraising and faith-based communications. Her topic on “What makes an idea memorable?” comes from the book, “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die.”

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more.

The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.


Faith Communities to Unite Again for Nashville’s Multi-Faith Citywide MLK Service

It is not uncommon for pastors to work together. It is uncommon for various denominations to celebrate a service together. And In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, several faith leaders, communities and congregations are coming together for celebration in a joint service on Sunday, January 20, 2019, from 3-6pm.

This is the annual MLK Day celebration service taking place at the Church of Scientology on Sunday, Jan 20, 2019 and Rev. Brian Fesler feels this is a historic way to help make Dr. King’s dream a reality. “With so many congregations coming together to worship as one, choirs joining each other in song, people of different denominations sitting side by side, and each faith leader participating, it’s a beautiful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy.”

This is the second year the Church of Scientology will host the service.

Faith leaders and congregations scheduled to attend will represent Mount Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, Corinthian Baptist Church and more. If your church or congregation would like to participate, email the event coordinator, Julie Brinker at media@nashvillehumanrights.org.

“Dr. King stood for diversity and a unity among all people. We are celebrating that in the best way possible –actually coming together in one place and celebrating our differences and similarities,” says Rev. Fesler of the Church of Scientology.

The MLK Celebration service will be held Sunday, Jan 20th from 3-6pm and ending with a potluck at the Church of Scientology in Nashville. It is open to the public, and members of the media are welcome to attend. For more information or to RSVP, visit tnuhr.org.


Tennessee United for Human Rights Educates the Next Generation

Part of an international movement, Tennessee United for Human Rights is raising awareness in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Tennessee United for Human Rights held two events to commemorate 70 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this December. The first took place in early December and introduced young advocates to the subject of human rights.



This event included interactive visual displays on each of the human rights, easy-to-assimilate materials, and activities that gave young advocates a practical view of specific rights. Young people created art that demonstrated various human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  

Julie Brinker, event coordinator for Tennessee United for Human Rights, led the activities, “I’ve been involved with United for Human Rights since 2004, and I know that this program can help people across the globe by utilizing education to lift people up so they know their rights.” Brinker helped the young people understand what “human rights” means, then showed them the various human rights and asked them to begin demonstrating one of their rights through artistic activities.

Human Rights day commemorates the United Nations adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights--the world's premier human rights document. Despite the best intentions of those who crafted the Declaration, 68 years later, the UN points out, "disrespect for basic human rights continues to be widespread in all parts of the globe. Extremist movements subject people to horrific violence. Messages of intolerance and hatred prey on our fears. Humane values are under attack."

United for Human Rights is the world's largest nongovernmental human rights education campaign, active in 192 countries and partnering with 1,500 groups and organizations.  For more information, visit humanrights.com.


Thursday, December 13, 2018

Tennessee United for Human Rights Celebrates 70 Years of the Universal Declaration

Part of an international movement, Tennessee United for Human Rights is raising awareness in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Tennessee United for Human Rights will have two events to commemorate 70 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this December. The first is December 8th and will introduce young advocates to the subject of human rights, and the second is the annual celebration for Human Rights Day on December 11th which honors and awards top leaders and advocates in Tennessee.

The first event will see interactive visual displays on each of the human rights, easy-to-assimilate materials, and activities that will give young advocates a practical view of specific rights. Youth will be creating art that demonstrates the various human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  For more information or to RSVP, visit the Facebook page for Tennessee United for Human Rights.

The second event takes place at the First Amendment Center and will see a slate of seven advocates and one coalition receive awards for outstanding service to forward human rights. Tickets are available for this event and can be found at tnuhr.org.

Human Rights day commemorates the United Nations adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights--the world's premier human rights document. Despite the best intentions of those who crafted the Declaration, 68 years later, the UN points out, "disrespect for basic human rights continues to be widespread in all parts of the globe. Extremist movements subject people to horrific violence. Messages of intolerance and hatred prey on our fears. Humane values are under attack."


United for Human Rights is the world's largest nongovernmental human rights education campaign, active in 192 countries and partnering with 1,500 groups and organizations.  For more information, visit humanrights.com. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Hears About Strategic Marketing

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

For any message to get across to an audience, a strong strategy is key. This is what religious communications professionals gathered to learn recently during their monthly meeting where they heard from a marketing specialist for a large electrical corporation who shared the five key ways to make strategic marketing easier.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

“Religious people need to stay on top of the way messages are communicated in today’s world,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, president of the Nashville chapter and pastor of the Church of Scientology, “Knowing key ways to strategically deliver a message is very helpful to people of faith.”

