New Church of Scientology Opens in Puerto Rico Hosting Community Programmes

Puerto Rico Opens First Caribbean Ideal Church of Scientology with facilities to contribute to social betterment

Brussels, Belgium, 26th Feb 2026 - A massive Sunday crowd convenes to honor the latest addition to the lively center of San Juan--a new Church of Scientology, located along Juan Ponce de Leon Avenue, among the city's busiest thoroughfares.

New facility in downtown San Juan highlights interfaith cooperation, community programmes and humanitarian outreach as dignitaries mark a milestone for the island's religious landscape

BRUSSELS / SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- 24 February 2026 -- The Church of Scientology inaugurated its new Ideal Church of Scientology of Puerto Rico on Sunday, 22 February 2026, with a public Grand Opening celebration in downtown San Juan. It is the first Ideal Org in the Caribbean and a new community hub intended to support religious services alongside local social initiatives.

The new church is located along Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon in the Santurce area--an artery among San Juan's busiest thoroughfares--and at 1208 Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon, San Juan, PR 00907.

As published by Scientology Today, the Grand Opening brought together parishioners, guests and local representatives for a ribbon-cutting and tours of the church's facilities, including public-facing information areas and spaces intended for introductory services and community engagement.

[Mr. David Miscavige with (from left): Ms. Zorimar Betancourt, President, San Juan Violence Prevention and Support Network; Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgos, San Juan Faith-Based Coordinator and Advisor to the City Mayor; Ms. Mery Dacosta, President, Human Rights Coalition, Puerto Rico; and Lt. Hector Ayala, Director, Police Athletic League, Puerto Rico Police Bureau.]
A public celebration with civic and interfaith participants
In remarks cited by the Church, Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, addressed the crowd and linked the opening to the island's identity and civic pride: "Who can deny the magnetism of these waters surrounding your Isle of Enchantment," "An island that moves to its own rhythm, an island that generates its own current--for the true power of Puerto Rico is her people. And just like your beloved coqu?, you are unmistakable, you are indomitable, you are impossible to silence. And here stands the living proof: your new Ideal Church of Scientology of Puerto Rico!"

Local speakers highlighted collaboration between faith communities and public institutions. Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgos, San Juan's Faith-Based Coordinator and an advisor to the city mayor, emphasized the building's intended role for shared community aims: "Today we are gaining more than just a building, because here is a place where our communities can come and reach their full potential... With this new Church of Scientology now opening to the community, we are going to make Puerto Rico a model of interfaith and government partnership everywhere."

Next guest speaker, Lt. Hector Ayala, a Puerto Rico Police Bureau veteran and Director of the Police Athletic League, referred to drug-prevention education and cooperation with Drug-Free World materials. 22 officers earned educator kits as Drug-Free World lecturers--presented as part of a prevention-through-information approach.
Facilities described as designed for both religious and community use
The San Juan report outlines the features typical of an "Ideal Org" in Scientology, describing such churches as facilities aimed at supporting the delivery of religious services for Scientologists and also function as a meeting ground for cooperative initiatives in the wider community.

Among the areas described is a Public Information Center offering "more than 1,000 films" introducing the beliefs and practices of Scientology, the life and legacy of founder L. Ron Hubbard, and Church-supported humanitarian and community outreach programmes. The site narrative also references spaces for introductory courses and seminars, evening and weekend services that provide an overview of Dianetics and Scientology principles and their application in daily life.

In keeping with the tradition described by the Church for its churches worldwide, the building includes an Office of L. Ron Hubbard, presented as a symbolic reminder of the Church's alignment with Mr Hubbard's writings and ideals.
Historical references connecting Puerto Rico and L. Ron Hubbard
The Church links the Puerto Rico opening to historical references regarding L. Ron Hubbard's time on the island. It states that Mr Hubbard led what it describes as the first complete mineral survey of Puerto Rico under US jurisdiction in 1932-1933, a survey that served as a reference for decades. The 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 read in the official website of the church Mr Hubbard worked with the Red Cross in hurricane relief before the survey began and conducted ethnological research on the island's rural j?baro culture during that period, presenting these as elements of humanitarian interest alongside scientific work.
A milestone in a broader international pattern, including Europe
The Puerto Rico opening is part of a broader pattern of Ideal Churches openings internationally. The Church lists major cities where Ideal Organizations have opened, including multiple European locations such as Brussels, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Basel, Madrid and others.

From a European perspective, that international footprint has often been described by Scientology representatives as a practical, community-facing complement to civic and human-rights frameworks--especially where education, prevention and volunteering contribute to social resilience.

Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology's representative to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and UN, recently framed that approach in the context of civic responsibility and the daily practice of shared values: "Europe's values become real when they are understood and practised in daily life... [people] are better equipped to act responsibly, resolve disputes lawfully, and protect dignity and freedom--both for themselves and for others."

Applied to the Puerto Rico milestone, Arjona added that community institutions--religious and civil alike--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 that align with long-standing European priorities around civic participation and human rights.

The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across the European continent. "There is a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least all the 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" said Ivan Arjona.

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.

Contact Details

Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights

Contact Person: Ivan Arjona

Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org

Email: Send Email [https://dashboard.kingnewswire.com/release-contact/41980]

Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 103

City: Brussels

State: Brussels

Country: Belgium

Release Id: 26022641980

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