About 1,600 Scientologists and their guests packed the street in front of 300 W. Harrison St. Saturday for the opening of the new Church of Scientology of Washington, a milestone for the congregation formed 54 years ago.
Duwamish Tribal Chairman Cecile Hansen, a descendant of Chief Seattle after whom the city was named, opened the event with a centuries-old ceremony, welcoming the church to its new home.
David Miscavige, chairman of the board of religious technology center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated, acknowledging the Scientologists who spearheaded the drive to build the new church. Stressing the significance of the occasion, Miscavige said, "Just this year alone, we have opened six new Ideal Churches on three continents. While in months to come you'll see ribbons parting as far away as Tel Aviv, Melbourne and Moscow, and as close to home as Twin Cities, Sacramento and Portland-to cite but a few of the more than 60 new churches now looming on the near horizon."
Acknowledging the church for its many contributions to the community were Washington State Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders, state Rep. Marilyn Chase, Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce President Dave Peterson, Seattle Neighborhood District Coordinator Christa Dumpys, and FEMA volunteer liaison Jo Ann Oram.
Justice Sanders spoke of working with the church in the field of human rights, a partnership spanning nearly 35 years.
"There is nothing more important in life than being true to yourself and standing up for what you believe. That is freedom, and that is what makes life worth living. And that, to me, is what you represent. The Church of Scientology is truly a leader when it comes to fighting for the civil rights of those subject to abuse by the so-called mental health laws and those that enforce them."[[In-content Ad]]
