The Church of Scientology Recognized as Public Benefit Charity in Spain

The Spanish Tax Agency has recognized the Church of Scientology of Spain as a social non-profit organization, granting a certificate of recognition in Madrid on November 30, 2009.

Since the founding of the first Church of Scientology in 1954, Scientologists have been actively involved in the improvement of their communities and society and have received thousands of awards and commendations for their work in communities all over the world. Scientologists sponsor a large, effective drug abuse public education campaign and have been conducting anti-drug activities since the early 1980s. The Church also sponsors an international human rights awareness campaign in coordination with United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International. This campaign features guidebooks for children and adults, illustrating the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Church’s most embracive effort to provide help to the world at large is its Volunteer Minister Program, with more than 200,000 volunteers trained internationally. The value of these services has been recognized by politicians, police, the military, other relief agencies and civic authorities.

Church members support and contribute to the Red Cross, children’s hospitals and numerous other community groups around the world. This support ranges from broad participation in blood drives, to citywide collection of holiday toys for needy children, to donations of food and clothing for underprivileged families.

Ivan Arjona, the Public Affairs Director for the Madrid Church stated the Tax Agency recognition will assist the Church in furthering humanitarian programs throughout Spain.