Nashville Church of Scientology Hosts Forum on Disaster Response

The Nashville Church of Scientology held a forum this week on disaster response in honor of World Civil Defense Day.

The Nashville Church of Scientology recognized the United Nations World Civil Defense Day by hosting a forum with a speaker from the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and the Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM). VOAD members have recently been involved in several response activities to the ice storm which devastated Tennessee earlier this year and explained how they work with different response organizations to funnel help where most needed. OEM explained its role as a county coordinator when disaster hits.

World Civil Defense Day occurred on March 1^st, and according to the International Civil Defense Organization, the day brings to the attention of the world public the vital importance of civil protection and raises awareness of the preparedness for, and prevention and self-protection measures in the event of accidents or disasters.

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology, introduced and welcomed the speakers from VOAD and OEM, and explained the Church’s role in disaster response with the Volunteer Ministers program. “Anyone of any culture or creed may train as a Volunteer Minister and use these tools to help their families and communities, and all are welcome to do so,” he said.

Equipped with effective technology to resolve virtually any difficulty, Volunteer Ministers live by the motto: “No matter the problem, something can be done about it.” Transcending all ethnic, cultural and religious boundaries, the Volunteer Ministers program is there for anyone in need of help. Volunteer Ministers training is available free of charge through the Scientology Volunteer Ministers website to anyone who wishes to help others.

In creating the Volunteer Ministers program, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”

For more information on the Volunteer Minister program or upcoming church events, visit scientology-ccnashville.org or call the church at 615-687-4600.