The meeting took place at United Methodist Communications over lunch.

Lori Whitbey of Schneider Electric was the guest speaker for the day. Whitbey emphasized awareness and education promoted on various media to general audiences, then strategically getting your message across to help potential clients or consumers find your products or services.


The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Tennessee United for Human Rights to Participate at Nashville MLK Day Event

Tennessee United for Human Rights (TNUHR) has the mission to bring awareness and education on the 30 human rights, as listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to people all across the state.

“The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. [The day] empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community,” according to NationalService.gov. It is with this in mind that Tennessee United for Human Rights (TNUHR) will join in the movement in Nashville to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

TNUHR, which was formed as a non-profit public benefit corporation in 2015 to educate Tennesseans on the basic principles and foundations of human rights, will participate in events in Nashville to honor the iconic human rights hero. The main event is the MLK Day march and convocation which takes place at Tennessee State University. The march begins at 10am at Jefferson Street Baptist Church. According to MLKDayNashville.com, the theme for 2019 is “Beyond the March: A Life of Action.”

One TNUHR volunteer says the organization is excited about being part of these events and is anxious to spread education on human rights, “This is the time for everyone to learn their basic human rights and be united in the fight for freedom.”

TNUHR is the local chapter of United for Human Rights, an international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its membership is comprised of individuals, educators and groups throughout the world who are actively forwarding the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all Mankind, according to humanrights.com.

United for Human Rights was founded on the Declaration’s 60th anniversary, in the face of continued worldwide abuses which violate the spirit, intent and Articles of this charter of all human rights, the first such document ever ratified by the community of nations. For more information about United for Human Rights, go to www.humanrights.com.


Citizens Commission on Human Rights to Hold Forum on the Cause of Racism

Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Nashville (CCHR Nashville) is holding a special forum at the end of January 2018.

The Nashville Chapter of Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR Nashville) is planning a special forum in late January to follow up on the holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr., where they will discuss the cause of racism and strategies to combat this in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.   

CCHR is known as an advocate for human rights, especially as relates to patients’ rights in the field of mental health. Per the international CCHR website, cchr.org, “CCHR has long fought to restore basic inalienable human rights to the field of mental health, including, but not limited to, full informed consent regarding the medical legitimacy of psychiatric diagnosis, the risks of psychiatric treatments, the right to all available medical alternatives and the right to refuse any treatment considered harmful.”

“CCHR is committed to helping people learn their rights, especially as relates to freedom of conscience,” says CCHR Nashville Board Member, Brian Fesler. CCHR Nashville regularly hosts events and meetings with local leaders who give insight into patients’ rights, parents’ rights and more.


CCHR is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious mental health watchdog. Its mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. CCHR receives reports about abuses in the field of mental health and is especially interested in situations where persons experienced abuse or damage due to a false diagnosis or unwanted and harmful psychiatric treatments, such as psychiatric drugs, electroshock (ECT) and electronic or magnetic brain stimulation (TMS). CCHR is often able to assist with filing complaints, and can work with a person’s attorney to further investigate the case. To contact CCHR Nashville for more information, visit cchrnashville.org.  

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Tennessee Human Rights Day Celebration Announces 2018 Award Recipients

The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day will take place in Nashville at the First Amendment Center on December 11th, 5pm – 7pm.  

The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day will take place in Nashville at the First Amendment Center on December 11th, from 5pm – 7pm.  The theme for 2018 was chosen to align with the United Nations’ theme and is: “Born Free & Equal? The Timeline of Justice in Nashville.” The event commemorates the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations on Dec 10, 1948. This year is the 70th anniversary of this important historical document.

During the event, leaders are acknowledged, and awards will go to human rights champions in three categories: Rising Advocate, Outstanding Service and Lifetime Achievement. Past recipients of these prestigious honors can be seen at NashvilleHumanRights.org.

A committee of human rights organizations and nonprofits, including the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, United Nations Association, UNICEF, Amnesty International, Tennessee United for Human Rights, the Church of Scientology, and others, work together each year to plan the event.

For the 2018 event, four Rising Advocate Awards will be given to those who have made great strides for human rights and show even greater promise for the future. They are Anne Barnett & Odessa Kelly, both with STAND UP Nashville, who were instrumental in making sure the "Do Better Bill" passed earlier this year; Fayo Abadula who co-founded Oromo Youth of Nashville, a mentorship group for the Oromo youth and anyone from the African Diaspora interested in pursuing a college degree; and the Community Oversight Now coalition which recently successfully got Amendment 1 passed which will create a Community Oversight Board for the police in Nashville, and has advocated for social justice and civil rights.

