New Las Vegas Church of Scientology: Open for Everyone

(Las Vegas Review Journal, 16 March 2010) With its dedication of the new Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Las Vegas last month, the Church of Scientology International is poised to assume a higher profile in Southern Nevada than it has during its 40-year-long presence here.

Tommy Davis, spokesman for the Church of Scientology International, notes the Las Vegas center is the eighth new church the denomination has opened in the past 12 months, and that more than a dozen others are scheduled to open this year.

The churches are part of Scientology ecclesiastical leader David Miscavige’s goal of establishing “very public, open churches” where those who aren’t familiar with Scientology may learn about it, Davis says.

“It’s just really going out there and saying: ‘Here we are. This is what we believe. Come in and see for yourself and make your own decision,’ ” he says.

The new church, at 2761 Emerson Ave. — formerly the home of Congregation Ner Tamid — now serves as Scientology’s Southern Nevada home. Church spokeswoman Jessica Feshbach estimates that the local church has “a couple thousand members.”

The Las Vegas facility also is designated as a “celebrity center,” the church’s name for facilities that are designed to serve the needs of performers and artists through specialized classes and such amenities as private entrances. Celebrity centers are, the church says, a product of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s high regard for artists and the role they play in society.

For nonmembers, the church’s most prominent feature is a public information center that features audiovisual displays, films and other aids that tell of the church, its history and beliefs, and its work in such areas as promoting human rights and combating substance abuse.

The 40,000-square-foot church also houses a chapel where Sunday services and such activities as weddings are held. Feshbach says Sunday sermons typically revolve around Hubbard’s writings, lectures, and audiotaped and videotaped messages .

There is a facility for “purification rundowns,” which are vitamin, exercise and sauna regimens members take to rid their bodies of toxins and drugs which, Hubbard believed, impede mental and spiritual growth.

And, there are study rooms where members take classes to learn about Hubbard’s work.

Davis says the cost of courses — which cover such topics as child-raising, communication and personal values and integrity — typically range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on a course’s intensity and length.

The center also is equipped with counseling rooms, where members participate in a process called auditing, a form of spiritual counseling. During auditing, members seek to uncover unconscious memories that, Scientologists believe, prevent a person from realizing his or her full potential.

Such memories are uncovered using a device called an E-meter. It is, Davis says, “a fundamental principle of our religion, which is largely a scientific concept, that thoughts have actual mass or weight.” The E-meter, in conjunction with an auditor’s questioning, reveal physiological reactions “just below their level of awareness” that, with the help of a counselor, a person may eliminate.

However, it’s also a key tenet of Scientology that “nobody is telling you, ever, what’s wrong with you,” Davis adds. “You’re being assisted in discovering for yourself what is troubling you.”

“The entire concept, if you want to talk about fundamental religious belief, is we believe that the individual is an eternal spiritual being whose capabilities are infinite but not fully realized,” Davis says.

The facility also contains a library that is open for use by the public.

Davis says there are no charges for people to attend Sunday services, use the library or partake of other such services. The church doesn’t require that people officially become a member to utilize its offerings.

“There isn’t a conversion process in Scientology — ‘Oh, now you’re converted,’ ” he explains. “If you want to call yourself a Scientologist, more power to you. You can choose to join the International Association of Scientology and be a card-carrying member if you want, but that’s not a requisite to participating in our services, it’s not a requisite to participate in auditing or training, or to go to Sunday services. Anybody is welcome. The whole idea is to have the tools.” (Las Vegas Review Journal)

David Miscavige Opens New Church of Scientology in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (6 Feb 2010)-Fifteen hundred Scientologists and their guests from across Nevada and the Western United States gathered Saturday for the grand opening celebration of the new Church of Scientology of Las Vegas. The 40,000-square-foot Church, located at 2761 Emerson Avenue, will serve parishioners from throughout Nevada and represents significant growth for the congregation formed in Las Vegas 40 years ago.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, presided at the evening dedication ceremony, welcoming the assembled Scientologists and guests to their new Church. He was enthusiastically acknowledged by those in attendance for dedicating the Las Vegas Church and for his instrumental role in making it possible.

Special guests participating in the dedication of the new Church included United States Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Las Vegas City Council member Steven Ross, and Las Vegas Neighborhood Services Department specialist and mayor's representative to the Community Interfaith Council Maria Castillo-Couch.

In welcoming the parishioners and guests, Mr. Miscavige said, "You don't get much closer to the spirit of what we represent than a city that rests on the dreams of artists and treats everybody as somebody. So, yes, we have opened new Churches in cultural epicenters before. But talk about 'Center Stage Planet Earth.' This one stands in a town so bright you can even see it glowing from deep space. And now it's home to our newest Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Las Vegas."

The Mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman, welcomed the new Church: "Artistic creativity not only transforms the way a city is perceived, but the way its residents think of themselves. It changes their entire outlook and attitude towards life itself. That is where you play an especially vital role. Therefore as the mayor of the fastest-growing city, I look forward to partnering with you as the fastest-growing religion."

In her address, Congresswoman Berkley acknowledged the human rights initiatives of the Church: "It is more than encouraging to find your members moving effectively among Las Vegas families, school groups, youth organizations, and other community-based organizations, to provide effective human rights education. It is through such effective community involvement and contribution that the Church of Scientology will continue to strengthen this nation and build a worldwide foundation for peace."

Talking about the new Church, Mr. Miscavige said that Celebrity Centres are those special Churches of Scientology designed to enhance a culture by enhancing the artist.

"The first of this new breed was opened only just last year in Nashville-otherwise known as Music City, USA," he said. "But as your honorable Mayor pointed out, what plays in this city now plays in every other cultural capital on earth.

"And even more than that-and with all due respect to your Mayor's modesty-it's not a London, a Paris, a Tokyo, Milan or New York that tops the résumé of international performers these days. No, it's the fact one can say: 'I do Las Vegas, which is Show Town planet Earth.'

"So, yes-and unquestionably-when L. Ron Hubbard spoke of 'art as viewed by people, heard by people and felt by people, because art is not just the fodder of a close-knit group of initiates but the soul food of all people...' he might well have been speaking of what this city represents as a worldwide capital of art and entertainment-a place where big shows qualify as an 'act of God' and there are no words for 'over the top,' so long as people are enthralled," Mr. Miscavige continued.

"All of which is why it's more than a little significant that we now cut a ribbon on an Ideal Organization that embodies what else LRH said about art-and I quote:

"'A culture is only as great as its dreams and its dreams are dreamed by artists.'

"But still that's not all this new Ideal Organization represents. Because as an Ideal Church of Scientology, it's amply equipped to embrace everyone else who makes up this culture. Those in the wings of every performance, those who service, care for, prop up and cater to every entertainer-as they, too, are Las Vegas, so this Church is also theirs. And the same again for everyone else who pumps the lifeblood through this city: Its technicians, its teachers, its cops, its cooks, its managers and professionals of every description-what this Church affords is likewise theirs for the asking.

"So if drug abuse and addiction plagues every showbiz palace, then spills out all over the streets-this Church can make a difference," he said. "In point of fact, you have our anti-drug programs that routinely knock down usage rates 40, 50 and 60 percent wherever they play. Then again, if there are kids out there who will never come close to achieving any meaningful goal for the simple fact they cannot read and cannot study, we have a technology that just as routinely raises literacy rates two and three grade levels in a matter of weeks. And if there are households out there in discord and contentious rifts in the neighborhoods, you have our common sense guide to living, The Way to Happiness. And wherever else social fabrics fray and citizens fall through the safety net, this Church is here to help."

Set on five acres of desert landscape, the former synagogue and school has undergone extensive renovation to accommodate all Scientology religious services and also serve as a home for the community services the Church provides through the many activities and humanitarian programs of its members.

An expansive Public Information Center houses a permanent multimedia exhibit describing the Church's beliefs and practices and the life and legacy of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Displays also cover the Church-sponsored humanitarian and social betterment programs that offer practical answers to the societal ills of crime, drug abuse, illiteracy, declining moral values and natural and man-made disasters. These programs represent the work of the Church of Scientology in servicing every community in which they reside as well as other communities around the world.

There is also a Chapel for Sunday services, weddings, naming ceremonies and other congregational gatherings including workshops and seminars for artists; spiritual counseling rooms; course rooms for religious study; seminar rooms; a bookstore containing the written and spoken materials of L. Ron Hubbard; and Community Relations offices and meeting rooms to coordinate social betterment programs with like-minded organizations in the community. There are spacious lounges and a central courtyard to serve as a gathering place for artists and community visitors, in keeping with the unique purpose of a Scientology Celebrity Centre to help the artist and thereby benefit the culture as a whole.

In closing the dedication ceremony, Mr. Miscavige spoke of the significance for Las Vegas of the new Church: "Yours is a city that rose out of sand to become an artistic empire and inspire the world. As such, it really is a place of dreams-and extravagant dreams at that. So as we, too, know what it means to build upon a dream, let this new Church of Scientology signify the fact we believe in your artists, we respect the audacity of your vision-and together, we can light up this city so brightly, it will shine unto eternity."

Accompanied by local Scientologists who spearheaded the drive to build the new Church, Mr. Miscavige cut the ribbon and invited all to enter.

