International Association of Scientologists

Its only a few weeks til we celebrate the founding of the International Association of Scientologists.

The What is Scientology? web site describes the fonding of the IAS in these terms:

"The IAS was established at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, Sussex, England, in 1984 when delegates from around the world gathered in recognition of the need to unite all Scientologists as one international body.

"Today the IAS is a membership organization open to all Scientologists from all nations. The strength of the individual members of the team, briefed and coordinated one with another, unifies and strengthens the group. For this reason, in addition to forming the IAS, adopting a constitution and electing a board, the first IAS delegates also formulated the Pledge to Mankind. To rededicate themselves to the aims of Scientology, they signed this pledge.

"Catalyzed by this profound statement of purpose, Scientologists from around the world enthusiastically embraced the IAS and, through their financial support and membership activities, they rapidly made the IAS a major voice of religious freedom. IAS’s purpose is to unite, advance, support and protect the Scientology religion in all parts of the world, so the aims of Scientology as originated by L. Ron Hubbard can be achieved. It also supports churches of Scientology and individual Scientologists in their social reform activities. It ensures that the religion is defended and protected, so Scientologists can carry forth and achieve their mission of spiritual salvation."

Every year, in late October, the anniversary of the IAS is celebrated in the United Kingdom at Saint Hill Manon, which was where L. Ron Hubbard lived through the late 1950s and up through 1966.

David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, hosts the event and gives the keynote speech each year. Mr. Miscavige's speeches are always inspiring, but I am always moved by his presentations at the IAS event to do more to help my fellow man.

I am reminded of what L. Ron Hubbard laid out as the Aims of Scientology:

"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, are the aims of Scientology."