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.

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

The Church of Scientology Nashville is planning 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 is now planning the third annual observance of International Religious Freedom Day with a special service on the 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 is inviting 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.

The Church’s Sunday service is open to all people and consists 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 Scientology religious artifact, 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.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Visit Islamic Center of Tennessee

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 September meeting was held at the Islamic Center of Tennessee, where RCC members received a tour and heard about the history of the Muslim community in the area.

According to its website, “the Islamic Center of Tennessee (ICT) was established in 2010 with the goal of educating both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Middle Tennessee.” Located in Antioch, a community southeast of Nashville, the Carmike Bell Forge Theater was purchased with money raised from the local community and transformed into the Islamic Center of Tennessee.  As the largest Islamic Center in Middle Tennessee, ICT strives to provide unprecedented and professional Islamic and educational services to its parishioners. As the newest and most diverse community in Nashville, ICT aims to unite Muslims upon the true teachings of tolerance and peace from the Qu’ran and Sunnah.

“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.

2018 Year in Review - Religion Communicators Council, Nashville Chapter

The Religion Communicators Council is an interfaith communications organization working to promote peace and fellowship while spreading the good news.

The longest running interfaith communications organization in the United States, the Religion Communicators Council (RCC), has chapters across the country that meet regularly and promote “excellence in the communication of religious faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups,” according to the RCC website.

In Nashville, the RCC Chapter meets every other month to promote its ideals through conversations about what is in the news and how to spread more religious messages – the good news—a tradition that began this year. “People of faith have influence,” says Board Member of the Nashville Chapter, Julie Brinker, who also does community relations with the Church of Scientology, “We all need to step out and speak up because the good news, of which there is an abundance, tends to be overshadowed.”

The chapter had a busy year, hearing from religion reporters to video producers. The first meeting was with Holly Meyer of the Tennessean, who gave the group tips on best practices for religious reporting. Next, RCC heard from Adovcate Market Research who showcased innovative ways to help know one’s audience so a message can truly get across.

The following month, the chapter heard from Sophia Agtarap of Vanderbilt Divinity School who specializes in storytelling in digital media. After that, members were treated to a discussion on video production and how this helps communicate a message in today’s world.

To round out the year, Lori Whitbey of Schneider Electric, gave a talk about strategic marketing to make it easy and an approachable subject.

Nashville’s RCC chapter is preparing for an even greater 2019 with engaging meeting topics and professional development presentations. RCC is open to members from all denominations, and the Nashville group includes Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Hindus and more.  For further information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.

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.

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. 

Nashville Church of Scientology Hosts World Interfaith Harmony Service

The Church of Scientology in Nashville is opening its doors to all religious communities for a special service in observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Hate graffiti, death threats, and violence toward people of religion have become recurrent mainstream news. Even as of January 9^th, the Washington Post reports that the “FBI is looking into bomb threats at Jewish centers in the United States...”

“In order to truly combat religious discrimination in this day and age, we have to come together and learn about the religious other,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, Pastor of the Church of Scientology, who has called together people of many different faiths and cultures to take part in a service for World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Rev. Fesler is passionate about bringing together all peoples and has reached out to many different faith leaders for this special service. “Everyone, regardless of their race, religion, culture—everyone deserves to have a voice, to live in peace, and to practice their religion in harmony with the rest of mankind,” he says.

The Church of Scientology’s creed begins with the words: “We of the Church believe that all men of whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights; that all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance…”   

“It is part of our very fabric to support others’ rights and abilities to practice their religion in peace, so that is what we are lifting up through this service,” says Rev. Fesler.

The World Interfaith Harmony Service will take place on February 1, 2017 from 4:30 – 6:30pm in the Church of Scientology community hall in Nashville, Tenn. Participating religious peoples include Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Scientologists and more.

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

2015 Year in Review - Religion Communicators Council Promotes Good News

The Religion Communicators Council is an interfaith communications organization working to promote peace and fellowship while spreading the good news.

The longest running interfaith communications organization in the United States, the Religion Communicators Council (RCC), has chapters across the country that meet regularly and promote “excellence in the communication of religious faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups,” according to the RCC website.

