Tribute to Russell M. Nelson
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On behalf of myself and as President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to President Nelson’s family, and to all those who were touched by his life and leadership.
President Russell M. Nelson lived more than a century devoted to service, compassion, and the building of bridges among people of faith and goodwill. From his groundbreaking achievements as a world-renowned heart surgeon to his role as the leader of a global religious community, he exemplified a rare dedication to both physicial and spiritual healing and guiding others.
Throughout his many travels around the world and his remarkable ability to connect across languages and cultures, President Nelson inspired countless individuals from many different faiths. His life’s work stands as a powerful reminder that freedom of religion or belief, and the open cooperation between diverse faith denominations is ultimately about human dignity and the hope we can build together. His example shows that faith, when practiced with humility and dialogue, can bring people together and foster understanding across differences. I have personally witnessed from my many friends within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints how his inspiration has produced and enabled the construction of these bridges that will allow humanity to cross over the abyss of intolerance and hate towards a land where joint efforts manage to make people enjoy their freedoms while holding their responsibilities; therefore, I am grateful for that. President Russell M. Nelson’s century of service — uniting scientific excellence with a sincere devotion to faith — reminds us that freedom of religion or belief is ultimately, and I insist, about human dignity and the hope we can build together.
Our thoughts are with his family and the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during this time of mourning. May his legacy continue to inspire cooperation and mutual respect among people of all faiths and traditions.
Ivan Arjona-Pelado, President, European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Editorial Note: From its beginnings, the Church of Scientology has recognized that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. In a world where conflicts are often traceable to intolerance of others’ religious beliefs and practices, the Church has, for more than 50 years, made the preservation of religious liberty an overriding concern.
The Church publishes this blog to help create a better understanding of the freedom of religion and belief and provide news on religious freedom and issues affecting this freedom around the world.
The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion’s ecclesiastical leader.
