At San Bernardino Prayer Vigil, Scientology Minister Decries Senseless Violence, Urges Tolerance

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Dec. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Inland Empire community came together this evening when hundreds attended a vigil at San Manuel Stadium to pray for the victims and families of Wednesday's mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino that claimed the lives of 14 people and injured 17.

"Thousands of Scientologists throughout the Southland join me in decrying this senseless violence," said Rev. Bob Adams, Public Affairs Director Church of Scientology Los Angeles, at the vigil. "While the safety of our communities is paramount," he added, "we must not succumb to fear or hate. This is not an issue of religion. The taking of a life is forbidden by every faith. Now is a time for mourning and tolerance, not retribution."

Rev. Adams also urged that authorities look into what he called "the chemical connection" in this and other mass shootings that have escalated so dramatically over the past several years.

"These acts are not only inhumane, they are inhuman," he said. "All too often we find the perpetrators of mass killings are on drugs—either psychiatric drugs or street drugs." He asked that the autopsies be made available so the truth of what lies behind this massacre can be understood.

"The thoughts of Scientologists everywhere are with San Bernardino tonight," continued Rev. Adams, who urges meeting the tragedy with greater communication and understanding, in keeping with the Scientology Prayer for Total Freedom:

"May the author of the universe enable all men to reach an understanding of their spiritual nature.

"May awareness and understanding of life expand, so that all may come to know the author of the universe.

"At this time, we think of those whose liberty is threatened; of those who have suffered imprisonment for their beliefs; of those who are enslaved or martyred, and for all those who are brutalized, trapped or attacked.

"We pray that human rights will be preserved so that all people may believe and worship freely, so that freedom will once again be seen in our land.

"Freedom from war, and poverty, and want; freedom to be; freedom to do and freedom to have.

"Freedom to use and understand Man's potential—a potential that is God-given and Godlike.

"And freedom to achieve that understanding and awareness that is Total Freedom.

"May God let it be so."

SOURCE Church of Scientology International