Scientology Welcomes Appointment of Mairead McGuinness EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief

Brussels, 26 March 2026— The European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights welcomes the decision of the European Commission to designate Mairead McGuinness as Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union, in wishes her an active and fruitful mandate with the resources needed to do what it takes.

This appointment represents an important and timely step in reinforcing the European Union’s commitment to the protection and promotion of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), a fundamental human right that lies at the heart of human dignity, freedom of conscience, and peaceful coexistence. After a prolonged vacancy in this role, its reinstatement responds to longstanding expectations and reflects the Commission’s renewed determination to strengthen its global engagement on this issue.

We note with appreciation the Commission’s stated intention to advance intercultural and interreligious dialogue and to work in close cooperation with national authorities, civil society organisations, and representatives of diverse faiths and convictions. The emphasis placed on dialogue — both within the European Union and in its external action — is particularly significant and offers an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and trust among all stakeholders.

In this context, the Scientology Europe expresses its readiness to contribute constructively to the Envoy’s mandate, both inside and outside the European Union, drawing on its longstanding engagement in the promotion of human rights, social betterment initiatives, and dialogue among religious and philosophical communities.

At the same time, Scientology Europe underlines that the effectiveness and credibility of the European Union’s external action are naturally strengthened when its internal practices fully reflect the principles it seeks to promote globally. Continued efforts to ensure an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for all religious and belief communities within the Union — including those that may at times feel underrepresented or insufficiently engaged in institutional dialogue — will further reinforce the EU’s leadership in this field.

“Freedom of religion or belief is not only a principle to be defended abroad; it is a living commitment that must be nurtured within our own institutions and societies,” said Ivan Arjona, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights. “When dialogue is genuine, inclusive and consistent, it becomes a powerful force for unity, dignity and peace. Today’s appointment is an opportunity to strengthen that commitment and to ensure that the European Union continues to lead by example — practicing internally the same values it so rightly promotes globally.”

Our European Office looks forward to engaging with Special Envoy McGuinness in support of her mandate and to working collaboratively with European institutions and partners to advance a shared vision of societies grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and the effective protection of fundamental rights for all.

The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across the Europe with a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least 27 European nations, alongside thousands of community-based social betterment and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighbourhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Within Europe’s diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church’s recognitions continue to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany Slovakia and others, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by the national and international provisions of Freedom of Religion or belief.