Church of Scientology to Host 4th Annual International Friendship Day Celebration

Friendship Day takes place each year at the Church of Scientology in Nashville.

The Church of Scientology will host its fourth annual Friendship Day open house at the end of July, with participation from many of the ethnicities and nationalities that make up the city of Nashville.

The International Day of Friendship was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 in the belief that “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”

“The whole point of our open house is to bring a diverse group of people together and demonstrate the power of friendship,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology. “Most of life’s problems come from our basic misunderstanding of each other—a misunderstanding of intentions. Getting along with one another starts with getting to know each other.”

The Church of Scientology will partner in this effort with The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, which provides a community betterment program based on the book The Way to Happiness by L. Ron Hubbard. The initiative is predicated on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others—and that without the survival of others, neither joy nor happiness is attainable. Several precepts in the book promote dialogue and friendship, among them “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,” “Be Worthy of Trust,” and “Try to Treat Others As You Would Want Them to Treat You.”

This year’s Friendship Day theme is “Many people; One Community,” and the event is set for July 31^st from 4-6pm in the Church of Scientology’s community hall, 1130 8^th Avenue South, Nashville. 

For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs or upcoming events, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.

Church of Scientology Says Drug Abuse Can Only Be Prevented By Working Together

The Church of Scientology in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee, held a breakfast meeting on drug prevention for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

“When it comes to preventing drug abuse, we can only make great strides if we all work together,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT).

Aiming for an international society free of drug abuse, the United Nations named June 26th as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. So on this day, the Church of Scientology in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee, held “Drug Abuse: Preventing It Together,” beginning with a breakfast at 8:00 am.

During the event, speakers who have been on the drug-prevention battlefield spoke about current issues, and valuable resources to help others live drug-free. One captain with Metro Nashville Police brought the statistic that so far in 2018, there have been 98 drug overdose deaths in Davidson County alone. “But even just one would be too much,” he said.

All of those around the table agreed that a community-wide effort is needed, with all shoulders to the wheel and everyone concerned helping. “Drug abuse is preventable, if we all come together and help. We all have resources and we all have needs, let’s work together in this fight,” said Rev. Fesler.

In 1987, the United Nations established the International Day with resolution 42/112. Their very next resolution, 42/113 stated that the UN General Assembly, “…Taking into account the need to reaffirm the effectiveness of human, moral and spiritual values for preventing the consumption of narcotic drugs, at the national and international levels, through information, guidance and educational activities… Calls upon the Governments of countries facing problems of drug abuse, particularly those most seriously affected, as part of their national strategy, to take the necessary measures to reduce significantly the illicit demand for drugs and psychotropic substances with the aim of creating in society a deep respect for its own health, fitness and well-being and to provide appropriate information and advice for all sectors of their communities with regard to drug abuse, its harmful effects and the way in which appropriate community action can be promoted.”

DFT is the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, which is based in Los Angeles and has as its mission to educate people about the dangerous effects of drugs so they understand and can make informed choices on the subject. Rev. Fesler says, “There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on drugs, drugs impact all our lives in one way or another. That’s why we work with others so people can get a complete overview.” For more information on Drug-Free Tennessee, visit drugfreetn.org.

Church of Scientology Showcases Best Practices for Sustainability

The Church of Scientology in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee observed World Environment Day with a Sustainable Living Conference.

According to Global News, “The fashion industry is the world’s second-largest polluter, after oil. That means even if you’re diligent about correctly separating your recycling, put solar panels on your roof and collect rainwater, and strictly buy local, organic produce, you’re inherently implicit in fashion’s shameful truth just by getting dressed every morning.” To combat pollution and enlighten people on the best sustainable living practices, the Nashville Church of Scientology, in partnership with the Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, just held a Sustainable Living Conference on World Environment Day. 

The conference began with a keynote speech on sustainable fashion by Elisabeth Donaldson of 365 Days of Thrift. She covered why thrifting is important for sustainability and the facts of how the fashion industry harms the environment. This was followed by an Eco Conscious Panel discussion with Homesteading Hero Janelle Hillman, high style thrift blogger Audrey Rhodes, and CEO of New Frontier Tiny Homes David Lattimer. Following the panel discussion was a fashion show featuring all thrifted clothing, arranged by stylist and thrift blogger Tori Beth.

World Environment Day occurs each year on June 5th and is celebrated by the United Nations. According to unep.org, World Environment Day “…has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.”

The Way to Happiness Association was formed around the book The Way To Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. The book is filled with twenty-one precepts based on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others. One of these precepts is “Safeguard and Improve the Environment,” which takes to heart care for the planet. Donaldson pointed out other precepts that also encourage good behavior such as “Set a Good Example,” and “Take Care of Yourself.”

For more information about the Church of Scientology or its programs, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.