The award winners in the category of Outstanding Service are Dawn Deaner, who has served unselfishly as Nashville’s Executive Public Defender and stood strong against a criminal justice system fraught with injustice; and Tom Negri who has served on nearly 20 boards and action committees including the YWCA and Conexion Americas as well as taking a leading role on Nashville for All of Us, the initiative to defeat the "English Only" bill.

Lifetime Achievement awards will be presented to King Hollands, who fought for civil rights as a student of Fisk University during the Nashville sit-ins; and Dr. Blondell Strong Kimbrough, a lifelong advocate for civil rights and justice.


International Human Rights Day is ticketed at $10, with proceeds going to fund students attending Model UN. For more information or to reserve a seat, visit NashvilleHumanRights.org.  

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Drug-Free Tennessee Reminds Youth to Stay Healthy this Holiday Season

Drug-Free Tennessee recently participated in community events to remind young people to be safe and healthy by distributing the Truth About Drugs booklets.

Drug-Free Tennessee is committed to making neighborhoods drug and crime-free. So it was that volunteers joined community partners, neighbors and police for local neighborhood health fairs and community events recently to remind kids to make good choices.

The final week of October is Red Ribbon Week. “Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country,” according to imdrugfree.com. This is the best time to educate young people and help prevent drug abuse. The Red Ribbon Campaign was started to commemorate DEA agent Kiki Camarena, who died in the line of duty in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a Drug-Free America, according to redribbon.org.

With Halloween falling during the same week, volunteers found several community events to participate in where they could help remind young people to make safe choices during the holiday.

Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee, says, “Youth today make decisions about drugs at a younger age. We need to get them reliable information so they can make educated choices and lead healthier lives.”

Drug-Free Tennessee is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, which provides booklets with information on how drugs affect the body and mind, what a dealer might say, and common street names to young people know how to avoid them. The materials are available free of charge, and can be obtained through drugfreeworld.org.


For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee or to order materials, visit drugfreetn.org. 

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee Reminds Kids to Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee has been out in the community, participating in local community Halloween festivities and health fairs.


The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee volunteers joined community partners, neighbors and police for local holiday festivities recently to help remind kids to be safe and happy during the Fall and Winter months.

"True joy and happiness are valuable," begins the common sense guide, The Way to Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1980s. Since then, the book has sparked a movement and has been reprinted and passed hand to hand to a wide variety of cultures and peoples. In Tennessee, The Way to Happiness Association works with communities and neighborhoods to spread the booklet to as many people as possible. Organizers say that when the booklet is passed from hand to hand, it is like oil spread upon a raging sea, the calm flows outward and outward.

The Tennessee Association launched its campaign to distribute the booklet in 2009. Since that time, the group has visited local health fairs, festivals and community gatherings.

During the recent community events, the Way to happiness volunteers passed out the booklet to students, parents and grandparents. The booklet details 21 precepts predicated on the fact that one's survival depends on the survival of others. According to thewaytohappiness.org, "This code of conduct can be followed by anyone, of any race, color or creed and works to restore the bonds that unite humankind."

The Way to Happiness aims at giving people back a sense of what is right and wrong in a way that is easy to understand. In the three decades since it was authored, some 80 million copies of the book passed hand to hand.


For more information, visit twthtn.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Learns the Importance of Video in Marketing

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

In today’s world, video has become an inherent part of living, and as such, is a vital communications tool for anyone trying to get a message across. People of faith trying to get a message of hope out to the world need to understand and use video production to better communicate with those they are trying to reach. So, a group of religious communications professionals gathered recently for their monthly meeting to learn more about video production and its importance in marketing.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

“Religious people need to stay on top of the way messages are communicated in today’s world,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, president of the Nashville chapter and pastor of the Church of Scientology, “We live in an audio visual world, and it’s essential that faith communities have people who know how to use video production to get their messages across.”

The meeting took place at the American Muslim Cultural Center over lunch.

Judith Black of Upshot Media was the guest speaker for the day. Black emphasized two key points above all else: the importance of good audio in videos, even above the image quality, and ensuring the video creates an emotional impact on the viewer.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.


Thursday, November 1, 2018

Drug-Free Tennessee Holds Red Ribbon Week Halloween-Themed Event for Kids

With Halloween falling on the last day of Red Ribbon Week, Drug-Free Tennessee thought it apt to hold a Trick-Or-Treat party with a message to kids to be safe and drug-free.

