Grand Weekend of Celebration Highlights Monumental Year of IAS Accomplishment

Expansion and accomplishment were in the spotlight during a weekend of festivities and fanfare that heralded 12 months of worldwide impact in the name of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS).

In opening ceremonies that saw a bagpipe salute to the backdrop of a setting sun, members and guests of the International Association of Scientologists from 65 nations descended upon the historic Saint Hill, the home of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, for an electrifying weekend that marks the anniversary of a legacy—one born 32 years ago on the grounds of Saint Hill, where the IAS was first formed.

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Members and guests of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) from 65 nations descended upon the historic Saint Hill, the home of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, for an exhilarating weekend that marks the anniversary of a legacy—one born 32 years ago on the grounds of Saint Hill, where the IAS was first formed. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Members and guests of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) from 65 nations descended upon the historic Saint Hill, the home of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, for an exhilarating weekend that marks the anniversary of a legacy—one born 32 years ago on the grounds of Saint Hill, where the IAS was first formed. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Scientologists and guests from 65 nations gathered on Friday evening, October 7, for a celebration heralding 12 months of worldwide impact in the name of the International Association of Scientologists. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Scientologists and guests from 65 nations gathered on Friday evening, October 7, for a celebration heralding 12 months of worldwide impact in the name of the International Association of Scientologists. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The grand weekend spanned three days and nights in honor of the IAS legacy, forged in the desire to take a stand for social justice, human rights and a world without war or crime, and tempered in a commitment to guarantee that mankind can attain the total freedom he is striving for. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

The grand weekend spanned three days and nights in honor of the IAS legacy, forged in the desire to take a stand for social justice, human rights and a world without war or crime, and tempered in a commitment to guarantee that mankind can attain the total freedom he is striving for. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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“Welcome to the glory of the IAS,” said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “While for that matter, welcome to a glory surpassing any glory since we first pledged ourselves to mankind, and so, to hold these beliefs as self-evident—that whoever infringes on the rights of one, infringes on the rights of all; that those at the back of humanity’s line keep everyone waiting at freedom’s door; and, a failure to salute the lowest human being is a failure to salute humankind. But, in the same breath, we also pledged to recognize the magic in every living thing and thus, the majesty of the IAS. While beyond even that, let it be said you don’t make that kind of pledge unless you can live up to it, which, of course, we can. And, of which, you will be totally certain before this night is done.” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

“Welcome to the glory of the IAS,” said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “While for that matter, welcome to a glory surpassing any glory since we first pledged ourselves to mankind, and so, to hold these beliefs as self-evident—that whoever infringes on the rights of one, infringes on the rights of all; that those at the back of humanity’s line keep everyone waiting at freedom’s door; and, a failure to salute the lowest human being is a failure to salute humankind. But, in the same breath, we also pledged to recognize the magic in every living thing and thus, the majesty of the IAS. While beyond even that, let it be said you don’t make that kind of pledge unless you can live up to it, which, of course, we can. And, of which, you will be totally certain before this night is done.” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Mr. Miscavige presided over the weekend’s centerpiece event at the 32nd Annual International Association of Scientologists celebration, on Friday eve, October 7. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Mr. Miscavige presided over the weekend’s centerpiece event at the 32nd Annual International Association of Scientologists celebration, on Friday eve, October 7. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Friday night’s event traversed the panoply of humanitarian accomplishment over the past year, and focused on renowned IAS-sponsored initiatives. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Friday night’s event traversed the panoply of humanitarian accomplishment over the past year, and focused on renowned IAS-sponsored initiatives. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
© 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.
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© 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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During the evening’s celebration, a tour de force presentation of each IAS-sponsored humanitarian program revealed their impact on individual lives—wherever they go, which is everywhere. Further punctuating the night were three stellar examples of Scientologists displaying outstanding humanitarian commitment. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

