Tag Archives: religious freedom

Religious Freedom: A Fundamental Human Right at Risk for 80 Percent of the World’s Population

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- "The challenges to religious freedom across the globe are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched," said U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken in a statement January 4. "But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality." It is just such a sustained commitment that informed the annual IRF Summit January 30 and 31, 2024. The Church of Scientology supports and participates in the annual summit and programs that protect and advance this vital freedom for all.

This year's Summit was cochaired by Ambassador Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom (2018-2021), and Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice and former chair and vice-chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, bipartisan U.S. Government commission established to monitor religious freedom abroad.

The Summit featured 169 speakers representing more than 30 unique faith traditions. Some 1,500 religious freedom proponents of diverse cultural backgrounds and political perspectives from 41 countries participated.

"The IRF Summit is a gathering of people from around the world that really seek the same thing," said Ambassador Brownback in a video on the IRF Summit website. "Religious freedom for everyone, everywhere, all the time."

"Those of us who are fortunate enough to have that freedom as just a natural birthright, we really have a moral duty to act on behalf of those who are struggling for something that we take for granted every day," said Dr. Lantos Swett.

"Our failure to pay attention to religious freedom paves the way for atrocities," said human rights advocate, D.C.-based attorney Nury Turkel, current chair of the USCIRF.

The IRF Summit Charter, established in July 2021, holds that "every government, every religious community, and every political and civil society organization in the world should strive toward the goal of achieving freedom of religion and conscience, for everyone, everywhere - protected in law and valued by culture."

The Summit is dedicated to growing a powerful coalition of organizations that operate together to promote religious freedom around the world and increase public awareness and political strength for the international religious freedom movement.

"This summit provides a voice to those who are silenced at a time when virtually every faith is under attack somewhere in the world," said Rev. Olivia McDuff, public affairs staff at the Church of Scientology International. "Support of religious freedom for all is enshrined in the Creed of the Church of Scientology, written by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. It affirms that 'all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance.'"

In a world where conflicts are often traceable to intolerance of others' religious beliefs and practices, the Church of Scientology has, for more than 50 years, made the preservation of religious liberty an overriding concern.

Watch the Creed of the Church of Scientology on the Scientology Network. For more information on the advocacy of the Church of Scientology for the freedom of religion or belief of all, visit your nearest Church of Scientology, the Church of Scientology religious freedom website, its religious freedom blog, or download a copy of the booklet "What is Freedom of Religion," published by the Church of Scientology International.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/blog/

https://www.scientology.tv/series/scientology-principles/the-creed-of-the-church-of-scientology.html

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/scientology-principles/the-creed-of-the-church-of-scientology.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/scientology-principles/the-creed-of-the-church-of-scientology.html

"The challenges to religious freedom across the globe are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched," said U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken in a statement January 4. "But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality." It is just such a sustained commitment that informed the annual IRF Summit January 30 and 31, 2024. The Church of Scientology supports and participates in the annual summit and programs that protect and advance this vital freedom for all.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Faith Leaders Learn to Help Others with Scientology Tools for Life

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Volunteer Ministers Canadian Continental Cavalcade and the Church of Scientology of Cambridge, Ontario, hosted an interfaith forum with members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Those attending were introduced to the Volunteer Ministers program and the 19 Scientology Tools for Life.

The Scientology religion offers practical solutions to help improve conditions in life. In 1973, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard directed this technology to be made available for the training of Volunteer Ministers to enable them to confront "the pain, evil and injustice of existence," and gain the ability "to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

Those attending the seminar logged on to the free online Scientology Tools for Life course on the Scientology website and enrolled on the Technology of Study Course. Volunteer Ministers were on hand to help them master the principles and gain skill in their application.

The ability to learn is, of course, the cornerstone of the Volunteer Ministers program as it makes it possible to learn and apply each of the other skills a Volunteer Minister must master, including how to improve communication, resolve conflicts and relationship problems, raise happy and ethical children, succeed in one's chosen profession or field, and better one's own or others' conditions and circumstances.

Each student was presented a certificate on completing the course.

"Life is evolving," said one participant, "so we need to evolve with it." He realized that the knowledge he gained from the seminar will help him do so.

Another found she already "knew" some of the information in the course, but didn't apply it before. This course helped her understand what she was running into when she had difficulties while studying and how she can overcome them now. This will help her use what she learns from now on.

Many were interested in taking part in additional Tools for Life seminars and inviting their friends and colleagues to join them.

In a lecture in 1950, Mr. Hubbard described the importance of education to the future of the culture, not to mention the bettering of conditions for the individual: "The end and goal of any society, as it addresses the problem of education, is to raise the ability, the initiative and the cultural level and with all these the survival level of that society."

