The Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC concluded 2025 with substantial growth in community outreach and education initiatives while commemorating its 70th anniversary with congressional recognition. The church received a United States flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, awarded through Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, honoring seven decades of spiritual service and civic engagement in the nation's capital. This recognition underscores the organization's established presence and ongoing commitment to addressing societal challenges through practical programs.
Throughout 2025, the church served as a central hub for numerous initiatives sponsored by Scientology organizations, including The Way to Happiness, Foundation for a Drug-Free World, United for Human Rights/Youth for Human Rights, Scientology Volunteer Ministers, and Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). These programs focused on drug prevention, human rights education, ethical living, mental health advocacy, and practical assistance, reaching thousands across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia through open houses, public seminars, cultural events, and direct outreach.
The Foundation for a Drug-Free World expanded its prevention efforts significantly, distributing 956 Truth About Drugs booklets during an international soccer match at Audi Field on June 23 and hosting specialized open houses addressing marijuana risks. The organization reached educators at major conventions, including the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Convention and the Society of Health and Physical Educators Maryland's Convention, distributing hundreds of booklets and educator kits. These efforts emphasize the importance of factual, accessible drug education delivered directly to communities and schools.
Human rights education remained a priority throughout 2025, with the church hosting open houses for Mandela Day, International Day of Peace, and Human Rights Day. Youth for Human Rights DC organized a Peace Walk beginning at the Lincoln Memorial, while United for Human Rights provided educational resources about the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These initiatives demonstrate how global human rights principles can be applied locally through community education and mobilization.
The Way to Happiness campaign distributed hundreds of thousands of booklets across Washington, DC, promoting ethical living and community renewal through events tied to World Environment Day, Friendship Day, and World Kindness Day. The program received congressional recognition when Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton presented an award to Thalia Ghiglia for drug education outreach. This widespread distribution reinforces the message that ethical values can be practically applied to improve daily life and community cohesion.
CCHR achieved legislative success with the passage of the Preventing Abduction in Youth Transport Act of 2025 in Maryland, signed into law on May 6. The organization also displayed its mobile exhibit in Annapolis over Memorial Day Weekend and participated in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference, raising awareness about coercive psychiatric practices. The premiere of the documentary https://www.scientology.tv expanded public understanding of mental health human rights issues.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers maintained a visible presence on the National Mall with their signature yellow tent near the U.S. Capitol, offering practical assistance and life skills demonstrations to tourists and residents. Their approach embodies the motto "Something can be done about it" through immediate, accessible help in public spaces.
The church also hosted cultural events including the Washington International Piano Arts Council 25th Annual Piano Tournament and community premieres for Scientology Network programs. Educational seminars addressed stress management and personal growth, with the "Power of the Subconscious Mind" seminars expanding due to strong demand. A new Dianetics mobile outreach truck launched on November 30, bringing free stress tests and practical introductions to Dianetics directly into public spaces across DC.
For 2026, the church has outlined ambitious priorities including expanded drug prevention education with focus on emerging threats like fentanyl, broader human rights education partnerships with schools and community groups, deeper implementation of The Way to Happiness ethics education, continued CCHR advocacy for mental health human rights, increased mobile outreach through the Dianetics truck and Volunteer Ministers, and more cultural collaborations. These plans build on 2025's momentum with measurable community impact goals.
External Affairs Director Chas Smith emphasized the organization's forward-looking approach, stating that 2026 opens with a clear message across all initiatives: "Something can be done about it—and we intend to do more." The congressional recognition and 70th anniversary milestone provide both validation and motivation for the church's continued work in addressing drug abuse, human rights violations, ethical decline, and mental health challenges through education and community engagement.