During the evening’s celebration, a tour de force presentation of each IAS-sponsored humanitarian program revealed their impact on individual lives—wherever they go, which is everywhere. Further punctuating the night were three stellar examples of Scientologists displaying outstanding humanitarian commitment. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Australian Shelley Wilkins was presented the first IAS Freedom Medal of 2016. As National Director of CCHR, she exposed misappropriations and conflict of interest in the field of mental health and tenaciously pursued and achieved governmental reform to safeguard the future of Australian youth: “With the honor of receiving this award, I feel a massive sense of responsibility to do even more. And so, I will continue to stop psychiatry acting above the law.” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Australian Shelley Wilkins was presented the first IAS Freedom Medal of 2016. As National Director of CCHR, she exposed misappropriations and conflict of interest in the field of mental health and tenaciously pursued and achieved governmental reform to safeguard the future of Australian youth: “With the honor of receiving this award, I feel a massive sense of responsibility to do even more. And so, I will continue to stop psychiatry acting above the law.” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Ben and Meghan Fialkoff of New York City were next to receive the IAS Freedom Medal. They spawned a Truth About Drugs education network spanning the city and generated the first drug usage drop among teens in more than a decade: “It’s amazing how much this program has provided hope and enthused people to help their communities. At first, we thought maybe the task was too daunting, but we realized if we didn’t do it, who would? So, we did it.” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Ben and Meghan Fialkoff of New York City were next to receive the IAS Freedom Medal. They spawned a Truth About Drugs education network spanning the city and generated the first drug usage drop among teens in more than a decade: “It’s amazing how much this program has provided hope and enthused people to help their communities. At first, we thought maybe the task was too daunting, but we realized if we didn’t do it, who would? So, we did it.” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Sandra and Felipe Poveda of Colombia were the night’s final IAS Freedom Medal recipients. Their mission to counter endemic rights abuse resulted in more than 300,000 servicemen embracing human rights and creating a legacy that helped transform a nation: “For us, what is important are the big smiles of the people who are opening their eyes to a new level of awareness. Colombia is rising up and for that, we are so happy.” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Sandra and Felipe Poveda of Colombia were the night’s final IAS Freedom Medal recipients. Their mission to counter endemic rights abuse resulted in more than 300,000 servicemen embracing human rights and creating a legacy that helped transform a nation: “For us, what is important are the big smiles of the people who are opening their eyes to a new level of awareness. Colombia is rising up and for that, we are so happy.” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
© 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.
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© 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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Expansion and accomplishment were in the spotlight during a weekend of festivities and fanfare that heralded 12 months of worldwide impact in the name of the International Association of Scientologists. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Expansion and accomplishment were in the spotlight during a weekend of festivities and fanfare that heralded 12 months of worldwide impact in the name of the International Association of Scientologists. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
© 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.
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Over the course of three hours, Mr. Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, detailed 12 months of achievement and humanitarian action. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Over the course of three hours, Mr. Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, detailed 12 months of achievement and humanitarian action. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Mr. David Miscavige, presided over the three-hour event before an audience from 65 nations. Under his leadership, the Church has experienced a year of unparalleled expansion. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Mr. David Miscavige, presided over the three-hour event before an audience from 65 nations. Under his leadership, the Church has experienced a year of unparalleled expansion. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Those attending the festivities comprise members of the IAS hailing from across six continents, all united in a belief that the empowerment of communities, cities and entire populations is possible. Following the event, one attendee declared: “It was marvelous, in fact it is overwhelming to say which point was the most impactful, the whole sequence of events was amazing! It newly reminds you of what we are doing and where we are headed.” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Those attending the festivities comprise members of the IAS hailing from across six continents, all united in a belief that the empowerment of communities, cities and entire populations is possible. Following the event, one attendee declared: “It was marvelous, in fact it is overwhelming to say which point was the most impactful, the whole sequence of events was amazing! It newly reminds you of what we are doing and where we are headed.” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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One Scientologist attending Friday night’s event proclaimed: “From the start, this event was exhilarating! Everything we are doing on these humanitarian campaigns is on a whole new level. It’s the work of a lot of individuals but together we are helping change the world!” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

One Scientologist attending Friday night’s event proclaimed: “From the start, this event was exhilarating! Everything we are doing on these humanitarian campaigns is on a whole new level. It’s the work of a lot of individuals but together we are helping change the world!” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Attendees from across the globe descended upon Saint Hill to celebrate the 32nd IAS Anniversary with family, friends and new acquaintances: “The event was wonderful across the boards. I am so immensely proud of being part of the IAS and especially this year!” © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Attendees from across the globe descended upon Saint Hill to celebrate the 32nd IAS Anniversary with family, friends and new acquaintances: “The event was wonderful across the boards. I am so immensely proud of being part of the IAS and especially this year!” I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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Overnight the Grand Marquee was transformed to host the IAS Patrons Ball. The dazzling black-tie evening is held in recognition of the newest Patrons and their commitment to supporting the humanitarian activities and organizations that are the hallmark of the International Association of Scientologists. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