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Las Vegas is the third new Church of Scientology opened in 2010 and the eighth in the past year. The Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe was opened on January 23. The Church of Scientology of Quebec was dedicated on January 30 by Mr. Miscavige, the first new major Church to open in Canada. In October 2009, Mr. Miscavige dedicated two major Churches: the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, and the Church of Scientology of Rome. In April 2009, he officiated at the openings of Scientology Churches in Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Malmo, Sweden.

These Churches join the roster of new Churches of Scientology in the world's cultural capitals, including the National Church of Scientology of Spain in Madrid's Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, California, in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of London, England, located in the epicenter of the city; and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, Germany, near the Brandenburg Gate.

Another 12 new Churches of Scientology are scheduled for completion before the end of the year.

David Miscavige Opens New Church of Scientology in Quebec, Canada

QUEBEC CITY. Fifteen hundred Scientologists and their guests from across Canada and the United States packed the street in front of 665 rue Saint-Joseph in the heart of the Nouvo Saint-Roch district of Lower Quebec City to attend the opening of the Church of Scientology of Quebec/Eglise de Scientologie de Quebec on Saturday.

The opening of the 47,000-square-foot Church, which will serve parishioners from throughout the province, represents significant growth for the congregation, which was formed in Quebec 35 years ago.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, presided at the dedication ceremony, welcoming the assembled Scientologists and guests to the new Church. His introduction was met with prolonged and enthusiastic ovation in appreciation of his presence in Quebec and his instrumental role in making possible the opening of this new Church and all it represents for the future of Scientologists in Canada.

As Mr. Miscavige stated, "This new breed of Church is all in preparation for much more to come in the future. Well, that future is upon us now."

The Quebec Church marks the beginning of a major Scientology expansion across Canada, with new Churches to be opened in Montreal, Quebec; Kitchener, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and a full renovation of the Church of Scientology in Toronto. Also on the horizon, on 190 acres just outside Toronto, is the Scientology Advanced Organization for Canadian parishioners and Canada's Continental Liaison Office to coordinate Scientology expansion and social betterment programs across the nation.

Dignitaries participating in the dedication of the new Church included the Honorable Alvin Curling, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and now Senior Fellow at the Center for International Governance for Innovation; the Honorable Pamela Appelt, a judge in the Court of Canadian Citizenship and a patron of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development; and Mr. Alan Stein, noted religious freedom and human rights attorney and professor of law.

In his address, Mr. Curling said, "Let this new home for the Church of Scientology in Quebec be a beacon to all men and women of goodwill - a place where they will always be welcome to work together in helping this world. Bringing together people of goodwill is a hallmark of the Church of Scientology, which is why I celebrate this new Church with you today."

The three-story stone and glass structure spans a city block with distinctive Art Deco façades at the two main entrances. The building has undergone extensive renovation to accommodate all Scientology religious services and also serve as a home for the community services the Church provides through the many activities and humanitarian programs of its members.

An expansive Public Information Center houses a permanent multimedia exhibit describing the Church's beliefs and practices and the life and legacy of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. Displays also cover the Church-sponsored humanitarian and social betterment programs that offer practical answers to the societal ills of crime, drug abuse, illiteracy, declining moral values and natural and manmade disasters. These programs represent the work of the Church of Scientology in servicing every community in which they reside as well as other communities around the world.

There is also a Chapel for Sunday services, weddings, naming ceremonies and other congregational gatherings; spiritual counseling rooms; course rooms for religious study; an event hall and seminar rooms; a bookstore containing the written and spoken materials of L. Ron Hubbard; and Public Affairs offices and meeting rooms to coordinate social betterment programs with like-minded organizations in the community. For the convenience of parishioners and visitors, there is also a café.

In opening the dedication ceremony, Mr. Miscavige noted that the day gave new meaning to Quebec's motto Je me souviens- I remember. In closing, he said, "Let this new Church symbolize the fact that we not only remember Quebec, we shall also never forget our commitment to her people-and all in the spirit of this from L. Ron Hubbard:

"'When you leave here today and walk out into the world, remember the tools of life that you have and your role to use them to help your fellows.'"

Accompanied by Scientologists from Quebec who led the drive to build the new Church, Mr. Miscavige cut the ribbon and invited all to enter.

___________________________

The Quebec Church is the second new Church of Scientology opened this month and the seventh in the past year. The Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe was dedicated on 23 January 2010. In October 2009, Mr. Miscavige dedicated two major new Churches: the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, and the Church of Scientology of Rome. In April 2009, he dedicated new Scientology Churches in Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and in Malmo, Sweden.

These Churches join the roster of new Churches of Scientology opened in the world's cultural capitals, including the National Church of Scientology of Spain in Madrid's Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, California, in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of London, England, located in the epicenter of the city; and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, Germany, near the Brandenburg Gate.

An additional two Churches of Scientology are scheduled for ribbon cutting in February 2010, with another 12 new Churches of Scientology scheduled for completion before the end of the year.