Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology Johannesburg

Mr. Ryan Hogarth, Director of Special Affairs Joburg

Hello and welcome.

Thank you for joining us today for the opening of our new Church.

This is a truly great moment for this organization and all its people, but also for me, personally. I first attended services at the Johannesburg church as a very young boy some 26 years ago. In fact, three generations of my family have served this Church.

More broadly, this organization has been the centerpiece for the South African Scientology community now for more than 45 years. And given that — it is no wonder so many of you worked so long and so hard to make this evening possible.

So first — let me extend my gratitude and congratulations to every one of you who took part in this exciting task. You know who you are — you number in the hundreds, and your contributions spanned everything from raising the funds to placing the tiles. On behalf of the Johannesburg Day and Foundation organizations and the future generations who are indebted to you for all your efforts — thank you.

Of course, the buildings you will shortly see are far and away the most extensive and grand we've ever had. It's not only beyond what you may have imagined, but exactly as you've always dreamed. So you'll just have to see it all for yourself!

Yet this ceremony is about much more than new premises. It even goes beyond the dedicated contribution and work on the part of many Scientologists. After all, their work extends very far and reaches very deep into the fabric of South Africa. Over the span of all those decades, they have used LRH technology within that fabric to right the wrongs, to improve the lot of all, and to bring greater freedom using all facets of Scientology. Although their work is diverse, they are all united in pursuit of our Aims:

"A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, where man is free to rise to greater heights."

In those efforts, we work alongside all men and women of goodwill — including and especially those honored guests who will speak to you this afternoon. They have seen the wide spectrum of your work and achievements in building a better South Africa. Yet even more important is what this moment means for the future of Scientology in this city, in this nation and across this great continent.

In that regard, this moment is a very significant one for all Scientologists — and that's a view you'll also see through our celebration. But let's begin right here in our local community.

Our first guest is very qualified to speak on that subject, because she has dedicated her life to making Johannesburg one of the world's leading cities. She has demonstrated her commitment to making government work for everyone it represents and serves. Having worked in many capacities to that end, she now serves as Councilor for the area we now call home.

So please, let's welcome, Councilor, Carol Milner.