Drug-Free Tennessee in partnership with the Church of Scientology Nashville ended Red Ribbon Week with a Halloween-themed event for kids, helping to educate young people on the dangers of drugs in a fun way with a trick-or-treating kick-off party.

Tennessee consistently ranks in the top five US states in terms of substance abuse rates, according to a report from lakeviewhealth.com. The website further describes that despite the rise in opioid addictions, alcohol abuse statistics have remained stable, so alcohol is still the most commonly abused substance in Tennessee. The website describes opioid abuse, specifically pointing out that oxycodone and hydrocodone are the most commonly abused of painkillers. Although physicians legally prescribe them, these medications often end up on the black market, which has led to a surge in drug related crimes in Tennessee.

To protect youth from the disastrous effects of abusing these and other drugs, Scientologists and others teamed up with Drug-Free Tennessee to bring the truth about drugs to young people during Red Ribbon Week.

Volunteers participated in neighborhood events and health fairs leading up to a Halloween bash on the 31st to remind kids to be safe and drug-free. They distributed copies of The Truth About Drugs, a booklet that helps young people understand what drugs are and how they affect the user.

Red Ribbon Week is a week-long celebration at the end of October to promote a drug-free lifestyle. The Red Ribbon has been worn as a symbol since 1985 when DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was murdered. Angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons to show their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America.

“Our Halloween bash was a great way to educate children in a fun way, while also reminding them that drugs are scary,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church and regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee.

Drug-Free Tennessee is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit organization. Its materials demonstrate the dangers of drugs through factual information and interviews with former addicts giving personal perspectives on each of the substances covered.


For more information on the Truth About Drugs, visit drugfreetn.org. For more information on the Church of Scientology and its programs, visit Scientology-CCNashville.org. 

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Church of Scientology Nashville Holds Special Sunday Service to Commemorate Religious Freedom Day

The Church of Scientology Nashville held a special service to observe Religious Freedom Day.


“Without freedom of religion, or freedom of thought, freedom itself cannot exist,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology. Rev. Fesler is always out in the Nashville community, involved in interfaith services and activities, and just recently held a special Sunday Service to observe International Religious Freedom Day.

“We’ve always opened our doors to anyone who is curious about us to help them understand. That is truly what Scientology is all about: understanding,” says Rev. Fesler.

International Religious Freedom Day (October 27) recognizes the passing of the Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which established the office of the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and highlighted America’s responsibility to the world in guaranteeing Human Right #18, Freedom of Thought and Belief.

To observe the day, the Church of Scientology Nashville invited a religious studies class to come to Sunday Service, have a tour of the church, and get their questions answered.

The Nashville Church has hosted numerous tours since it opened in the historic Fall School. Built in 1898 in a similar style to the city’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, the 36,000-square-foot Church served the area as a public school until 1970. Many original features were preserved, including the hardwood floors, doors and stairwells and eight solid wood pillars capped with iron that support a central three-story atrium.

Those arranging to visit may wish to attend the Church’s Sunday service, consisting of a reading of the Creed of the Church of Scientology, a sermon based on the writings of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard or the playing of one of his recorded lectures, and the ministration of Scientology spiritual counseling in which all attending participate.

A highlight of the tour for many is the opportunity to “see a thought” with a demonstration of how the E-Meter registers and shows the changes in mental state of the individual.

For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs and community involvement, or to arrange for a tour or seminar, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.


Thursday, October 25, 2018

Church of Scientology Nashville Shares with Students on Religious Freedom Day

The Church of Scientology Nashville will hold a special service to observe Religious Freedom Day, which will include inviting local university students to learn about Scientology.

“Without freedom of religion, or freedom of thought, freedom itself cannot exist,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology. Rev. Fesler is always out in the Nashville community, involved in interfaith services and activities, and is now planning a special Sunday Service to observe International Religious Freedom Day at the end of October.

“We’ve always opened our doors to anyone who is curious about us to help them understand. That is truly what Scientology is all about: understanding,” says Rev. Fesler.

International Religious Freedom Day (October 27) recognizes the passing of the Religious Freedom Act of 1998, which established the office of the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and highlighted America’s responsibility to the world in guaranteeing Human Right #18, Freedom of Thought and Belief.

To observe the day, the Church of Scientology Nashville has invited religious studies classes to come to Sunday Service, have a tour of the church, and get their questions answered.

