KINGNEWSWIRE // PRESS RELEASE // Discussion hosted at the Church of Scientology in Budapest explored online hate, moral responsibility and how faith communities can regain credibility through conduct, with themes that echo principles found in The Way to Happiness

BUDAPEST, Hungary — March 19, 2026 — In a period marked by online hostility, polarized debate and growing concern over the social effects of digital communication, a March 11 interfaith roundtable hosted at the Church of Scientology Budapest examined whether people of faith can be expected to uphold a higher moral standard in the digital sphere and how religion can once again become meaningful, credible and even attractive in the 21st century.

Held as the 11th Interfaith Dialogue under the title “A Vision in an Age of Hate: How Can We Make Faith Cool Again?”, the event brought together theologians, clergy, church leaders and religious thinkers for a discussion that moved beyond formal doctrine and focused on something more immediate: conduct. In particular, participants considered how believers respond to anger, provocation and division in an environment where social media algorithms often amplify extremes rather than reflection.

One of the opening references was to a recent online initiative by a Catholic professor who called on believers to stand against hate speech and offer a better example in public discourse. That reference set the tone for the evening’s central question: whether faith should be visible not only in ritual or identity, but in the way people communicate, disagree and exercise restraint in difficult public conversations.

Participants agreed that social media has created moral pressures and behavioral temptations that previous generations did not have to navigate in the same way. One Catholic theologian noted that modern societies do not always share a common moral foundation, even though freedom of expression remains a fundamental value. In that context, he used the image of “gardening” to describe personal responsibility online: individuals should moderate their own digital space, remove what is destructive and refuse to cultivate environments where contempt and aggression flourish unchecked.

A religious scholar and philosopher added that the architecture of social media often works against consensus, since algorithms tend to reward emotional intensity and reinforce echo chambers. In such an environment, he suggested, religion could still play a constructive role as a moral community capable of countering radicalization, reducing hostility and encouraging a more human response to disagreement.

The Scientology minister participating in the discussion reportedly stressed that not all hatred should be understood as proof of an inherently bad person. In many cases, he suggested, bitterness, disappointment and accumulated painful experiences are what speak through hostile behavior. From that perspective, he argued, spiritual understanding should help people rise above immediate reaction and take responsibility for the tone and consequences of their actions, especially in digital environments where harmful language can spread rapidly and widely.

While the Budapest event was not specifically centered on The Way to Happiness, the concepts discussed during the evening closely reflect several of the ethical principles set out in that text, written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Described on its official website as a nonreligious moral code made up of 21 precepts for better living, The Way to Happiness includes such principles as “Set a Good Example,” “Seek To Live With The Truth,” and “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others.” These ideas resonate clearly with the concerns raised in Budapest: truthfulness in public speech, restraint in conflict, and respect across religious and ideological lines.

This distinction is important. The significance of the Budapest dialogue lies not in presenting The Way to Happiness as the formal theme of the event, but in showing how the ethical concerns voiced by participants can be understood through a framework long promoted by Scientology in its moral and social outreach. In that sense, the discussion illustrated a broader interfaith reality in Europe today: communities with different beliefs can still find common ground in practical ethics, peaceful coexistence and the importance of example.

The second major theme of the evening concerned the changing role of religion in contemporary society. Participants reportedly observed that although formal religiosity has declined in parts of Western Europe, individual spiritual searching remains strong. The issue, then, is not simply whether religion can become fashionable again, but whether it can show itself to be morally serious, socially useful and capable of speaking in language people recognize as authentic.

One theologian reportedly argued that religious communities must learn to communicate differently depending on the audience, using forms of language that can reach both intellectual circles and ordinary readers. Another participant emphasized common ground, universal love and practical cooperation among churches, rather than mutual condemnation. The Scientology contribution to the discussion reportedly aligned with that view, stressing that the most persuasive witness religion can offer today is not argument alone, but visible action: demonstrating that people of different faiths are capable of working together in peace while respecting one another.

That emphasis also corresponds with how the Church of Scientology Budapest presents itself locally: not only as a place where Scientologists gather for worship and religious services, but as a community space intended to foster dialogue and cooperation. Situated at Váci út 169 in Budapest, the church has served as a venue for events and encounters involving broader civic and interfaith participation.

Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, said: “The Budapest dialogue reflects a challenge facing all European societies: how to preserve dignity, truth and mutual respect in spaces that often reward the opposite. What emerged from the discussion is that ethical conduct still matters deeply. When people choose responsibility over reaction, and respect over contempt, they strengthen not only their own communities but the civic culture on which peaceful coexistence depends.”

What emerged from the March 11 roundtable was a message extending well beyond one denomination. If faith is to regain credibility in a digital age, participants suggested, it will do so not through slogans or confrontation, but through conduct: through honesty, self-restraint, respectful dialogue and what several speakers described, in different ways, as love expressed in action. In that respect, the Budapest event offered a practical reminder that religion remains socially relevant when it helps people live together more decently, even amid disagreement.

The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across Europe with a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least 27 European nations, alongside thousands of community-based social betterment and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighbourhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Within Europe’s diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church’s recognitions continue to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany Slovakia and others, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by the national and international provisions of Freedom of Religion or belief.

