Nashville Church of Scientology Emphasizes Intentional Friendship

International Day of Friendship was created to inspire peace and bridge building. At the end of July, the Church of Scientology is brining together a diverse crowd to dialogue for the occasion a second time. 

More than 100 pastors and community leaders are being called to participate in an interactive adventure in friendship, according to organizers of the Nashville celebration of International Friendship Day.

The celebration, which will take place in the community hall of the Nashville Church of Scientology at the end of the month, is bringing together people from all walks of life, religious backgrounds, cultures and communities to share a meal and learn more about each other.

International Day of Friendship is an annual observance, dignified in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly with the idea that “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities,” according to un.org.  The resolution emphasizes that young people, as future leaders, can be brought together in activities with different cultures. This promotes international understanding and respect for diversity.

This is the second annual event for the day hosted by the Church of Scientology, with community leaders coming together to participate. The theme this year is “Intentional Friendship,” and organizers say the event won’t end that afternoon. “We will organize different people to stay in touch with one another for a Friendship Project,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology.

“There are so many problems in the world today caused by a basic misunderstanding of each other. If we learn something about other people we might end these problems, disputes and upsets altogether,” he says.

The Church of Scientology is partnering for this effort with The Way To Happiness Association of Tennessee (TWTH-TN).  TWTH-TN provides a community betterment program based on the book The Way To Happiness by L. Ron Hubbard. The program is predicated on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others—and that without the survival of others, neither joy nor happiness are attainable. Several concepts in the book promote dialogue and friendship. Among them, “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,” “Be Worthy of Trust,” and “Try to Treat Others As You Would Want them to Treat You.”

For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs or upcoming events, visit scientology-ccnashville.org.