Pastor of Nashville Church of Scientology Recognized by Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee

In a recent ceremony by the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the pastor of the Church of Scientology was granted the William D. Boyce New Unit Organizer Award for creating and hosting a new Cub Scout troop for students in area schools.

The award, named after the founder of the Boy Scouts of America, was presented in a private ceremony at the end of February. Fesler said, “It’s important to my church to help the Boy Scouts. The founder of our religion was a scout himself and always spoke highly of scouting, so we welcomed this opportunity to continue the work for future generations.”

Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard joined the Boy Scouts while living in Washington State in April 1923. As a member of Tacoma Troop 31, he became a Second Class Scout on May 8th and two months later, on July 5th, he advanced to First Class Scout. In March of 1924, he became America’s youngest Eagle Scout.

“Of all of the various information which became important to me,” wrote Hubbard, “such as photography, wood lore, signaling and many other subjects, the basis of it was laid in Scouting.” Hubbard credited the skills he learned in Scouting with helping him survive his military duties in World War II.

L. Ron Hubbard’s 105th birthday was celebrated in Nashville by area Scientologists on March 13. To learn more about L. Ron Hubbard and his work visit www.lronhubbard.org. For more information about the Church of Scientology and its work in the community, visit www.scientology.org. 

Belgium Court Hands Down Monumental Victory for Scientology

In a complete vindication of the Scientology religion and Scientologists, presiding judge rules that entire case was a “serious and irremediable breach of the right to a fair trial.”

The Church of Scientology of Belgium and Scientologists everywhere salute today’s decision by the 69th Trial Chamber of the Brussels Criminal Court, which upheld the rights of Scientologists to practice their religion and unequivocally rejected the prosecution’s false allegations and fatally flawed and biased case.

“Justice prevailed again for Scientologists today,” said Rev. Eric Roux, Church spokesman in Belgium. “This is a very good day for justice and human rights in Belgium, and a relief for Belgian Scientologists unduly prosecuted for two decades. The Court put an end to 18 years of prejudice against the Church of Scientology and its members and strongly stated that Scientology should not be treated differently than other religions. With this decision, the Belgian judge expressed that any discrimination by the prosecutor’s office based on religious grounds cannot be tolerated in a state that abides by the rule of law.”

The Court categorically and emphatically dismissed all charges against two Churches of Scientology and eleven individual defendants while upholding the fundamental human rights of the Church and its members. The watershed decision rejects the biased charges brought by the prosecutor against the Church and its officials, and brings 18 years of religious discrimination fueled by investigative actions taken in bad faith by the prosecutor in this case to a complete halt. The decision makes it clear that the evidence does not support the prosecutor’s biased view of the case against the religion, the Church and its adherents. Justice and the rule of law have prevailed in Belgium.

Presiding judge Yves Regiment noted that Belgian authorities had unfairly hounded the Church of Scientology for years stating: “The entire proceedings are declared inadmissible for a serious and irremediable breach of the right to a fair trial.”​

The Trial Court reached the same unequivocal conclusion as the Highest Courts in Italy, the United Kingdom and Australia as well as judicial and administrative bodies in many countries: that Scientology should not be treated differently than other religions, and that basing prosecution on religious beliefs is a violation of human rights. This is the underlying principle that drives the decision and which was ignored by the prosecution.

The Church of Scientology, founded in 1954, has millions of members in more than 180 countries. Its first Church in Belgium was established in 1974. The Church sponsors numerous social betterment campaigns, including its drug prevention campaign, its initiative for the betterment of the moral values beneficial to the individual and his family, its action to end psychiatric abuses, its human rights education program and its literacy campaigns.

Drug-Free South Working to Thwart Drug Usage

Drug-Free South hit the streets in Nashville this past weekend, distributing copies of the Truth About Drugs in the busy downtown district.

With Metro Social Services recently releasing its 7th annual Community Needs Evaluation, several statistics stood out. But one in particular spoke to the Tennessee Chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (DFW): that drug overdoses are a leading cause of death in Tennessee, with over 1,100 in 2013 alone—surpassing murder, suicide and motor vehicle accidents.

