Religious leaders gathered at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week, sharing personal perspectives on their faith to build understanding and promote unity in diversity. The event, hosted by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers chapter of Los Angeles on February 11, brought together representatives from Christianity, Islam, Falun Gong, and Scientology to strengthen the ideals of peace within and among all religions, nations, and peoples.
World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual global observance established by the United Nations to promote peace and understanding among people of all faiths. The evening opened with a prayer from Chief Joseph Tasunka Okuna Jr. of the Lakota Nation, who performed a ceremonial chant to offer protection to those in attendance. Following this ceremony, representatives of diverse faiths shared the stage, speaking about their personal journeys and their desire to collaborate with one another.
Pastor Oliver E. Buie from the Bel-Vue United Presbyterian Church emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "The message and vision of unity rings loud and clear. It is essential that the spirit of oneness continue as we work together to spread peace, unity, and love for all of humanity." This sentiment reflects the broader goals of World Interfaith Harmony Week, which encourages events worldwide to foster dialogue and cooperation among different religious communities.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, founded by humanitarian and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, underscores the vital importance of religion in society. In his 1976 essay Religious Influence in Society, Hubbard wrote, "When a culture has fallen totally away from spiritual pursuits into materialism, one must begin by demonstrating they are each a soul, not a material animal. From this realization of their own religious nature individuals can again come to an awareness of God and become more themselves." This philosophy informs the Church of Scientology's efforts to serve as a home for the Los Angeles community and as a meeting ground for cooperative efforts to uplift people of all denominations.
The Church of Scientology of Los Angeles plays a key role in fostering interfaith initiatives, with resources available for those interested in learning more. To explore the programs and initiatives headed by the Church of Scientology, visit the website of the Church of Scientology Los Angeles or watch Inside a Church of Scientology on the Scientology Network. Additional information about the Scientology Volunteer Ministers can be found on their website.
Founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, the Scientology religion has expanded to more than 11,000 Churches, Missions, and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries. The first Church of Scientology was established in Los Angeles in 1954, and it continues to engage in interfaith activities as part of its commitment to global harmony. This event highlights the ongoing efforts to bridge religious divides and promote a shared vision of peace, with implications for fostering tolerance and reducing conflicts in diverse societies worldwide.
Such gatherings underscore the potential for religious communities to contribute to social cohesion and mutual respect, addressing global challenges through collaborative action. By emphasizing personal stories and shared values, interfaith events like this one can inspire broader societal shifts toward inclusivity and understanding, benefiting individuals, industries, and global relations by modeling how diversity can be a source of strength rather than division.