The Church of Scientology Cambridge was dedicated in February 2013 by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige.

Every Church of Scientology is a central point from which the Church's many community and social betterment activities are coordinated. The Church and its members are committed to helping others and so provide assistance through a wide range of activities. In addition to the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, these include anti-drug campaigns, human rights education initiatives, as well as social betterment programs utilizing L. Ron Hubbard's technology for drug rehabilitation, morality,

literacy, and criminal reform.

Churches also serve as central meeting places for parishioners and like-minded community groups with whom Scientologists partner.

From its beginnings, the Church of Scientology has recognized that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. In a world where conflicts are often traceable to intolerance of others' religious beliefs and practices, the Church has, for more than 50 years, made the preservation of religious liberty an overriding concern.

The Church publishes the Scientology Religious Freedom Blog to help create a better understanding of the freedom of religion and belief and provide news on religious freedom and issues affecting this freedom around the world.

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

For more information, visit the Scientology website or Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/blog/

https://www.scientology.tv/series/scientology-principles/the-creed-of-the-church-of-scientology.html

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/scientology-principles/the-creed-of-the-church-of-scientology.html

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/videos/

The Volunteer Ministers Canadian Continental Cavalcade and the Church of Scientology of Cambridge, Ontario, hosted an interfaith forum with members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Those attending were introduced to the Volunteer Ministers program and the 19 Scientology Tools for Life.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Religious Freedom in the Spotlight at a Peace Day Forum at the Church of Scientology

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Religious leaders discuss the importance of tolerance in today's world at a forum at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles. Freedom of religion or belief is often described as the "canary in the coal mine" -- a metaphor for a social issue that predicts danger or disaster. With a recent Pew Research Center study finding government restrictions on religion reaching a record high worldwide, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles marked International Day of Peace with an open house and forum on the importance of tolerance for people of faith.

The program featured religious leaders of several minority faiths whose members have experienced discrimination and worse because of their beliefs.

Speakers were Mr. Shahrooz Ash, trustee of the California Zoroastrian Center and founder of Lord of Wisdom, a cultural and educational organization that promotes Zoroastrian philosophy; Shaykh Qazi Asad, Pakistani-born spiritual leader and the first Islamic chaplain in the L.A. Police Department and L.A. County Sheriff's Department; and Professor Nirinjan Khalsa, executive director of the California Sikh Council, who has served as a commissioner on the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission for more than 18 years.

Each speaker described their own religious beliefs and the importance of religious freedom and tolerance to the adherents of their faiths.

According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, hate crimes in major U.S. cities rose in the first half of 2022 for the third year running.

Results of a poll conducted by the Pearson Institute and The Associated Press National Opinion Research Center for Public Affairs Research, released in October 2022, found that most Americans believe misinformation leads to extreme views including violence based on race, religion or gender.

The Church of Scientology supports United for Human Rights (UHR), a human rights education initiative based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Over the past 20 years, the Church has seen countless instances of increased tolerance and decreased social conflict with the implementation of human rights education. Scientologist Kelley Pomerantz, a United for Human Rights volunteer, introduced those attending the forum to the UHR educational materials.

Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard believed in the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

In appreciation for the work of the Church of Scientology in forwarding these ideals, Mr. Ash presented the Church with a gold pin representing the Cyrus Cylinder.

A human rights documentary that is part of the United for Human Rights educational program describes the significance of the Cyrus Cylinder. After Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 B.C., he freed all slaves and proclaimed that people are free to choose their religion, a revolutionary action. These rights were enshrined in the clay cylinder that was discovered in Babylon in 1879 and now bears his name.

From its beginnings, the Church of Scientology has recognized that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. In a world where conflicts are often traceable to intolerance of others' religious beliefs and practices, the Church has, for more than 50 years, made the preservation of religious liberty an overriding concern.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is designed to provide ideal facilities for Scientologists on their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom and to serve as a home for the entire community--a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations. It was dedicated by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in 2010. To learn more about the Church's many contributions to Los Angeles, visit the new interactive timeline on the Scientology website.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is featured in an episode of Inside Scientology on the Scientology Network, available on DIRECTV channel 320 and streaming at Scientology.tv, through mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.org/our-help-is-yours/

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

https://www.scientologyreligion.org

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/hC0nHBNaqBk

Religious leaders discuss the importance of tolerance in today's world at a forum at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles. Freedom of religion or belief is often described as the "canary in the coal mine" -- a metaphor for a social issue that predicts danger or disaster.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

On World Press Freedom Day: The Importance of Responsible Coverage of Religion

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On World Press Freedom Day May 3, the Church of Scientology emphasizes that with freedom must come responsibility.