Celebrated today in parts of Europe and on different dates elsewhere, Father’s Day offers a moment not only for gratitude, but also for reflection on how fatherhood is evolving across societies shaped by tradition, policy and changing family life.

Across Europe today, families in countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy are marking Father’s Day on March 19, a date rooted in the feast of Saint Joseph. In homes, schools and communities, children offer handmade gifts, families gather around shared meals, and social networks fill with quiet tributes to fathers and parental figures. While often less visible in the public sphere than other celebrations, the day carries a deep cultural resonance.

At the same time, across the rest of the continent — from France and Ireland to Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries — Father’s Day will be celebrated later in the year, typically on the third Sunday of June or, in some cases, on entirely distinct dates shaped by local customs. This diversity reflects Europe’s layered history, where religious heritage, national traditions and modern influences coexist.

Saint Joseph and the origins of March 19

The choice of March 19 in Southern Europe is closely tied to Saint Joseph, a central figure in Christian tradition who is widely regarded as a model of fatherhood: protective, patient and quietly devoted. In countries like Spain and Italy, the day has long held both religious and social importance, blending spiritual symbolism with family celebration.

In Spain, “Día del Padre” gained wider recognition in the 20th century, supported by educators and cultural initiatives that sought to complement Mother’s Day. Today, it is firmly embedded in the national calendar. In Italy, “Festa del Papà” often includes traditional sweets such as zeppole, linking family life with culinary heritage. In Portugal, similar customs bring together generations in modest but meaningful gatherings.

Beyond these countries, the influence of Saint Joseph can also be felt in parts of Belgium and France with Catholic traditions, even if the official celebration follows a different date.

A mosaic of European traditions

Father’s Day in Europe is far from uniform. In Germany, for example, “Vatertag” is celebrated on Ascension Day, which varies each year and often includes outdoor gatherings, hiking trips and social events. In Austria and parts of Switzerland, similar traditions apply, combining family recognition with public festivities.

In France and Belgium, Father’s Day typically takes place in June, where it is marked with family meals and small tokens of appreciation. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the third Sunday of June aligns with the global observance, often accompanied by cards, gifts and time spent together.

Nordic countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland celebrate later in the year, usually in November. These observances tend to be more understated, reflecting cultural norms that favour simplicity and intimacy over large-scale celebration.

Eastern European countries also present diverse approaches. Poland celebrates Father’s Day on June 23, while in countries like Hungary and Romania, the June tradition has been increasingly adopted in recent decades. These evolving practices illustrate how global cultural exchanges continue to shape local traditions.

The evolving role of fathers

Beyond tradition, Father’s Day in Europe increasingly reflects a broader societal shift in how fatherhood is understood. The image of the father as primarily a provider has gradually expanded to include emotional presence, caregiving and shared responsibility in raising children.

Across the European Union, this transformation has been supported by policy developments. The Work-Life Balance Directive, adopted in 2019, introduced minimum standards for paternity leave and strengthened rights for parents and carers. As a result, more fathers are taking time off work following the birth of a child, contributing to early bonding and more balanced family dynamics.

Countries such as Sweden and Norway have long been at the forefront of this shift, offering generous parental leave schemes that encourage fathers’ participation. Spain has also made significant progress in recent years by equalising maternity and paternity leave, sending a strong signal about shared responsibilities.

However, the picture remains uneven. In some parts of Europe, cultural expectations and workplace practices still limit fathers’ involvement in caregiving. Experts note that while legislation has opened doors, social norms and economic realities continue to influence how these rights are exercised.

Fatherhood in a changing society

Modern European societies are also characterised by increasingly diverse family structures. Father figures today may include biological fathers, stepfathers, adoptive parents, same-sex parents and other caregivers who play a paternal role. Father’s Day, therefore, is gradually becoming more inclusive, recognising a wider range of experiences and relationships.

At the same time, public conversations around fatherhood are expanding to include mental health, work-life balance and the challenges faced by fathers navigating economic pressures and changing expectations. Research across Europe suggests that active paternal involvement contributes positively to children’s development, reinforcing the importance of supporting fathers in their roles.

A day of gratitude—and reflection

For many, Father’s Day is a simple and joyful occasion: a phone call, a shared meal, a small gesture of appreciation. Yet it can also be a moment of reflection. For those who have lost a father, or whose relationships are complex, the day may carry mixed emotions. Increasingly, this diversity of experiences is acknowledged in public discourse, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of family life.

In recent years, institutions, schools and community organisations across Europe have also used the occasion to highlight positive models of fatherhood, promote parental engagement and foster dialogue about equality in caregiving.

An enduring European tradition

Whether celebrated today in Madrid, Rome and Lisbon, in June in Paris, Dublin and Berlin, or later in the year in Stockholm and Helsinki, Father’s Day remains a quiet but enduring part of Europe’s cultural fabric.

Its strength lies not in grand public ceremonies, but in its personal nature — in the everyday relationships it honours and the values it represents: care, responsibility, guidance and presence. As Europe continues to evolve, Father’s Day stands as both a tribute to tradition and a reflection of change, recognising the many ways in which fatherhood shapes lives across generations.