10th Edition of Religious Freedom Awards announces new book
By Juan Sanchez Gil
December 15, 2023, witnessed the tenth edition of the Religious Freedom Awards, which are given annually by the Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society (Fundacion MEJORA), linked to the Church of Scientology, and recognised with Special Consultative Status by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 2019. The event, held at the headquarters of this religious denomination located in a refurbished historic building, brought together authorities, academics and representatives of civil society to recognise the work of three leading experts in the defence of this fundamental right protected not only by the Spanish Constitution
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/10th-edition-of-religious-freedom-awards-announces-new-book/

A Path to Compassion: Gustavo Guillerme's Path to Peace and Understanding in Brussels
By Juan Sanchez Gil
In an emotional meeting at the European Jewish Community Center (EJCC) in Brussels, Gustavo Guillermé, President of the “World Congress for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, A Pathway to Peace,” together with the famed architect of diversity, Fabio Grementieri, met with Rabbi Avi Tawil and the Scientology representative to the EU and the UN, Iván Arjona Pelado. This meeting not only marked the presentation of the “Parque del Encuentro” project in Santiago del Estero but also witnessed a moment full of symbolism and commitment. Lighting Candles: An Act of Solidarity and Prayer. Guillermé’s words resonated with sincerity as he expressed his
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/gustavo-guillerme-peace-brussels/

Social action by religious minorities in Spain, a hidden treasure
By Juan Sanchez Gil
The intense and quiet work carried out in Spain by religious denominations such as Buddhists, Baha’is, Evangelicals, Mormons, members of Scientology, Jews, Sikhs and Jehovah’s Witnesses has remained for decades in the shadows, out of the media spotlight. However, a pioneering study commissioned by the Fundación Pluralismo y Convivencia Pluralism and Coexistence (Living Together) Foundation (attached to the Ministry of the Presidency) and carried out by researchers at the Comillas Pontifical University has just revealed the enormous dedication of these communities to social assistance tasks, as well as the lights and shadows of their contribution in this field. “La acción
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/social-action-religious-minorities-spain/

Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard recognized for Encouraging Interfaith Collaboration for Peace
By Newsdesk
Gustavo Guillerme, President of the World Congress of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue recognized L Ron Hubbard for the work he inspired worldwide BRUSSELS, BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, December 28, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a world that often experiences division due to differences, the power of dialogue and mutual respect among various spiritual paths paves the way for a more harmonious global community. The recent visit of Mr. Gustavo Guillerme, President of the World Congress of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, to the headquarters of the Church of Scientology in Brussels serves as a symbol of hope and an example of what can be achieved when
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/scientology-founder-l-ron-hubbard-recognized-for-encouraging-interfaith-collaboration-for-peace/

Jingle All the Way to Europe's Festive Feast: The Top 5 Yuletide Delicacies!
By Charlie W. Grease
Get ready to indulge in Europe's mouthwatering holiday treats! From gingerbread houses to mulled wine, the festive season is filled with scrumptious delights. Join us as we explore the top 5 yuletide delicacies that will make your taste buds jingle with joy!
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/jingle-all-the-way-to-europes-festive-feast-the-top-5-yuletide-delicacies/

Argentina, a yoga school falsely described as a “horror cult” close to acquittal from any crime
By Willy Fautre
On 7 December, the Argentinian newspaper “LA NACION” titled an article about the Buenos Aires Yoga School (BAYS) accused of criminal activities “The case is back to zero and the defendants are close to acquittal.” This was the conclusion of Gabriel di Nicola, the author of the article, after a court of appeal declared the nullity of the elevation to trial of the case. The decision was taken by Chamber II of the Court of Appeals in the Federal Criminal and Correctional Court of Buenos Aires, composed of judges Martin Irurzun, Roberto Boico and Eduardo Farah. In the BAYS case,
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/argentina-a-yoga-school-falsely-described-as-a-horror-cult-close-to-acquittal-from-any-crime/

RUSSIA, 6 and 4 years in prison for a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses
By Willy Fautre
On 18 December 2023, the judge of the Novosibirsk District Court, Oleg Karpets, sentenced Marina Chaplykina to 4 years in prison, and Valeriy Maletskov to 6 years in prison for organizing religious meetings in private homes. They were taken into custody in the courtroom. They do not admit their guilt and can appeal the verdict. In April 2019, FSB investigator Selyunin opened a criminal case against them, accusing them of extremism. On the same day, searches were carried out at a total of 12 addresses. In one case, the planting of banned literature was seen. Valeriy Maletskov, who lives with his
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/russia-6-and-4-years-in-prison-for-a-couple-of-jehovahs-witnesses/

Editrice Vaticana presented a book on Mama Antula, the new Argentinean saint
By Newsdesk
Published in Italian by the prestigious Editrice Vaticana, the book illuminates the life and work of María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, known as Mama Antula, who will be canonized on 11 February 2024 as announced by Pope Francis on Saturday 16 December. “Mama Antula, the most rebellious woman of her time” written by Nunzia Locatelli and Cintia Suárez, was presented on Tuesday afternoon at an exclusive meeting at the Vatican Film Library a few meters from Pope Francis’ residence. The presentation was attended by Andrea Tornielli, Vaticanist of great international prestige; Paolo Ruffini and Monsignor Lucio Ruiz, Prefect and
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/editrice-vaticana-presented-a-book-on-mama-antula-the-new-argentinean-saint/

French anti-cult law proposes to criminalise natural health
By Newsdesk
Vote on 19 December will decide the future of alternative medicine in FranceNext week in France, the parliament will decide whether or not to support a law that grants authorities the power to criminalise those who criticise or avoid conventional medical practices deemed ‘essential’, or use or promote natural or alternative medicines instead. Macron’s government plans to implement these powers by amending existing French law on sectarian drift which will be discussed and voted on by the French Parliament next Tuesday, 19 December. If passed, individuals or organisations prosecuted under the new law will face jail sentences of between 1
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/french-anti-cult-law-proposes-to-criminalise-natural-health/

The Flawed Sanctions Policy: Why Putin Wins
By Gary Cartwright
On December 1, Robin Brooks, chief economist and managing director of the Institute of International Finance, asked, “You have to wonder what’s going on in the EU. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is a big threat to everything the EU stands for. But then there are many examples like this: EU exports to Armenia are up 200% since the invasion. This stuff goes to Russia and helps Putin. What is Brussels doing?” Coincidentally, just one day earlier, on November 30, The Economist stated that “Putin seems to be winning the war in Ukraine—for now.” This article highlighted the West’s failure to
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/the-flawed-sanctions-policy-why-putin-wins/

Concert at the European Parliament: Omar Harfouch plays his new composition for world peace
By Newsdesk
Event this Tuesday evening at the European Commission in Brussels. Omar Harfouch, who has been in the news in recent weeks following his acquisition of Entrevue magazine, has shown that he has several strings to his bow. Honorary President of the Organization for Dialogue and Diversity, the businessman, also a pianist-composer, played his brand new piece of music which he specially composed for a call for world peace. A piece also entitled “Save a life, you save humanity”, in reference to a famous phrase mentioned in the Torah and in the Holy Koran. The concert took place in the main
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/concert-at-the-european-parliament-omar-harfouch-plays-his-new-composition-for-world-peace/