Keynote Address at the Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology Buffalo

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center

Well it is truly my great pleasure to join you this afternoon to open the doors to this new Church of Scientology of Buffalo. Because, while its magnificence is cause enough for celebration — and it is magnificent — the full significance of what this church represents extends far beyond its walls and indeed across the world.

For what we truly celebrate is not this monument, but how in turn this monument serves as a center, a home, to bring the help this world so desperately needs. Which is to say, for all the time and effort of so many fine and caring individuals working throughout this past year to create this new Church, it is but a backdrop to today's opening where the real work begins.

In that regard to the many volunteers a simple "thank you" can hardly convey the appreciation you deserve. For that appreciation extends to the future, its value measured not by a physical structure, but lives helped because of your unselfish contributions.

Today we are at a watershed in history. At stake is whether the ideals we cherish will survive or some new abhorrent set of values win the day. And if that decline had been evident throughout the past century, it continues unabated into this new century. The events of September 11th served as a wake-up call for all of us.

When one must worry in today's modern world about the safety of its citizens, when one's solutions are limited to the use of military might, it is obvious the problems we face run much deeper. They are problems we all must face. They are problems we all must be responsible for helping to resolve. It's a situation none of us can ignore.

Yet, look around the world today, speak to people and you will hear: "But what can I do about it? I'm just me." Well, the truth of the matter is that "thee and me" are the most powerful force on this God created Earth.

We might not seem like much in the face of supersonic fighter jets, satellite communications and megaton bombs, but don't yet forget who created all of those: Man himself.