Rev. Fesler also pointed out that in 2017, the Church of Scientology International released a booklet covering the subject of religious freedom. The booklet, which includes authoritative texts, contains what any person might want to know to protect their rights to practice their religion in peace and harmony.  The booklet is available in seventeen languages, is downloadable from the website scientologyreligion.org, and contains chapters on the Rights of Parents and Children, Freedom from Discrimination, and the Rights of Employers, Employees and Volunteers.


For more information about Scientology, its practices or beliefs, visit scientology.org. 

Scientology Nashville to Host Red Ribbon Week Halloween-Themed Event for Kids

The last week of October is Red Ribbon Week, a time to educate young people about the dangers of drugs. What also falls in the last week of October? Halloween, of course.

Drug-Free Tennessee in partnership with the Church of Scientology Nashville will end Red Ribbon Week with a Halloween-themed event for kids, helping to educate young people on the dangers of drugs in a fun way with trick-or-treating, games and contests.


Tennessee consistently ranks in the top five US states in terms of substance abuse rates, according to a report from lakeviewhealth.com. The website further describes that despite the rise in opioid addictions, alcohol abuse statistics have remained stable, so alcohol is still the most commonly abused substance in Tennessee. In fact, more than 60 percent of patients who enter state drug treatment programs seek treatment for alcohol addiction and about 1 in 20 Tennessee residents abused or were dependent on alcohol in 2016. The website describes opioid abuse, specifically pointing out that oxycodone and hydrocodone are the most commonly abused of painkillers. Although physicians legally prescribe them, these medications often end up on the black market, which has led to a surge in drug related crimes in Tennessee. Opioid overdoses have become so widespread that the Tennessee General Assembly has permitted pharmacies to carry naloxone, a medication used to negate the effects of an opioid overdose until the patient receives professional treatment.

To protect youth from the disastrous effects of abusing these and other drugs, Scientologists and others are teaming up with Drug-Free Tennessee to bring the truth about drugs to young people during Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week is a week-long celebration at the end of October to promote a drug-free lifestyle. The Red Ribbon has been worn as a symbol since 1985 when DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was murdered. Angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons to show their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America.

Volunteers will join with Drug-Free Tennessee for educational events and to distribute copies of The Truth About Drugs, a booklet that helps young people understand what drugs are and how they affect the user.

The Halloween-themed bash will take place on October 31st in the community hall of the Church of Scientology Nashville. There will be treats and games for children, costume contests and more. “This is a way to educate children in a fun way, while also reminding them that drugs are scary,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee.

Drug-Free Tennessee is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit organization. Its materials demonstrate the dangers of drugs through factual information and interviews with former addicts giving personal perspectives on each of the substances covered.


For more information on the Truth About Drugs, visit drugfreeworld.org. For more information on the Church of Scientology and its programs, visit Scientology.org. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Life at Mental Health Day 'Lunch and Learn'

Mental health watchdog Citizens Commission on Human Rights educated people on how to live stress-free. The presentation was a "lunch and learn" seminar at the Nashville Church of Scientology.



The Nashville chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) held a "lunch and learn" to educate people on living a stress-free life without harmful mind-altering drugs. The seminar was held Oct. 10 in honor of World Mental Health Day.

Dr. David Morris of Magnolia Medical Center gave a presentation titled 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Life. It covered five simple ways anyone can be free of stress:

1) Distancing oneself from negative people
2) A good diet, free of sugar, carbohydrates and dairy
3) Breaking up with social media and the news
4) Getting proper sleep at night
5) Having a good group of friends, people you can go to for help any time

Dr. Morris pointed out that the psychotropic drugs prescribed for mental health disorders have very dangerous side effects, so whatever people can do to avoid stress without seeking medications is very well worth the effort.

"We are proud to host this program to educate our community on these simple actions people can take to lead a better life," said Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Scientology Church. "We want to thank Dr. Morris for sharing this vital information." He also invited those attending to learn the truth about psychotropic drugs by touring the Citizens Commission on Human Rights displays in the Church’s Public Information Center.

Citizens Commission on Human Rights is a nonprofit mental health watchdog, responsible for helping to enact more than 180 laws protecting individuals from abusive or coercive practices. CCHR has long fought to restore basic inalienable human rights to the field of mental health, including but not limited to full informed consent regarding the medical legitimacy of psychiatric diagnosis, the risks of psychiatric treatments, the right to all available medical alternatives and the right to refuse any treatment considered harmful.

CCHR was co-founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and professor of psychiatry Dr. Thomas Szasz.


