Can Service Be the Common Ground Between Faiths?

WASHINGTON, DC — February 4, 2026 — In observance of Interfaith Harmony Week, the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC hosted an Open House today at 12:15 p.m., bringing together community members to explore shared values of compassion, service, and cooperation across faiths. The event focused on the humanitarian and interfaith work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, a global volunteer service program active in communities and disaster zones worldwide.

The program was introduced by Chas Smith, who served as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed guests to an overview of how people of diverse beliefs can work together to help one another.
“Interfaith Harmony Week reminds us that what unites us is stronger than what divides us,” Smith said. “Today’s Open House was about shared service—practical ways people of all backgrounds can make a real difference in their communities.”

Founded in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the Volunteer Minister program is based on the principle that “something can be done about it.” Volunteer Ministers provide assistance regardless of religion, nationality, or belief, offering practical tools to help address physical, emotional, and everyday challenges.

Over the decades, the program has grown into one of the world’s largest independent relief networks. Volunteer Ministers have responded to major disasters including the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Haiti earthquake, and numerous floods, earthquakes, fires, and typhoons across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Their distinctive yellow shirts have become a recognizable symbol of volunteer assistance at disaster sites around the globe.

In addition to emergency response, Volunteer Ministers focus on helping individuals and families navigate everyday challenges such as communication difficulties, family conflict, recovery from illness or injury, learning obstacles, and substance abuse. Their training is based on The Scientology Handbook, which provides practical tools designed to improve daily life.

During the Open House, attendees viewed presentations and film excerpts illustrating how these tools are applied in real-world situations, including selections from Scientology: How We Help and Tools for Life. Guests also learned about 19 free, online courses—available in 19 languages—that provide step-by-step guidance and are supported by trained Volunteer Ministers.

More than 1,100 organizations and agencies, including police and fire departments and national branches of the Red Cross, have partnered with Volunteer Ministers in disaster response and community assistance efforts—reflecting the same spirit of cooperation celebrated during Interfaith Harmony Week.

The event concluded with an invitation for attendees to participate by becoming Volunteer Ministers, enrolling in free educational courses, or requesting on-site seminars for community, faith-based, or nonprofit organizations.

“Interfaith harmony is built not only through dialogue, but through shared service,” Smith said. “When people work together to help others, understanding and respect naturally follow.”

The Open House continued with guided tours of the Church’s Public Information Center and opportunities for further discussion.

For more information about the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, visit www.volunteerministers.org.