As the Washington Post stated in a recent article, we live in "a media environment that thrives on conflict." But when that conflict marginalizes people because of their religion, the consequences can be dire.

The Church of Scientology International publishes a booklet to clarify religious freedom and its ramifications in today's troubled world.

With its purpose to help create a better understanding of the freedom of religion and belief and provide news on religious freedom and issues affecting this freedom around the world, the Scientology Religious Freedom website and its religious freedom blog promote responsible coverage of religion, religious beliefs and practices, and adherents.

For example, the Scientology Religious Freedom Blog covered two recent studies that found nearly 60 percent of print articles and just under half of all television clips in the British media associate Muslims with terrorism or extremism.

But it is not only Muslims who suffer from slanted and biased media coverage. Hate crimes against Christians in 2020 rose 70 percent over the previous year in Britain, Germany, France, Spain and Sweden, and one factor was found to be "a high level of religious illiteracy" among journalists.

In India, mainline and social media is being blamed for anti-Muslim violence.

And this is not just a recent phenomenon. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has documented how media "served as an important tool to win over the majority of the German public who had not supported Adolf Hitler and to push forward the Nazis' radical program, which required the acquiescence, support, or participation of broad sectors of the population."

The Church of Scientology publishes the booklet "What is Freedom of Religion," which can be downloaded from the website. The Church does so because a vital component in preserving this fundamental human right is ensuring an understanding of the right to freedom of religion or belief and its meaning under universal human rights principles and international human rights law.

The booklet is designed to inform the public regarding the detailed and complex nature of the right to freedom of religion for believers and religious organizations of every faith.

An important feature of this booklet, and one particularly relevant to United Nations World Press Freedom Day, is the "Charter on Journalistic Ethics in Relation to Respect for Religion or Belief." This is a journalistic code for the coverage of religion. The code is based on the principle that journalists "are accountable for the social and political consequences of their actions and have a duty to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards." The standards the charter puts forward are based on broadly accepted human rights codes and instruments referred to in the booklet.

It is the responsibility of those who cherish freedom to ensure fair and accurate reporting of religion. Religious liberty has been likened to a canary in the coal mine - which we ignore at our own peril. Because when religious freedom is ignored, stifled or attacked it predicts the loss of other human rights.

From its beginnings the Church of Scientology has recognized that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. In a world where conflicts are often traceable to intolerance of others' religious beliefs and practices, the Church has, for more than fifty years, made the preservation of religious liberty an overriding concern.

The Church of Scientology publishes daily blogs on this website to help create a better understanding of the freedom of religion and belief and provide news on religious freedom and issues affecting this freedom around the world.

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

For more information, visit the Scientology website, Scientology Newsroom, Scientology TV network, and the Scientology Religious Freedom Blog.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/blog/

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/religious-freedom/what-is-freedom-of-religion/

https://www.scientologyreligion.org/

On World Press Freedom Day May 3, the Church of Scientology emphasizes that with freedom must come responsibility. The Church of Scientology International publishes a booklet to clarify religious freedom and its ramifications in today's troubled world.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Christian Film Producers Target Audiences in Digital Spaces

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- "Christians in the Mirror," a first-of-its-kind independent documentary produced by Joshuacord, Inc. and In Altum Productions, takes a hard look at how America and the West have not been very involved in the global persecution of Christians. The producers say they're creating a social media marketing plan for this indie film that interviews Christians from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Paul Jallo, president, Jallo Oil Distributors, and one of the film's major benefactors and executive producer, says that they hope to reach new audiences, nationally and internationally. They're hopeful that this new social media campaign will create momentum, encourage viewers to download the film, view it and share it.

It's the hope of the film's executive team that "Christians in the Mirror" will activate Christians across America to stand united to help those under persecution for their faith. Whether it prompts people to volunteer, donate or spread the message, the desired outcome is more recognition and support about the importance of religious freedom.

"Christians in the Mirror" includes interviews with religious leaders and persecuted Christians in Syria, India, Iraq, South Sudan and Egypt. Ultimately, it's a wake-up call for people to help.

"We want our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East, Asia and Africa to know that they're not alone and to encourage all who believe in human rights, religious freedom and freedom of conscience to step up and speak out," Jallo says.

This social media campaign is designed to build awareness and to drive audiences to view the film on select web platforms.

"We have much to be thankful for as we move into the Christmas season," Patrick Carberry, founder of Joshuacord and film co-executive producer, says. "We have religious freedom in the West. Many others in the world do not. I ask for everyone's prayers and support for the persecuted church by watching our film 'Christians in the Mirror.'"

