The
Church of Scientology will again open its doors to the diverse community of
Nashville for Friendship Day in what will be the church’s sixth celebration of
the day. The
International Day of Friendship was established by the United Nations General
Assembly in 2011 in the belief that “friendship between peoples, countries,
cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between
communities.” “We
are bringing a diverse group of people together and demonstrating the power of
friendship,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology. “Most
of life’s problems come from our basic misunderstanding of each other—a misunderstanding
of intentions—getting along with one another starts with getting to know each
other.” The
Church of Scientology partners in this effort with The Way to Happiness
Association of Tennessee, which provides a community betterment program based
on the book The Way to Happiness by
L. Ron Hubbard. The initiative is predicated on the fact that one’s survival
depends on the survival of others—and that without the survival of others,
neither joy nor happiness is attainable. Several precepts in the book promote
dialogue and friendship, among them “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,”
“Be Worthy of Trust,” and “Try to Treat Others As You Would Want Them to Treat
You.” The
Friendship Day event will be held at the end of July. For more information, or
to participate, email
[email protected] or visit twthtn.org. For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs
or upcoming events, visit
scientology-ccnashville.org.