Representatives from other religious traditions and civil society organizations joined the Scientology community in marking these anniversaries. With a look at the past challenges and achievements, they also looked to the future and potential of collaboration and community projects. Among the attendees there were also Ambassadors and personnel of the European institutions.
Scientologists from Belgium and from abroad celebrated two anniversaries on January 23, 2025: 50 years of the Church of Scientology in Belgium and 15 years of the organization’s headquarters on the Boulevard de Waterloo in Brussels. The night started with a light and healthy dinner. Right after, the master of ceremonies Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Scientology’s representative to the European institutions and the United Nations, introduced violinist Ilona Raasch for a live musical performance, played through classical violin pieces that set an intimate and warm atmosphere for the evening.
The impact of Scientology’s journey in Belgium was reflected on by attendees, including prominent figures from religious and civil society groups.
Tracing Five Decades of Religious Commitment
Arjona-Pelado, European representative since 2017, took the audience through the history of Scientology in Belgium. It originated in the 1950s and 1960s when believers of the faith found the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard abroad and began to share them in small home groups in Belgium. The initial establishment of the first official Scientology mission at the end of 1974 provided the foundation for a rapidly reinforced religious community and structured religious activities and public engagement, who attended lectures, workshops and seminars, often improvised by the veteran yet new members.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Scientology continued to grow internationally, and Belgium was an important country in its European growth. In 1980 incorporated the Church of Scientology of Belgium, and the establishment of the first European Scientology human rights office in Brussels took place in 1990-1991 marking a significant step on the role of the Church to promote and ensure human rights for everyone in alignment with European and International covenants. Thus, Brussels was not only the political capital of Europe but also the moral and ethical capital, where Scientology further increased its dialogue with other religions and social organizations. This period saw the church’s growing role in social outreach programmes, going beyond the provision of religious services to include advocacy and education.
Challenges and A Long Legal Battle that ended in Victory
However, all this was not without distractions for Scientology, as there were certain attacks in Belgium. In 1997, a Belgian parliamentary report classified 189 religious groups in a black-list which led to the public stigma and an increase of discrimination. In 1999 brought about a police raid, in which 120 officers entered the Church of Scientology, while Scientologists were hosting a religious freedom marathon through the city. The unjustified raids led to an 18-year-long legal battle, disrupting the lives of Scientologists and relatives. However, “with a strong belief that the truth will always prevail” as Arjona explained during his presentation, the Scientologists continued with their social activities such as the war on drugs and human rights education.
It was only in 2016 when the major milestone was reached in Brussels, when the court acquitted the church and Scientologists of all suspicions and attacks in a 173-page verdict, which pointed out serious violations of the defense’s rights and the presumption of guilt based only on “religious prejudice of a prosecutor and some policemen 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. It also reinforced the position that religious minorities should not be subjected to unjustified discrimination, and therefore paved the way for the church’s vindication of religious freedom victory in the Belgium society.
The European Headquarters in Brussels
Another significant progress in this journey was the establishment of the new church called “Churches of Scientology for the European Communities” on the Boulevard de Waterloo 15 years ago, which was gifted by the International Association of Scientologists. The facility, which surpasses 8,000 square meters, is used for religious services, study, seminars and interfaith events. “Our Chapel has seen ceremonies and lectures held by Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Hindus, Jewish, Sikhs, Freemasons and others,” says Ivan Arjona, “as a true religion of religions”. The building is an architectural marvel and at the same time a warm welcome for all Scientologists and indeed visitors of all faiths and none. Arjona further reminded, during the celebration of the 50th Anniversary, that the building is an open and welcoming place for all religious and community groups to come together. It is an interreligious meeting place, and it hosts conferences and discussions with the aim of establishing good relations “that help to work together for a world in peace,” explained Arjona.
Besides the religious functions, the headquarters has also a role to play in humanitarian and educational work. Many events and actions of drug prevention, improving literacy and promoting human rights are coordinated from this central hub, thus showing the social responsibility of Scientology and its many friends. The facility, “one of the most beautiful buildings in Brussels” says Arjona, has been a venue for many workshops, meetings, and community activities that reinforce its position as a positive contributor in Brussels.
Social Initiatives and Educational Campaigns
The event also featured some of the social campaigns of Scientology. Its drug prevention campaign channelled through “Foundation for a Drug Free World” is aimed at young people and is designed to ensure that they have clear information about substances and their effects to make informed decisions. The organization’s human rights education program “United for Human Rights” is based on the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the group works to ensure that these rights are actualized in people’s lives and not just theoretical concepts. Also, there is The Way to Happiness, a non-religious moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard and which deals with universal values like honesty and respect. These materials are provided free of charge to schools, municipalities and community groups to reach the general population.
In addition, the programs of Scientology have tangible results; thousands of educational booklets of are annually distributed, and many workshops are held for students and professionals. Thus, the church combines advocacy with practical tools to guarantee that its social initiatives result in positive change and better ethical and social behaviour of the community.
Acknowledging the Efforts of Volunteers and Civil Society
A particular part of the evening was the appreciation of the volunteers and the staff who make the church and its programs possible. Several people were called forward and applauded for their great contribution. Their contribution was recognized as an important determinant of the church’s progress in the recent past. The dedication and resilience of these volunteers have enabled Scientology to remain strong in Belgium, and have shown that individuals can make a big difference in the improvement of the community. Arjona also recognized some of those Civil Society activists that have been working alongside the Church, be it on human rights, drug prevention, promoting culture and peace and as well as helping the needy in the streets.
The 50th anniversary of Scientology in Belgium was not just the celebration of the past, it was a proclamation of the future. To finalize the event, the public was taken through the church’s informational exhibition to see the various outreach programs and materials that the church has, and were invited to champagne and a birthday cake cut with a replica of the Excalibur sword.
Media Contact
Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Contact Person: Ivan Arjona
Website: https://www.europeanaffairs.eu
Email: Send Email
Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 103
City: Brussels
State: Brussels
Country: Belgium
Release Id: 30012523184
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