So it was that the Drug-Free South took it upon themselves to hit the streets and distribute copies of the “Truth About Drugs” booklet to people Downtown near the Cumberland River this past weekend. 

Regional coordinator for DFW, Rev. Brian Fesler, said, “Everyone can benefit from learning the truth about drugs, because everyone is affected by this drug epidemic – either personally becoming a victim to drug abuse or by knowing someone who has.”

The “Truth About Drugs” booklets cover all basic side effects of drugs, common street names, and how to recognize when you are being persuaded by a dealer. To learn more or order booklets, visit drugfreesouth.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Discusses Roles of Women

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council holds bi-monthly meetings to discuss hot topics and have deep discussions on what is happening in the world today.

What role do women play in religion? This was the topic of discussion as the Religion Communicators Council met on International Women’s Day for its bi-monthly meeting, “Building Bridges Over Bagels,” in Nashville, Tenn.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is the longest running interfaith communications organization in the United States, and has chapters across the country that meet regularly to 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.  

When the Nashville RCC chapter met recently, its president, Rev. Brian Fesler, had the group look at various news items and asked the attendees to vote on which they would take up to discuss at the meeting. The topic chosen: International Women’s Day, and the role of women in religion.

Each person discussed how their faith tradition has honored women or spoke of the women of great influence on their faith, then went further into discussing women of influence in other faith traditions that were not represented, such as women founders of more modern religions.

The meeting took place at the Baha’i Faith Community Center on Bell Road. Recent past meetings have been at the Church of Scientology, Islamic Center of Nashville and United Methodist Communications. The next meeting location will be announced on the Nashville RCC website, and takes place on May 10^th at 8:30am. For more information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.

The Way to Happiness Association Thrilled About Upcoming ‘Green It Up’ Event

The Way to Happiness Association is observing World Environment Day on June 2nd with a networking event on behalf of the environment.

The Way to Happiness Association is planning an event for World Environment Day called “It’s Your City – Green it Up,” to be held on June 2nd. Organizers say that this initiative will bring people together that care about the environment so they can connect and can do bigger things together.

The Way to Happiness Association was formed around the book of the same name, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. The Way to Happiness (TWTH) 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 the care for the planet. In applying this precept, the local Association has organized cleanup projects of all sorts, and now the local chapter wants to branch out and include all environmental organizations in a discussion to make an even bigger impact.

World Environment Day occurs each year on June 5th and is celebrated by the United Nations. Last year, the worldwide theme for the day was “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care.” 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.”

“Green it Up” will take place on June 2nd at 4:00 pm in the community hall of the Nashville Church of Scientology. For more information or to participate, contact Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600.

Drug-Free South Excited for Upcoming Community Fitness Fair

The Drug-Free South is working on a Community Fitness Fair for World Health Day in early April, 2016.

Drug-Free South works to educate people, and primarily youth, on the dangers of abuse and addiction. On April 8^th, it will participate in a health and fitness fair in honor of World Health Day.

“Shape Up and Be Happy: A Community Fitness Fair” will be held in the community room of the Nashville Church of Scientology. Organizers for the event are excited to give people a better understanding of how to take care of themselves. According to Nashville.gov, the city faces statistics such as 36 percent of its youth being obese or overweight, and according to America’s Health Rankings, Tennessee is ranked 43 on the list for overall health.

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology, says this has to change. “There is a definite need in our community for proper education on how to be healthy, eat right and stay fit,” he says, “This fair will bring in a panel of speakers who can help with this.”

Organizers are bringing together experts for a panel discussion on nutrition, exercise, community gardening and more; there will be information booths with tips on eating right and healthy living; and healthy refreshments will be available to attendees. The general public is invited to participate and organizations requesting booth space should contact Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600.

For more information on the Drug-Free South, visit drugfreesouth.org. For more on the Church of Scientology or its programs, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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