On Sunday, April 14^th, 100 Christians, Jews, Muslims, Quakers and Scientologists gathered under the Clearwater sun with their families and friends at the 20-acre Clearwater Garden of Ridvan (Paradise) [1].  The multi-faith group ate, toured the pristine garden and enjoyed each others’ company – all in the name of peace.  The Flag Band from the Church of Scientology and 963 Rising from the Pinellas County Baha’i performed for the picnickers. 

Kamran Rouhani, a member of the Pinellas County Baha’i community and owner of the garden,  told the crowd, “Peace and unity are needed more than ever today.  That is why we are gathered here – to send the message that we, from a variety of faiths, can come together in perfect harmony.”

Rouhani’s message comes at a time when religions are imperiled throughout the world.  The May 2022 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) factsheet noted that as of 2021 millions fled Afghanistan, Burma and Syria because of egregious religious persecution.  [2]

Educator and Scientologist, Sharon Hillestad, who attended the picnic, pointed to The Way to Happiness book by L. Ron Hubbard as her guide for building tolerance and peace.  In the book, L. Ron Hubbard said, “Respect the religious beliefs of others.” [3]

For more information on Clearwater’s Garden of Ridvan, see www.gardenofridvan.org.

oOo

1: https://gardenofridvan.org/location.html

2. https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/2022%20Factsheet%20-%20Refugees%20Fleeing%20Religious%20Persecution%20Globally.pdf

3. www.thewaytohappiness.org