Overnight the Grand Marquee was transformed to host the IAS Patrons Ball. The dazzling black-tie evening is held in recognition of the newest Patrons and their commitment to supporting the humanitarian activities and organizations that are the hallmark of the International Association of Scientologists. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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On the third and final night, the Saint Hill Charity Concert capped the weekend’s festivities. Some 1,500 local residents attended the annual event which continued a tradition begun by L. Ron Hubbard himself in support of community organizations in East Grinstead. Four local charities were honored throughout the evening of music and dance and awarded vital funding to assist in their community work over the year ahead. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

On the third and final night, the Saint Hill Charity Concert capped the weekend’s festivities. Some 1,500 local residents attended the annual event which continued a tradition begun by L. Ron Hubbard himself in support of community organizations in East Grinstead. Four local charities were honored throughout the evening of music and dance and awarded vital funding to assist in their community work over the year ahead. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY NATIONAL AFFAIRS OFFICE FOR IRELAND: The future Church of Scientology National Affairs Office for Ireland was unveiled at the IAS anniversary celebration. The historic facility is located within the iconic Merrion Square in Dublin and will be committed to the unqualified delivery of Scientology-supported social programs on the Emerald Isle. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY NATIONAL AFFAIRS OFFICE FOR IRELAND: The future Church of Scientology National Affairs Office for Ireland was unveiled at the IAS anniversary celebration. The historic facility is located within the iconic Merrion Square in Dublin and will be committed to the unqualified delivery of Scientology-supported social programs on the Emerald Isle. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY AND COMMUNITY CENTER HARLEM: The July grand opening of the Harlem Church of Scientology and Community Center, located on Harlem’s legendary 125th Street, was fêted during Friday evening’s stirring event. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY AND COMMUNITY CENTER HARLEM: The July grand opening of the Harlem Church of Scientology and Community Center, located on Harlem’s legendary 125th Street, was fêted during Friday evening’s stirring event. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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IDEAL ADVANCED ORGANIZATION FOR ASIA PACIFIC: The Church’s year-long expansion efforts were crowned by the grand opening in September of an all-new spiritual headquarters for the Asia Pacific region in Sydney, Australia. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

IDEAL ADVANCED ORGANIZATION FOR ASIA PACIFIC: The Church’s year-long expansion efforts were crowned by the grand opening in September of an all-new spiritual headquarters for the Asia Pacific region in Sydney, Australia. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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IDEAL ADVANCED ORGANIZATION FOR ASIA PACIFIC: Just ten minutes from Sydney’s city center, yet a world away amid 900 acres of arboreal forest in the Lane Cove National Park, stands the stunning new advanced spiritual home of the Church of Scientology. © 2024 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

IDEAL ADVANCED ORGANIZATION FOR ASIA PACIFIC: Just ten minutes from Sydney’s city center, yet a world away amid 900 acres of arboreal forest in the Lane Cove National Park, stands the stunning new advanced spiritual home of the Church of Scientology. I agree to Terms of Use for image use.
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The celebratory event spanned three days and nights packed full of recognition, reunion and fellowship all in honor of the IAS legacy, forged in the desire to take a stand for social justice, human rights and a world without war or crime, and tempered in a commitment to guarantee that mankind can attain the total freedom he is striving for. Those attending comprised members of the IAS hailing from across six continents, united in a belief that the empowerment of communities, cities, and entire populations is possible.

As autumnal winds swept the rolling downs, well-dressed attendees from across the globe entered the Manor drive to greet family, friends and new acquaintances. By 7:00 p.m. on Friday, the crowd of thousands were gathered in the Grand Marquee for the weekend’s centerpiece event.

“Welcome to the glory of the IAS,” said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “While for that matter, welcome to a glory surpassing any glory since we first pledged ourselves to mankind, and so, to hold these beliefs as self-evident—that whoever infringes on the rights of one, infringes on the rights of all; that those at the back of humanity’s line keep everyone waiting at freedom’s door; and, a failure to salute the lowest human being is a failure to salute humankind. But, in the same breath, we also pledged to recognize the magic in every living thing and thus, the majesty of the IAS. While beyond even that, let it be said you don’t make that kind of pledge unless you can live up to it, which, of course, we can. And, of which, you will be totally certain before this night is done.”

Over the course of three hours, Mr. Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, detailed 12 months of achievement and humanitarian action.

Chief among those accomplishments are two outstanding IAS-sponsored facilities that opened their doors this year: The Church of Scientology and Community Center for Harlem, New York held a grand opening ceremony in July on Harlem’s legendary 125th Street. Altogether, the two buildings total 66,000 square feet and stand as a beacon for community engagement in East Harlem.

