Scientology Church Hosts International Friendship Day Open House and Forum in Belgium Celebrating Diversity of Brussels

Friendship Day celebration at the Brussels branch of the Churches of Scientology for Europe features The Way to Happiness—a guidebook for creating a world built on honesty, trust and self-respect.

The celebration of International Day of Friendship at the Brussels Branch of the Churches of Scientology for Europe July 30 brought together a cross-section of the city’s many cultures, ethnicities, professions, nationalities and beliefs.

The UN General Assembly created International Day of Friendship in 1997 to foster “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals,” a description that epitomizes the cultures and nationalities that intersect in Brussels—a city that virtually defines diversity. Brussels hosts 185 embassies in its unique role as the seat of the Belgian government, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Commission.

open house and International Day of Friendship forum was organized by the Church and the Brussels chapter of the Way to Happiness Foundation.

The program began with a reception in the Public Information Center, where exhibit panels featured information and videos, in 17 languages, on one or more of the 21 precepts of the nonreligious commonsense moral code The Way to Happiness.

Guests then filed into the auditorium where presentations by members of diverse faiths and nationalities helped increase understanding and appreciation of their unique cultures and beliefs.

Speakers included the president of an African NGO that establishes eco-villages—communities that are socially, economically and ecologically sustainable. He emphasized the importance of The Way to Happiness, whose precepts makes possible the cooperation needed for these kinds of projects to succeed.

Another speaker represented the Pakistani women of Brussels. Her group makes use of the Urdu translation of the booklet, and she spoke of the importance of moral values in bringing about tolerance and respect in pluralistic society.

“Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you”

The forum concluded with a video of the public service announcement illustrating The Way to Happiness precept number 20, “Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you,” which struck a chord with everyone present.

Guests then adjourned to the gardens and café for conversation, music, and barbecue, all in the name of friendship.