Scientology Opens New Church in Las Colinas

Scientology Opens New Church in Las Colinas

Irving, Texas. April 15, 2009 – The Church of Scientology of Dallas opened its new home on Saturday to parishioners, dignitaries and their guests with Texas cowboy fanfare and with an invitation to all to find out for themselves the answer to the often asked question, “What is Scientology?”

On a sunny and breezy Saturday afternoon, the Church of Scientology in Las Colinas, in the city of Irving, welcomed more than a thousand dignitaries and visitors to the grand opening of its new Church of Scientology.

“We are very happy about our move to Irving,” said Dallas Church President Mr. Arlo Ihrig. “This central location, makes it possible for us to reach out to more communities and to extend our help across a broader range of demographics in Dallas county and beyond.” The Church of Scientology of Dallas administers Scientology activities for northern Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Mayor Herbert Gears opened the speeches welcoming the Church to Irving. In reference to the Church’s social betterment programs offered to all citizens of his city the Mayor stated, “When it comes to our priority for community health care, your drug prevention and education campaign could not be more relevant and appreciated.”

Ms. Teddie Story, the president of Irving Cares said, “When I first met you and was introduced to your humanitarian programs, I saw in these a new level of hope for the future of this City.”

Reverend James McLaughlin, from the First AME Church said, “I have come to know Scientologists over the last seven years, working shoulder to shoulder with other faiths, races and people of all walks of life. And I say God bless the city of Irving for being so lucky as to be home to this new Church of Scientology.”

The Texas House of Representatives acknowledged the occasion with a proclamation commending the Church of Scientology for its programs.

The new Church of Scientology of Dallas represents more than four decades of growth of Scientology in Texas since the first Church of Scientology was founded here in 1967.

The new Church of Scientology of Dallas is a reflection of the world scope of Scientology today, which comprises nearly 8,000 churches, missions and groups across 164 nations. Each is dedicated to achieving the Aims of Scientology – including a world without war, without insanity and without criminality, where the able may prosper and all are free to rise to greater heights.

Other new Scientology Churches recently opened include Berlin, London, Madrid, Malmö, New York, San Francisco and Johannesburg.

Mayor Gears At Church Opening

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Comments: 5

Posted by nospinplz | 7 months, 1 week ago

Congratulations! What a beautiful facility that will help the community in many many ways. Those who prosper from drug addiction and illiteracy will no doubt complain. Ignore thier ignornant dribble and keep reaching millions with solutions that actually work.

Posted by Elron Elray | 9 months, 3 weeks ago

@Editor - If by reporting the news you mean "copy peoples' press releases verbatim", then I suppose I see your point. Your lack of investigation does not represent a stance of neutrality, but rather a conscious or unconscious choice to ignore the readily-available facts. That you would consider my response part of a "religious debate" further reflects this. None of my comments are concerned with anyone's religious beliefs, but rather with real-world criminal actions of this business which is abusing its tax-exempt status in your town. As journalists, you can do better than this. You town deserves better. However, the Scientologists are notorious for bullying anyone who seeks to print the inconvenient truth about them - perhaps The Irving Weekly is too intimidated by their hardball tactics? Are they too well-connected to local politician for you to feel you can speak freely about them? Have a look around and you will see that you are not alone in being treated this way. My reference to KESQ gave one example of a news organization that has spoken out. G. Gordon Liddy has done the same on his talk show. This is legitimate news information that is important to your audience.

Posted by Henry | 9 months, 4 weeks ago

What was Mayor Gears doing at the church opening? How about bringing in more businesses instead of more churches? The Scientologists are tax-exempt so Irving will not benefit from any tax dollars. Gears will do anything to get his name out there to gain favor for personal matters.

Posted by Editor | 9 months, 4 weeks ago

We only report the news, we don't get into religious debates. That's why we have a comments section and allow you to record your opinion.

Posted by Elron Elray | 9 months, 4 weeks ago

This article appears to contain little or no actual journalistic research or fact-checking. Indeed, it reads like a press release from the Scientology organization, which has apparently hoodwinked local government and clergy in Las Colinas that it is "just an ordinary religion". Nothing could be farther from the case. Minor digging into this fraud and scandal-laden for-profit business will reveal much that local citizens will find of concern. Financial and labor abuses, beatings and intimidation of the staff, illegal harassment of critics, cloaking of unsound medical techniques under the aegis of "religion" - these are just the disturbing tip of the iceberg for this 50-year old money and power scheme. For an example of Scientology journalism done right, begin with the recent 12-part series spearheaded by KESQ's Nathan Baca in Rivserside California. This con organization is in your town, Irving Weekly - don't your readers deserve to know the facts?