KINGNEWSWIRE // PRESS RELEASE // New facility in downtown San Juan highlights interfaith cooperation, community programs and humanitarian action, as dignitaries mark milestone in island’s religious landscape
BRUSSELS / SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — February 24, 2026 – L’Church of Scientology inaugurated its new Ideal Church of Scientology of Puerto Rico THE Sunday February 22, 2026during a large public ceremony held in the downtown San Juan. This is the first ideal Caribbean Org and a new community center to support religious services as well as local social initiatives.
The new Church is located along theAvenida Juan Ponce de Leonin the Santurce district, one of the busiest streets in San Juan, 1208 Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon, San Juan, PR 00907.
As published by Scientology Todaythe dedication brought together parishioners, guests and local officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the church facilities, including public information areas and spaces for introductory services and community engagement.
Mr. David Miscavige with (from left to right): Ms. Zorimar Betancourt, President of the San Juan Violence Prevention and Support Network; Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgos, denominational coordinator of San Juan and advisor to the city mayor; Ms. Mery Dacosta, President of the Puerto Rico Human Rights Coalition; and Lt. Hector Ayala, Police Athletic League Director, Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
A public celebration with civic and interfaith participants
In remarks cited by the Church, Mr. David Miscavigeecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, addressed the crowd and linked the openness to the island’s identity and civic pride: “ Who can deny the magnetism of these waters which surround your enchanted island? “An island that lives at its own pace, an island that generates its own current, because the true power of Puerto Rico lies in its people. And just like your dear coquí, you are unique, you are indomitable, you are impossible to silence. And here is the living proof: your new ideal Church of Scientology in Puerto Rico! »
Local speakers highlighted the collaboration between religious communities and public institutions. Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgoscoordinator of the religious communities of San Juan and advisor to the mayor of the city, highlighted the role that the building is called to play for the common objectives of the community: “ Today we gain more than just a building, because it is a place where our communities can come and realize their full potential… With this new Church of Scientology now opening to the community, we will make Puerto Rico a model of interfaith and governmental partnership around the world. »
The next speaker, Lieutenant Hector Ayalaveteran of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and director of the Police Athletic League, discussed drug prevention education and cooperation with supports Drug-Free World. 22 agents received educational kits as Drug-Free World speakers, as part of an information-based prevention approach.
Facilities designed for both religious and community use
The San Juan report outlines the typical characteristics of an “ideal Org” in Scientology, describing these churches as facilities intended to support the provision of religious services for Scientologists and also serving as a meeting place for cooperative initiatives in the broader community.
Among the spaces described is a public information center offering “more than 1,000 films” showcasing the beliefs and practices of Scientology, the life and legacy of its founder, L. Ron Hubbardas well as humanitarian and community programs supported by the Church. The site description also mentions spaces for introductory courses and seminars, as well as evening and weekend services that offer an overview of the principles of Dianetics and Scientology and their application in daily life.
In keeping with the tradition outlined by the Church for its churches around the world, the building includes a office of L. Ron Hubbardpresented as a symbolic reminder of the Church’s alignment with Mr. Hubbard’s writings and ideals.
Historical references linking Puerto Rico and L. Ron Hubbard
The Church connects the opening of Puerto Rico to historical references regarding the stay of L. Ron Hubbard on the island. She claims that Mr. Hubbard led what she describes as the first comprehensive mineralogical survey of Puerto Rico under American jurisdiction in 1932-1933a study that has served as a benchmark for decades. There Puerto Rico House of Representatives later recognized Mr. Hubbard’s work, calling it “commendable and meritorious” and “serving the best interests” of Puerto Rico.
As noted on the Church’s official website, Mr. Hubbard worked with the Red Cross in hurricane relief before the study began and conducted ethnological research on the island’s rural Jíbaro culture during this period, presenting this as a matter of humanitarian interest alongside his scientific work.
An important step in a broader international movement, including Europe
The opening in Puerto Rico is part of a broader movement to open ideal churches internationally. The Church lists major cities where ideal organizations have been opened, including several European cities such as Brussels, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Basel, Madrid and others.
From a European perspective, this international footprint has often been described by Scientology representatives as a practical, community-oriented complement to civic and human rights frameworks, particularly where education, prevention and volunteerism contribute to social resilience.
Ivan Arjonarepresentative of the Church of Scientology to theEU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UNrecently presented this approach in the context of civic responsibility and the daily practice of common values: “ European values become real when they are understood and put into practice in daily life… [les gens] are better equipped to act responsibly, resolve conflicts legally, and protect dignity and freedom, both for themselves and others. »
Applied to the important step taken in Puerto Rico, Mr. Arjona added that community institutions, both religious and civil, tend to be most effective when they are transparent, open to dialogue and focused on practical initiatives that strengthen dignity, responsibility and cooperation across differences, principles which align with long-standing European priorities on civic participation and human rights.
The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present throughout the European continent. “It has a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least 27 European countries, as well as thousands of community-based social improvement and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighborhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard,” said Ivan Arjona.
Within the various European national frameworks on religion, recognition of the Church continues to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Slovakia and other countries, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and recognized Scientology communities as protected by national and international provisions relating to freedom of religion or belief.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
