Nashville RCC members tour Church of Scientology

Members of RCC's Nashville Chapter toured the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre May 19. The church recently moved into the historic Falls School Building on Eighth Avenue South.

Religion communicators saw the public information center and two rooms devoted to educating people in Middle Tennessee about church practices. The Rev. Brian Fesler, RCC member and tour leader, said that Scientology was open to everyone regardless of race, color or creed.

People don't necessarily "convert" to Scientology, Fesler said. Some consider Scientology their only religion. Others attend a different service on their sabbath and come to the Church of Scientology for courses during the week to improve their spirituality and happiness.

Fesler showed communicators course rooms and auditing rooms. Auditing is Scientology's form of spiritual counseling. It is generally accomplished in private sessions with a minister.

RCC members visited the chapel and bookstore and viewed historic features of the renovated school building preserved by the church. Each member receiving a gift bag containing information about the church's community activities.

The RCC group ate a picnic lunch outside the church. Chapter members elected 2010-2011 officers. Leaders are:

• President: Laura Flippen Tenzel.
• Co-vice presidents for programs: Carol Mansour and the Rev. Brian Fesler.
• Treasurer: Harry Leake.
• Membership: Amelia Tucker-Shaw.
• Communications: Katie Shull.