Kingnewwire // representatives of other religious traditions and civil society organizations have joined the Scientology community to mark these birthdays.
Looking at the past challenges and achievements, they also turned to the future and the potential of community collaboration and projects. Among the participants, there were also ambassadors and staff of the European institutions.
The Scientologists of Belgium and abroad celebrated two birthdays on January 23, 2025: 50 years of the Church of Scientology in Belgium and 15 years from the siege of the organization on Boulevard de Waterloo in Brussels.
The night started with a light and healthy dinner. Just after, the master of ceremonies Ivan Arjona-Pelado, representative of Scientology to European institutions and the United Nations, introduced violinist Ilona Raasch for live musical performance, played through classic violin pieces that have established an intimate atmosphere and Warm for the evening.
The impact of the trip from Scientology to Belgium was reflected by the participants, including important personalities from groups of religious and civil society.
Draw five decades of religious engagement
Arjona-Pelado, a European representative since 2017, has led the public through the history of Scientology in Belgium. He comes from the 1950s and 1960s when believers of the faith found the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard abroad and began to share them in small house groups in Belgium. The initial creation of the first official scientology mission at the end of 1974 provided the foundations for a quickly strengthened religious community and structured religious activities and public commitment, which attended conferences, workshops and seminars , often improvised by the veteran but new members.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Scientology continued to grow internationally and Belgium was an important country in its European growth. In 1980 incorporation of the Church of Scientology of Belgium and the establishment of the first European Scientology Human Rights The Bureau in Brussels took place in 1990-1991 marking an important stage on the role of the Church to promote and Ensure human rights to all in alignment on European and international alliances. Thus, Brussels was not only the political capital of Europe but also moral and ethical capital, where Scientology has further increased its dialogue with other religions and social organizations. This period saw the growing role of the Church in social awareness programs, going beyond the provision of religious services to include plea and education.
Challenges and a long legal battle that ended with the victory
However, all of this was not without distraction for Scientology, because there were certain attacks in Belgium. In 1997, a Belgian parliamentary report ranked 189 religious groups in a black list which led to public stigma and an increase in discrimination. In 1999, caused a police descent, in which 120 police officers entered the Church of Scientology, while Scientologists were accommodation a marathon of religious freedom across the city. The unjustified raids led to an 18 -year -old legal battle, disturbing the lives of Scientologists and relatives. However, “with a strong conviction that the truth will always prevail” as Arjona explained during its presentation, Scientologists continued their social activities such as war against drugs and human rights education.
It was not until 2016 that the first step was taken in Brussels, when the court acquitted the Church and the Scientologists of all suspicions and attacks in a 173 -page verdict, which underlined serious violations of Rights of the defense and the presumption of guilt based solely on “religious prejudices of a prosecutor and certain police officers who had taken the power of the state to carry out their personal witch hunt” states Arjona. This verdict was not only a victory for Scientology but also for religious freedom in Belgium. He also strengthened the position that religious minorities should not be subject to unjustified discrimination, and therefore paved the way for the victory of the justification of the religious freedom of the Church in Belgium Society.
The European headquarters in Brussels
Another significant progress in this trip was the creation of the new church called “Scientology churches for European communities” on the boulevard de Waterloo 15 years ago, which was offered by the International Association of Scientologists. The installation, which exceeds 8,000 square meters, is used for religious services, studies, seminars and interconfessional events. “Our chapel has seen ceremonies and conferences held by Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, Freemasons and others,” says Ivan Arjona, “as a true religion of religions ”. The building is an architectural wonder and at the same time a warm welcome for all Scientologists and in fact visitors of all confessions and none. Arjona also recalled, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary, that the building is an open and welcoming place so that all religious and community groups meet. It is an interreligious meeting place, and he organizes conferences and discussions in order to establish good relations “which help work together for a world in peace,” said Arjona.
In addition to religious functions, the seat also has a role to play in humanitarian and educational work. Many events and actions of drug prevention, improving literacy and the promotion of human rights are coordinated by this central center, thus showing the social responsibility of Scientology and its many friends. The installation, “one of the most beautiful buildings in Brussels” says Arjona, was a place of numerous workshops, meetings and community activities which strengthen its position as a positive contributor in Brussels.
Social initiatives and educational campaigns
The event also presented some of the social campaigns in Scientology. His drug prevention campaign channeled “Foundation for a drug -free world” goes young and is designed to ensure that they have clear information on substances and their effects to make informed decisions. The human rights education program of the organization “United for Human Rights” is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, and the group strives to ensure that That these rights are updated in people’s lives and not only the theoretical concepts. Also, there is the path to happiness a non -religious moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard and which deals with universal values such as honesty and respect. These documents are provided free of charge to schools, municipalities and community groups to reach the general population.
In addition, Scientology programs have tangible results; Thousands of educational booklets are distributed each year, and many workshops take place for students and professionals. Thus, the Church combines advocacy with practical tools to guarantee that its social initiatives lead to a positive change and better ethical and social behavior of the community.
Recognize the efforts of volunteers and civil society
A special part of the evening was the appreciation of the volunteers and the staff who make the church and its programs possible. Several people have been called and applauded for their great contribution. Their contribution has been recognized as an important determinant of the progress of the Church in the recent past. The dedication and resilience of these volunteers allowed Scientology to stay strong in Belgium and have shown that individuals can make a big difference in the improvement of the community. Arjona also recognized some of these civil society activists who worked alongside the Church, whether on human rights, drug prevention, the promotion of culture and peace and as well as To help the needy in the streets.
The 50th anniversary of Scientology in Belgium was not only the celebration of the past, it was a proclamation of the future. To finalize the event, the public was taken through the church information exhibition to see the various awareness programs and materials that the church has, and was invited to champagne and a cake cup ‘Birthday with a replica of the Excalibur sword.
Originally published in The European Times.
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