Alerted to the brutality of psychiatric treatment by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard who wrote extensively about the abuses of psychiatric patients, CCHR today stands as a powerful voice of reason for those abused and continues its advocacy for reforms. For more information visit cchrnashville.org

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Gets Digital

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The ever-changing landscape of digital media can be difficult to navigate, especially for a person of faith trying to get a message of hope out to the world. So, a group of religious communications professionals gathered recently for their monthly meeting to learn more about storytelling in digital media.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

Rev. Brian Fesler, president of the Nashville chapter and pastor of the Church of Scientology, says, “Religious people need to stay on top of the way messages are communicated in today’s world. Now, more than ever, we need hope highlighted on the social stream.”

The meeting took place at the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church over lunch.

Sophia Agtarap of Vanderbilt Divinity School was the guest speaker for the day. Agtarap came to the Divinity School staff in 2017, having worked at the University of Washington and most recently The United Methodist Church's Communications Agency. Her graduate studies include Communication and Digital Media.


The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Thursday, September 27, 2018

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee Sends Kids Back to School with Positive Messages

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee participated in the Edgehill Back in School celebration this past weekend by distributing booklets at a neighborhood event.


The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee volunteers joined community partners, neighbors and police for the Back In School celebration this past weekend to help send kids back to school with all needed supplies and the right message.

"True joy and happiness are valuable," begins the common sense guide, The Way to Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1980s. Since then, the book has sparked a movement and has been reprinted and passed hand to hand to a wide variety of cultures and peoples. In Tennessee, The Way to Happiness Association works with communities and neighborhoods to spread the booklet to as many people as possible. Organizers say that when the booklet is passed from hand to hand, it is like oil spread upon a raging sea, the calm flows outward and outward.

The Tennessee Association launched its campaign to distribute the booklet in 2009. Since that time, the group has visited local health fairs, festivals and community gatherings.

The Edgehill Back In School celebration was kicked off this year as a way to help students who have started the school year only to find they didn’t have all supplies they needed. Vendors brought various supplies including calculators, backpacks and more to give away.

The Way to happiness volunteers passed the booklet to students and parents. The booklet details 21 precepts predicated on the fact that one's survival depends on the survival of others. According to thewaytohappiness.org, "This code of conduct can be followed by anyone, of any race, color or creed and works to restore the bonds that unite humankind." The Way to Happiness aims at giving people back a sense of what is right and wrong in a way that is easy to understand. In the three decades since it was authored, some 80 million copies of the book passed hand to hand.

For more information, visit twthtn.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Learn About Storytelling in Digital Media

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The ever-changing landscape of digital media can be difficult to navigate, especially for a person of faith trying to get a message of hope out to the world. So, a group of religious communications professionals will gather to learn more about storytelling in digital media next Tuesday during the monthly meeting of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC).

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

Rev. Brian Fesler, president of the Nashville chapter and pastor of the Church of Scientology, says, “Religious people need to stay on top of the way messages are communicated in today’s world. Now, more than ever, we need hope highlighted on the social stream.”

The meeting will take place at the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church on October 2nd over lunch.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.


Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Church of Scientology Asks Religious Leaders to ‘Speak Your Peace’

The Church of Scientology with the Tennessee chapter of United for Human Rights (TNUHR) held a large inter-religious, multicultural event for International Peace Day.


The Church of Scientology, in partnership with Tennessee United for Human Rights, held its fourth annual Celebration of International Day of Peace, with a large number of religious and cultural leaders, each bringing words of peace from their respective traditions and backgrounds for an event dubbed “Speak Your Peace.”

International Day of Peace was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

In Nashville, International Day of Peace has been observed over the past three years, each year with a different theme related to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. TUHR promotes human rights education as a way to combat ignorance and increase awareness.   This year is the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, since it was signed in 1948, so TUHR wanted to do something on a large scale involving all people. Thus, an event that would tie together people of all faiths in unity through words of peace.

“I’m proud that we were able to bring together a multicultural, multi-faith community of people who could speak about peace on a universal level,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator of the Tennessee United for Human Rights program.

Participants represented a myriad of faith traditions and religions including Baha'i, Baptist, Jewish, LDS Church (Mormon), Sikh, Unity and Scientology. A common theme among all of the religious messages was that in unity, there is peace.


TNUHR is a chapter of the international organization United for Human Rights, formed on the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to provide human rights resources and educational materials to all sectors of society. For more information about Peace Day or to find out more about Tennessee United for Human Rights, visit tnuhr.org.