International Association of Scientologists Marks 40th Anniversary with Celebration and Reflection
On a brisk autumn evening in East Grinstead, England, members of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) gathered to commemorate a significant milestone—their 40th anniversary. Dubbed the Ruby Anniversary, the occasion was more than a celebration; it was a time to reflect on the organization’s journey and renew its commitment to fostering positive change around the globe.
The festivities commenced on October 25, 2024, at Saint Hill, the former home of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, where he first established the movement. The evening’s atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, as guests were warmly welcomed by a spirited performance featuring Great Highland Bagpipes and a drum ensemble. Addressing the attendees, Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of Scientology, set an inspiring tone for the evening.
“Tonight, we celebrate our Ruby Anniversary,” said Mr. Miscavige. “And, in so doing, we have arrived at a place that was unimaginable 40 years ago. But here we are—and what a view it is: our Churches and Missions encircling the planet, our Technologies at work in nearly every land, our horizons boundless, our future infinite, and we, ourselves, universal.”
A Legacy of Advocacy and Religious Freedom
Founded in 1984, the IAS has long championed the causes of religious freedom and social betterment. Its early history includes major victories, such as the first Scientology Religious Freedom Crusade in Portland, Oregon, following a biased court ruling in 1985. This peaceful protest by tens of thousands of Scientologists culminated in a landmark judicial precedent and the establishment of an Ideal Church of Scientology in Portland.
Other significant milestones highlighted during Mr. Miscavige’s address included:
– In England, the UK Supreme Court’s unanimous recognition of Scientology as a religion redefined the legal concept of religion for the 21st century. Today, London is home to an Ideal Church of Scientology on Queen Victoria Street.
– In Italy, a 1997 Supreme Court ruling affirmed Scientology’s religiosity, paving the way for Ideal Churches in cultural centers like Milan, Padova, and Rome.
– In Spain, years of religious discrimination were overcome, culminating in full recognition and the establishment of an Ideal Church in Madrid.
– In Germany, persistent efforts resulted in multiple victories for religious freedom, with Ideal Churches now thriving in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Stuttgart.
– In Belgium, a protracted battle against intolerance ended with a decisive win in 2016, symbolized by an Ideal Church in Brussels.
– In the United States, Scientology achieved full recognition after a 40-year battle with the IRS, securing tax-exempt status for 150 Scientology entities.
A New Chapter for Expansion
The evening’s revelry reached its peak as Mr. Miscavige unveiled a major new milestone: the opening of the Paris Ideal Church and Celebrity Centre. This 8,827-square-meter architectural marvel, located near the iconic Stade de France, has already hosted thousands of visitors, including attendees of the Summer Olympics. The state-of-the-art facility underscores the IAS’s commitment to expansion, community outreach, and promoting social programs like drug prevention and human rights education.
Humanitarian Initiatives on Global Scale
The IAS’s humanitarian efforts were also a focal point of the celebration. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), which has long fought to expose abuses in the field of psychiatry, was highlighted for its global impact. Success stories included prompting a Royal Commission in New Zealand to investigate psychiatric maltreatment and winning legal battles in Spain to uphold ethical standards in psychiatric practices.
Additionally, the IAS has spearheaded several charitable initiatives, including The Way to Happiness campaign, United for Human Rights, and Drug-Free World. The Drug-Free World program, in particular, has distributed over 160 million educational booklets worldwide, empowering communities to tackle substance abuse.
Honoring Change-Makers: IAS Freedom Medal Recipients
The climax of the event featured the prestigious IAS Freedom Medal ceremony, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian and social justice causes:
– Giovanni Citterio (Milan, Italy): After overcoming his own struggles with addiction through the Narconon program, Giovanni dedicated his life to helping others. He transformed a luxury hotel into Italy’s largest Narconon rehabilitation center and spearheaded the establishment of more centers across the country, earning widespread recognition.
– Vincenza Palmieri (Rome, Italy): A tireless advocate against psychiatric abuses, Vincenza took her fight to Italy’s Supreme Court, exposing profit-driven schemes in the field of psychiatry. She also pioneered a new government-recognized profession, the Family Specialist, to empower families without reliance on medication or psychiatric intervention.
– Antónia and Ferenc
Leave a Reply