Scientologists in Action

Mr. David Miscavige Officiated at Grand Opening of New Scientology Church on Times Square in 2004

The Church of Scientology in New York City, located just off Times Square, was a gift from the International Association of Scientologists to the people of New York in recognition of their courage and spirit in the face of the 2001 World Trade Center disaster.

Mr. David Miscavige dedicated the building. He was joined by United States Congressman Charles Rangel, United Nations Undersecretary Maurice Strong, and Vice President of the Times Square Alliance, Mr. Bob Esposito.

In his address to the 10,000 Scientologists and guests assembled for the grand opening, Mr. Miscavige underscored the meaning of the new Church:

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated at the opening of the Church of Scientology New York.

“This Church represents the work and help all of us must continue to bring, in achieving the full measure of our aims. For here is the Ideal Organization from which to bring all of our programs, all of our tech, literally everywhere.

“So yes, this is just the start. And that is why I say today is when the real work begins.

“For this is more than just a home for you, the Scientologists of New York.

Practically growing up on horseback, John Twomey, professional rider, trainer and coach, has his sights on Olympic gold. His profile is one of 200 “Meet a Scientologist” videos available on the Scientology website at www.Scientology.org.

John Twomey has been riding horses since he was four, when he helped his father muster cattle on their farm in Brisbane, Australia.

From there, he went on to breaking in young horses and working on cattle stations in northwest Queensland.

Then at 18 he discovered his true passion and turned it into a distinguished career—the Olympic equestrian disciplines of dressage, jumping, and his specialty, eventing: a three-day competition in dressage, cross-country and show jumping.

Twomey and wife Caroline share a passion as riders, trainers and coaches, and both are Scientologists. In his video at www.Scientology.org, he describes how Scientology has helped them achieve success in their field.

“One of the main areas is communication,” he says. “We have to be good communicators when we’re coaching, and we gained that skill through Scientology.”

Through his study of the religion, Twomey, 43, also gained an understanding of ethics and how this applies to his career and life.

“The old saying ‘you reap what you sow,’ is so true” says Twomey. “I work hard, do my best, and treat my clients and horses with respect. That’s why I continue to win.”

The Australian Twomeys lived in New Zealand for most of the past decade, winning a National Dressage title in 2004 and five of the past seven New Zealand National Titles. Now back in Australia, they are training and competing in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic selection trials.

“I never want to feel like I’ve reached the top,” says Twomey. “I never want to feel like I’ve achieved everything I can. Knowing there’s still more improvement, more learning—that’s what excites me.”

View the John Twomey video at www.Scientology.org.