In September, the Church’s year-long expansion was crowned by an all-new spiritual headquarters for the Asia Pacific region in Sydney, Australia. The stunning new 145,000-square-foot Advanced Organization is the Church’s largest spiritual center outside of the United States, standing among 900 acres of national forest and just ten minutes from Sydney’s city center. Attendees were presented highlights of ribbon-cutting ceremonies for both new facilities, featuring moving speeches by local and national dignitaries honoring the occasion.

Mr. Miscavige also announced the historic upcoming opening of a Church of Scientology National Affairs Office for Ireland, located within the iconic Merrion Square in Dublin at the core of the city. The facility is committed to the unqualified delivery of Scientology-supported social programs on the Emerald Isle.

Friday evening’s event traversed the panoply of humanitarian accomplishment over the past year, and centered upon the renowned IAS-sponsored initiatives, beginning with striking accounts of efforts to eradicate abuses in the field of mental health through the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). Stirring stories emerged as the night unfolded, showcasing Drug-Free World and its incisive Truth About Drugs education program; United for Human Rights, fanning the flame of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; The Way to Happiness, restoring basic decency and brotherhood among mankind through its 21 universal moral precepts; and the call of need answered by Scientology Volunteer Ministers, assisting in matters ranging from everyday strife to devastating natural disasters. Each program was presented as a tour de force, showing the impact on individual lives wherever they occur, which is everywhere.

For example:

• United for Human Rights held awareness rallies and events in honor of the International Day of Human Rights in more than 100 cities.
• Drug-Free World provided vital drug education to assist more than 125,000 Boy Scouts of America to meet the requirements and achieve their Second Class rank.
• Venezuela’s resort island of Margarita experienced the power of The Way to Happiness when national police adopted the booklet's 21 precepts and in turn circulated 180,000 copies, contributing to a 65 percent drop in serious crime.
• Scientology Volunteer Ministers collectively brought one-on-one help to over three million people, including victims directly affected by natural disasters.

Punctuating the evening’s celebration, were three stellar examples of Scientologists displaying outstanding humanitarian commitment. Their achievements were recognized with the 2016 IAS Freedom Medal:

• Shelley Wilkins, of Australia, set about uncloaking violations in the field of mental health as the National Director of CCHR. Through the use of Australia’s Freedom of Information Act she created a media firestorm exposing misappropriations, conflict of interest, and adverse reactions of minors to pharmaceuticals. Her tenacious pursuit of wrong-doing prompted reforms to safeguard the future of Australian youth through a governmental ban on sterilization and electroshock of children.
• Ben and Meghan Fialkoff, a father-daughter team from New York City, brought The Truth About Drugs program to at-risk youth across a citywide network of community centers and schools. They forged better than one hundred partnerships with groups including the New York Police Department School Safety Officers, helping generate the first drug usage drop among teens in more than a decade. Ben and Meghan further extended their drug education actions to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and El Salvador, through which traffickers smuggle drugs into the U.S. All told, they have received more than 30 awards and recognitions.
• Sandra and Felipe Poveda, a Colombian brother-sister team, recognized their nation’s struggles in facing up to such horrors as terrorism, kidnapping, extortion and the killing of innocent civilians in the country’s civil war. They made it their mission to deliver a United for Human Rights education campaign to the Colombian armed forces. The high-risk campaign created workshops and seminars for soldiers and officers across every military branch, resulting in more than 300,000 servicemen embracing the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and helping transform human rights in that nation.

Overnight the Grand Marquee was transformed to host the IAS Patrons Ball. The dazzling black-tie evening is held annually in recognition of the newest Patrons and their commitment to supporting the humanitarian activities and organizations that are the hallmark of the International Association of Scientologists.

On the third and final night, the Saint Hill Charity Concert capped the weekend’s festivities. Some 1,500 local residents attended the annual event, which continues a tradition begun by L. Ron Hubbard himself in support of community organizations in East Grinstead. Four local charities were honored throughout the evening of music and dance and awarded vital funding to assist in their community work over the year ahead.

The IAS, a membership organization open to all Scientologists from all nations, was formed in 1984. The purpose of the IAS is to unite, advance, support and protect the Scientology religion and Scientologists in every part of the world so as to achieve the Aims of Scientology as originated by L. Ron Hubbard: “A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where Man is free to rise to greater heights.”