In Nashville, the RCC Chapter meets every other month to promote its ideals through conversations about what is in the news and how to spread more religious messages – the good news—a tradition that began this year. “People of faith have influence,” says president of the Nashville Chapter, Rev. Brian Fesler, who pastors the Church of Scientology, “We all need to step out and speak up because the good news, of which there is an abundance, tends to be overshadowed.”

The chapter began the year hearing from Mohamed Shukri-Hassan, the Program Director for the American Muslim Advisory Council and member of the Mayor's New Americans Advisory Council, who described programs both organizations are doing to help promote understanding and tolerance, a timely message.  Next RCC members visited Ibis Communications where they met and heard from MaryAnne Howland, its president and founder. Howland described how the name Ibis comes from the bird of wisdom, as she described her commitment to serving organizations of goodwill.

The next visit for the chapter was to the American Center for Outreach where members had a chance to talk with and learn from Paul Galloway, the organizations new director. The American Center for Outreach is a non-profit organization formed to address bigoted legislation at the State Capitol, mainly against the Muslim population.

RCC members were glad to learn about ways to care for the environment on World Environment Day at the Church of Scientology, where guest speakers discussed neighborhood community gardens and best practices for planting trees.  Following this meeting, the RCC co-hosted an event for International Friendship Day, also at the Church of Scientology, where a diverse crowd discussed stereotypes and ways to overcome them. 

Following Friendship Day, the RCC executive board met and decided to change the focus of meetings to be more interactive for members. Thus the group introduced a new bi-monthly breakfast meeting where the RCC could take up hot topics in the news, fellowship, and discuss promoting tolerance and peace among all peoples. They were able to hold two such meetings this year, first at United Methodist Communications, then at the Islamic Center of Nashville.

Nashville’s RCC chapter is preparing for an even greater 2016 with its new style of meetings taking center stage to help members learn new ways to promote the good word. RCC is open to members from all denominations, and the Nashville group includes Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Hindus and more.  For further information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.

Church of Scientology Hosts Interreligious Forum in Honor of Friendship Day

Nashville Church of Scientology celebrates International Day of Friendship by hosting a forum dedicated to religious tolerance.

A newly released brochure, Scientology: How We Help—United for Human Rights, Making Human Rights a Global Reality, details human rights work done by the Church of Scientology to assist politicians, governments, community activists, schools and religious groups across the world. The brochure further details how communities are using the United for Human Rights program to educate young and old alike on basic rights to which everyone is entitled.

Nashville Church of Scientology Pastor, Rev. Brian Fesler says, “Education is the first step.  People have to know their rights and know that ‘human rights’ as a topic even exists before they can do anything effective about it.”  

In observance of the United Nations’ Friendship Day, The Church hosted leaders from across Tennessee for a discussion about how to create religious tolerance throughout the state. “Intolerance and discrimination are a problem in Tennessee, and it will take all of us working together to bring about change,” says Rev. Fesler.

Specific instances of religious intolerance have been directed toward the Muslim community in areas such as Murfreesboro and Columbia, Tennessee.  The group that visited the Church for Friendship Day is working on a project to combat bigotry toward that community.

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities, according to un.org. It is in this spirit that group gathered to discuss ways to create peace and unity.

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.

Church of Scientology Introduces Human Rights Education for Friendship Day

Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”

A newly released brochure, Scientology: How We Help—United for Human Rights, Making Human Rights a Global Reality, details human rights work done by the Church of Scientology to assist politicians, governments, community activists, schools and religious groups across the world. The brochure further details how communities are using the United for Human Rights program to educate young and old alike on basic rights to which everyone is entitled.

Nashville Church of Scientology Pastor, Rev. Brian Fesler says, “Education is the first step.  People have to know their rights and know that ‘human rights’ as a topic even exists before they can do anything effective about it.”  That is why the Church is hosting a forum in honor of Friendship Day where human rights will be discussed and action steps taken.

The Church is hosting leaders from across Tennessee for a discussion about how to create religious tolerance throughout the state.

“Intolerance and discrimination are a problem in Tennessee, and it will take all of us working together to bring about change,” says Rev. Fesler.

Specific instances of religious intolerance have been directed toward the Muslim community in areas such as Murfreesboro and Columbia, Tennessee.  The group visiting the Church on Friendship Day is working on a project called “Our Muslim Neighbor,” which was created in an effort to combat bigotry toward that community.

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities, according to un.org. It is in this spirit that the group will gather and discuss ways to create peace and unity.

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.