On the Goals of the Parliament of the World’s Religions

January 25, 2010

Melbourne&emdash;In his presentation on the spiritual tradition of Scientology, Sunday December 6, at the Parliament of the World’s Religion, Reverend Robert Adams, Vice President of Church of Scientology International, stressed action. He called on all religions make a tangible difference in accomplishing the theme of this year’s Parliament: “Make a Difference, Hearing Each Other, Healing the Earth.”

“This Parliament has been an affirmation of our common purpose to improve the tough conditions society faces today,” said Rev. Adams, who invited people of all faiths to use the Church of Scientology’s educational materials to tackle crucial issues that affect communities the world over: human rights abuse, illiteracy, drugs, crime and declining moral standards and values.

Adams presented an overview of the Church's community work, including its program to ignite worldwide support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since 2006 its TV Human Rights Public Service Announcements, one for each of the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, have aired on over 4,500 TV stations, reaching more than 900 million people in 16 languages. This campaign also includes a series of publications, of which 1.5 million copies have been distributed to human rights groups, educators and individuals.

One of the focuses of the Melbourne Parliament is indigenous reconciliation. Recognizing the critical condition of indigenous education and the erosion of cultural and social traditions in outback communities, Adams is offering a secular literacy program based on the work of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard to help these communities restore literacy, cultural values and personal pride. “We stand ready to offer our help whenever and wherever needed. This is not a religious issue. It is a humanitarian struggle in which we all play a part.”

Adams also covered the highlights of the past year––a year that has marked the greatest expansion in Scientology’s history. In the past few weeks, two new Ideal Churches of Scientology have been opened in Rome and Washington D.C. The Church looks to 2010 for even greater success with scores of new Churches on the horizon.