2 Nov 2007 — National Church of Scientology Recognized in Spain

Today, the National Court in Madrid issued a landmark decision affirming the right to religious freedom in Spain by recognizing that the National Church of Scientology of Spain should be entered in the Registry of Religious Entities.

"This recognition marks the end of an era in which Spanish Scientologists were forced to fight for their rights to religious freedom. It vindicates the Church of Scientology and is a new beginning for all Spanish Scientologists," said Ivan Arjona, spokesperson for the National Church of Scientology in Spain.

The National Court thoroughly examined the Church's formative documents and aims and purposes to unequivocally determine that the National Church of Scientology of Spain has the right to be registered as a religion under Spanish law.

In reaching this decision, the National Court also relied on decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, most notably the Human Rights Court's unanimous decision of April 2007 affirming that the Church of Scientology is entitled to the rights and protections of religious freedom that flow to religious organizations pursuant to Article 9 of the European Human Rights Convention. The principles enunciated in that decision upheld the religious freedom of Scientologists and their religious associations and apply throughout the forty-seven member states that have signed and ratified the European Human Rights Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

"This is the culmination of a series of landmark victories for the Church of Scientology in Europe. Thanks to this recognition, we are now able to devote all our effort and attention to making our community and our country the best it can be, for all its people. The National Court's decision is extremely significant because it constitutes the latest official recognition of the Church of Scientology as a religious organization in Europe. It mandates that Scientologists and their religious associations be afforded the same rights and privileges as members of other registered religious organizations throughout the European Community and in the European Union." Arjona said.

In September 2004, the National Church of Scientology of Spain opened grand new premises in the heart of Madrid. That new Scientology church represents not only a house of worship for the thousands of Scientologists in the country, but a resource to the community and nation at large. The Church's social betterment programs reach millions of people every year.

The Scientology religion was founded by L. Ron Hubbard. The first church was established in the United States in 1954. Since then, it has grown to more than 7,500 churches, missions and groups and ten million members in 163 nations.

Scientology first came to Spain in the late 1960s.

For more information about Scientology, visit
www.scientology.org or contact:

In SPAIN:
Church of Scientology of Spain
Ivan Arjona
+34 912 092170

In EUROPE:
Church of Scientology
European Office of Public Affairs
Fabio Amicarelli
+32 22311596

In the US:
Karin Pouw
Church of Scientology International
+1 (323) 960-3500

Basics - L. Ron Hubbard’s Books and Lectures

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The Scientology Religion Blog: New Scientology Church for Philadelphia

The Scientology Religion Blog: New Scientology Church for Philadelphia

"Philadelphia and I'm so happy to see a new Church of Scientology is being built there."

Scientology International Ministers Cavalcade opens on Worcester Common

The Scientology International
Volunteer Minister Cavalcade
will be on Worcester Common,
next to Worcester City Hall
opening on June 6th.


Driven by the purpose to truly
Do Something About It,

Volunteer Ministers reach out with traveling Volunteer Minister Cavalcades, taking real help into major cities and communities throughout the world. Visiting a new city each month, these Cavalcades contact thousands at a time. National leaders, mayors, Members of Parliament and city officials welcome these Cavalcades, cutting ribbons to announce their arrival and embracing the campaign with proclamations declaring, “Something Can Be Done About It!” Inside the familiar yellow tents, anyone can get one-on-one assistance to address whatever troubles they might be facing. Displays clearly show visitors the solutions they can learn, and seminars are available so they understand how to apply these answers to their own lives and, in turn, to the lives of those around them. Volunteer Ministers also reach into their local communities as a permanent ongoing program, training thousands to help others and bringing positive change to towns and cities all around the world. And to make those same solutions available to all, Pioneer Cavalcades reach out into remote locations, everywhere and anywhere.

Come to Worcester Commons to find out more about Scientology and the International Volunteer program.


"If one is going to find fault with something, it implies that he wishes to do something about it and would if he could. 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."

L. Ron Hubbard

MAP
Worcester Common
City Hall Plaza