For more information about the film and to see a trailer: https://christiansinthemirror.com/

Watch "Christians in the Mirror:"
Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0812BXXWF
ChristianCinema.com: https://www.christiancinema.com/digital/movie/christians-in-the-mirror

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristiansInTheMirror247; and https://www.facebook.com/joshuacord1.9
Follow them on Instagram: @christiansinthemirror

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1203s2p-chrisitians-in-the-mirror-300dpi.jpg
Photo Caption: Movie poster for "Christians in the Mirror."

"Christians in the Mirror," a first-of-its-kind independent documentary produced by Joshuacord, Inc. and In Altum Productions, takes a hard look at how America and the West have not been very involved in the global persecution of Christians. The producers say they're creating a social media marketing plan for this indie film that interviews Christians from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Related link: https://www.joshuacord.org/

Pyramid Press Announces ‘And What is Hell’ – A True Story of Christian Faith and Freedom Exposing the Dark Secrets at Patton State Mental Hospital

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- "And What is Hell - A True Story: Exposing The Dark Secrets Of 'The Insane Asylum'" was released today in its second printing (ISBN: 978-0989901765). This compelling true story is all about religious freedom and Christian faith.

"I did not know it was hell until that first night! A place of cruel torture, of starvation, of murder, of flagrant injustice, of hatred, of despair, of envy." -- As told by Sara Ramsey and written by Dorothy Ramsey.

Sara and James, who with all their hungry souls sought the truth and understanding of God's Words, (as evidenced by her poetry throughout the book), were apprehended on December 18, 1912, judged and committed without a trial or defense for being impoverished street preachers and for living together while not being legally married by the laws of man.

They were sent to Patton State Hospital, then known as "The Insane Asylum," in San Bernardino County, California. At the time qualifying afflictions included: religious excitement, spiritualism, worry, overwork, love affairs, seduction, alcoholism, drug and tobacco abuse, privation, politics, asthma, desertion by husband, grief, change of life and old age.

Whether sent by a judge or family member, the poor unfortunates institutionalized lost every freedom and were deprived of human rights and dignity. The horrors were indelibly impressed in Sara's mind. She felt if she told her story it could save others from anguish and torment.

This story is important because people are important. How we treat the young, the elderly, weak, vulnerable, mentally ill or physically ill, the poor and homeless is ultimately a true reflection of our society.

"And What Is Hell" tells a true story of Christian street preachers of 1920's Los Angeles and is a chilling and compelling story of deep faith. The reader follows the absolute horror experienced by Sara and James Ramsey who were locked up at Patton Street Mental Hospital in San Bernardino, California because of how they expressed their Christian faith.

The abuse, mental and physical cruelty and the degradation experienced is accounted in great detail and is completely factual.

"And What is Hell" is written by Dorothy Ramsey, who was the daughter in law of Sara and James Ramsey. The author gathered suitcases of extemporaneous notes, reviewed diaries and conducted extensive interviews in order to write this true account.

This project took over 50 years to write and produce. It was Dorothy Ramsey's final wish in her life to get this true story of this Christian struggle published. Her hope was this remarkable story of faith displayed by Sara and John Ramsey would inspire others to grow their faith and learn of the power of Jesus Christ.

Dorothy Ramsey's long-time life goal started to come to fruition at the age of 93 when She asked her oldest Grandson, a noted academic scholar and author, Dr. Michael Miller to help her. Together they organized the book from thousands of loose pages tucked away in an old Suitcase. Dr. Miller also painstakingly Edited the book. They worked on this project for two years, and finally at the age of 95, the book was published by Pyramid Press.

"And What is Hell" - ISBN: 978-0989901765 - has a retail price of $29.95 and is published by Pyramid Press http://pyramidpress.net/ and can be purchased directly on the publisher's website.

"It's hard to put down and with each page turned the reader is more and more drawn into the remarkable terror of being locked in an insane asylum simply for having different religious beliefs," said Rev. Ray Baker.

"This book illustrates how society discriminates agonist Christian's and those of faith. This is also a story of redemption and the power of deep Faith while actually living in a true Hell on earth," said Right Reverend Richard Wardell.

Product details:
* Paperback: 200 pages
* Publisher: Pyramid Press; 1st edition (January 30, 2016)
* US Price $29.95
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0989901769
* ISBN-13: 978-0989901765
* Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.3 x 8.4 inches
* Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces

Learn more at: http://pyramidpress.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pyramid-Press/100008184782648

"And What is Hell - A True Story: Exposing The Dark Secrets Of 'The Insane Asylum'" was released today in its second printing (ISBN: 978-0989901765). This compelling true story is all about religious freedom and Christian faith.

Related link: http://pyramidpress.net/