Scientology Nashville Teams Up With General Hospital for Red Ribbon Week

The last week of October is Red Ribbon Week, a time to educate young people about the dangers of drugs.

The Church of Scientology Nashville in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee and Nashville’s General Hospital held health screenings, drug prevention and education activities during Red Ribbon Week, a national initiative to promote drug prevention and awareness.

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 teamed up with Drug-Free Tennessee to bring the truth about drugs to young people during Red Ribbon Week while also promoting healthy living through free health screenings of glucose, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure.

“Not only did we get so much valuable information, we also were able to learn about our own personal health [at the workshop],” remarked Christine G., one attendee.

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.

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.

Scientology Nashville Commemorates Religious Freedom Day with Educational Seminar

The Church of Scientology Nashville held a special service to observe Religious Freedom Day and educate all attendees on the importance of the 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 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, students and community members were invited to come to Sunday Service where Rev. Fesler delivered a special seminar noting the importance of religious freedom.

The Nashville Church of Scientology always opens its doors to curious visitors since it opened in the historic Fall School in 2009. 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.

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.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Visit Glencliff United Methodist Church

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 Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The October meeting was held at the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, where RCC members received a tour and heard about the practices of Hinduism and were even able to observe worship services in the sanctuary. In November, the Nashville RCC chapter plans to visit Glencliff United Methodist Church, where parishioners are involved in a tiny homes project to help the homeless community.

Just over two years ago, Mayor David Briley joined Glencliff United Methodist Church and Open Table Nashville for the groundbreaking of the tiny home village which would help the least of these have a transitional place to live to break the cycle of homelessness. Now, RCC members are looking forward to seeing the progress that has been made in the Glencliff community.

“We are so excited to visit the church and see all that they are doing for the community,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

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. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Tennessee Human Rights Day to Focus on Suffrage

The Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day will take place on December 10^th from 5-7pm in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tennesseans will gather on December 10^th to celebrate International Human Rights Day. During the event, leaders are acknowledged, and awards will go to human rights champions in three categories: Rising Advocate, Outstanding Service and Lifetime Achievement.

The planning committee has just announced the theme of the 2019 event to be “Vote on Purpose: The Communal Impact of One Vote,” and will focus on the 100 year anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement and how voter’s rights impact all other human rights.

Past human rights award recipients have included the Rev. Bill Barnes, John Seigenthaler, Avi Poster, Remziya Suleyman, Justin Jones and others. The complete list of honorees can be found at www.nashvillehumanrights.org/past-award-recipients/

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

“Human Rights Day gives the community a chance to acknowledge advocates and leaders while also learning more about what human rights really mean for all people,” says planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology in Nashville.

The event will also have speakers, entertainment and various exhibits from human rights organizations. All information regarding the event can be found on the website www.nashvillehumanrights.org.  

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple

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 Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities. 

The October meeting was held at the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, where RCC members received a tour and heard about the practices of Hinduism and were even able to observe worship services in the sanctuary. 

According to the Sri Ganesha Temple website, “Sri Ganesha Temple was built to provide a place for cultural, educational, and spiritual activities related to Hinduism, to promote inter religious, social, and cultural understanding, and to support humanitarian causes.” The history of Hindus in Tennessee began when some of the new immigrants to Nashville realized that they were not returning to mother India, and thought about the need for a strong religious and cultural center that would promote their rich heritage, and expose their children to Hindu Culture. 

Sri Ganesha Temple was officially opened on April 14, 1985 with Sri Muthu Krishna Gurukkal as the first priest.

“It’s always special when a faith tradition opens their doors to help others learn more about them,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “Prejudice cannot live when you understand your fellows, and understanding comes from looking for yourself.”  

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. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Scientology Nashville Promotes Drug-Free Healthy Living for Red Ribbon Week

The last week of October is Red Ribbon Week, a time to educate young people about the dangers of drugs.

The Church of Scientology Nashville in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee will hold health screenings, drug prevention and education activities during Red Ribbon Week, a national initiative to promote drug prevention and awareness.

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 while also promoting healthy living through free health screenings. Free health screenings will take place on Sunday, October 27^th at the Nashville Church on 8^th Avenue South. For more information, contact media@drugfreesouth.org.

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.

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.