Mr. David Miscavige at Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles

Following is a copy of a press release from the Church of Scientology International about Celebrity Centre International in Hollywood, California. Celebrity Centre is dedicated to helping the artist accomplish his or her goals, through the application of Scientology technology.

HOLLYWOOD — The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International hosted its 35th Anniversary Gala in Hollywood, Saturday, August 7th.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, the highest ecclesiastical office in the worldwide Scientology religion, addressed the thousands in attendance, taking up the questions “What is Scientology?” and “Why do you have a Celebrity Centre?” Mr. Miscavige explained, “Scientology does have answers. Real answers. Answers that work. Bold statements? Yes. But what millions of people from over 150 nations will tell you themselves.”

The guest list included many of the church’s well known members, including Tom Cruise, Lisa Marie Presley, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Sofia Milos, Jenna Elfman, Leah Remini, Catherine Bell, Priscilla Presley, Erika Christensen, Jason Lee, Anne Archer, Jennifer Aspen, Michelle Stafford, Lynsey Bartilson, Juliette Lewis, Marisol Nichols, and Ethan Suplee.

Speakers at this Gala included LA County Sheriff Lee Baca who acknowledged the Church of Scientology for being active at the forefront of conflict resolution.

A formal presentation was made by the United States Congress of a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of Celebrity Centre’s 35th anniversary of humanitarian and voluntary contributions. This presentation was made on behalf of Congressman Brad Sherman (D. California) and Congress by Ileana Ross-Lehtinen.

The more than 1200 guests, including parishioners of the church, local and federal government officials and community leaders, were entertained at the outdoor celebration on the grounds of the Celebrity Centre by Beck, soul legend Isaac Hayes, jazz great Chick Corea and Academy Award nominated film composer Mark Isham.

Church officials say that the church’s popularity in the arts mirrors its overall growth, with nearly 9 million members in over 150 countries. They say its rapid expansion is word-of-mouth driven, due to the religion’s practical principles that are used to improve conditions in life.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood was founded in 1969. There are twelve Celebrity Centres located in cultural centers around the world including New York, Paris, Nashville, Las Vegas, Vienna and London.

In keeping with Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s words from 1951, “A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists,” these Celebrity Centres work with those whose broad visions for social enhancement are essential for positive progression of society. Celebrity Centres, like all Churches of Scientology worldwide, are open to the public.

The Myth of the Chemical Imbalance in Mental Health

The President of the American Psychiatric Association had to admit (to People Magazine) that there is no objective evidence to the theory that a chemical imbalance in the brain causes depression.

Yet this is the entire premise they have been using to sell their "treatment" of the human condition with dangerous drugs that, according to the FDA's admission, these drugs INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDE.

I am very proud of Tom Cruise for not backing down in this debate.

Citizens Commission on Human Rights has come out with a very interesting statement on all this:

"Medical doctors today struck out against the dangerous position actress Brook Shields has taken in promoting the antidepressant Paxil for treatment of post partum depression (PPD).

"'Ms. Shields does not address the tremendous body of medical opinion against antidepressants being prescribed for PPD, nor does it appear she was medically advised of this.

" 'The FDA warns that these drugs can cause hostility, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, and mania, which is a public health warning ignored in recent media coverage,' said Anthony P. Urbanek, M.D., a surgeon from Nashville."

This and a great deal of other important information is available at the Citizens Commission on Human Rights' web site.

I like to see people doing well, and I don't like to see psychiatrists pretending to help people but in fact harming them. I much prefer to see people improving their lives with solutions that don't require drugs and surgery. Luckily, many people are fighting for our future, and deserve our support. Not the least among them are Nancy Cartwright (aka, Bart Simpson), and Tom Cruise.