Christians, Jews, Muslims, Quakers and Scientologists are invited to gather under the Clearwater sun with their families and friends at the 20-acre Clearwater Garden of Ridvan (Paradise). Multi-faith groups have been touring the pristine garden and enjoying each others’ company – all in the name of peace. The Flag Band from the Church of Scientology and 963 Rising from the Clearwater Baha’i have performed for the picnickers.



Kamran Rouhani, a member of the Clearwater Baha’i community and owner of the garden, said, “Peace and unity are needed more than ever today. That is why people no matter their faith commune here – to send the message that we, from a variety of faiths, can come together in perfect harmony.”



Rouhani’s message comes at a time when religions are imperiled throughout the world. The May 2022 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) factsheet noted that as of 2021 some 18 million people fled Afghanistan, Burma and Syria because of egregious religious persecution.



Educator and Scientologist, Sharon Hillestad, who attended one of the picnics at the Garden, pointed to The Way to Happiness book by L. Ron Hubbard as her guide for building tolerance and peace. In the book, L. Ron Hubbard said, “Respect the religious beliefs of others.”



For more information on Clearwater’s Garden of Ridvan, see www.gardenofridvan.org.