International Day of Peace Brings Diverse Faiths Together in Historic Fort Harrison

CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 21, 2016 -- On Wednesday the 21st of September, an event in honor of the International Day of Peace, was held in the ballroom of the Fort Harrison, one of the signature buildings that comprise the international religious retreat for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater Florida.  Over 100 people attended including religious leaders who delivered prayers of peace in their faith traditions.  Prayers were delivered by: Father Bob Swick, President Chairman of the Tampa Bay Veterans Alliance and Senior Chaplain for the Clearwater Police Department; Rev. Dr. Manuel Sykes, pastor of Bethel Community Baptist Church and one of the founders of Faiths in Action Standing Together (FAST), an interfaith group for Pinellas County active in social issues; Dr. Larry Muhammad, Former National Director of Education for the Muhammad University of Islam and Mr. David Ring, lay minister for the Christian Science church in Clearwater. Hebrew student Laurie Jessup read a Jewish prayer for peace.

Representatives of diverse faiths fellowship on Peace Day at the international religious retreat for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater. The representatives included: Father Bob Swick, Senior Chaplain for the Clearwater Police Department; Hebrew student Laurie Jessup; Rev. Dr. Manuel Sykes, pastor of Bethel Community Baptist Church; Pat Harney, Church of Scientology minister and Public Relations Director; Dr. Larry Muhammad, Former National Director of Education for the Muhammad University of Islam and Mr. David Ring, lay minister for the Christian Science church in Clearwater.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38cdd0c4-0d3d-4cd7-a73e-e52a0e401419

Pat Harney, minister and Public Relations Director for the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization spoke of the value of religions in our society and how religious freedom relates to peace.  She said, “Religious freedom is an expression of peace for when we allow others to worship as they feel compelled, then we are allowing them to be.  That brings Peace, harmony and agreement amongst all religions.”

The Church of Scientology’s 20-man Flag choir performed songs with the message of peace using quotes by Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard on Peace.  The JGTO Praise Team also performed Gospel songs.

Pat Harney announced that the Interfaith Peace Day event is the first interfaith coalition event which will be held at the Fort Harrison.  Future events will be scheduled based on best dates for the religious organizations and interested citizens who want to participate.

International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace is dedicated to that ever elusive world peace. The day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples all over the world.

The Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization

The Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization is the international religious retreat for Scientologists all over the world. This Clearwater Church makes its historic Fort Harrison available free of charge to non­profit organizations to hold community events and supports area non­profits. Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard once said, "On the day when we can fully trust each other there will be peace on Earth."

For more information
Contact: Pat Harney
727-467-6860