Religious leaders from diverse traditions gathered at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles last week to participate in World Interfaith Harmony Week, an annual global observance established by the United Nations to promote peace and understanding among people of all faiths. 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 share personal perspectives and build bridges across religious divides.
The evening began with a ceremonial chant and prayer from Chief Joseph Tasunka Okuna Jr. of the Lakota Nation, who offered protection to attendees. Following this opening, religious leaders took the stage to discuss their personal journeys and express their commitment to interfaith collaboration. 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."
The event highlighted the Church of Scientology's role as a community hub and meeting ground for cooperative efforts across denominations. The Church of Scientology Los Angeles serves as both a home for the local community and a venue for initiatives aimed at uplifting people of all faiths. Those interested in learning more about the Church's programs can visit https://www.scientology-losangeles.org or watch https://www.scientology.tv/series/inside-a-church-of-scientology on the Scientology Network.
The gathering underscored the philosophical foundation of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, which was formed based on the writings of L. Ron Hubbard. In his 1976 essay "Religious Influence in Society," Hubbard emphasized religion's vital role in countering materialism, writing, "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." Information about the Volunteer Ministers initiative is available at https://www.volunteerministers.org.
This interfaith gathering demonstrates the practical application of World Interfaith Harmony Week's goals to strengthen peace within and among all religions, nations, and peoples. By creating spaces for dialogue and shared experience, such events address growing religious tensions and promote mutual understanding in increasingly diverse societies. The participation of leaders from multiple faith traditions signals a collective commitment to overcoming divisions through respectful engagement and collaborative action.
