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Experts at conference held at the Church of Scientology of Rome, make the point on the state of freedom of belief in Italy and the world

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University professors, government officials, parliamentarians and religious representatives participated in a day-long conference where they discussed the current challenges to religious freedom.

Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 3rd Jun 2024 – On Thursday, May 30th, the international conference on freedom of religion in Italy and the world, titled “Freedom of Belief and Religious Recognition: Current State and Perspectives,” was held in the auditorium of the Church of Scientology in Rome. It was organized with the collaboration of the Observatory on Religious Entities, Ecclesiastical Heritage, and Non-Profit Organizations of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli.”

The conference consisted of two international roundtables in the morning moderated by Prof. Alfonso Celotto, professor of constitutional law at the University of Roma Tre, and two national ones moderated by Prof. Antonio Fuccillo, professor of ecclesiastical and intercultural law at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli.”

 

International examples of religious freedom

The first panel had as speakers Senator Lorena Rios Cuéllar, former director of religious affairs of the Colombian government; Prof. José Daniel Pelayo Olmedo, deputy director general for the coordination and promotion of religious freedom of the Spanish government; and Dr. Gary Vachicouras, professor and administrator of academic affairs at the Institute for Postgraduate Studies in Orthodox Theology (Chambésy, Geneva).

This panel outlined the situation in Colombia, a secular but not atheist state with a constitution that guarantees freedom of religion both individually and collectively. It then covered that of Spain, where there are 26,000 religious groups registered in the Register of Religious Bodies. For the Greek-born Prof. Vachicouras, societies are increasingly facing religious plurality and the resulting problems. The solution to conflicts, he stated, is acceptance of the principle of freedom of belief. The panel showed how three countries with different traditions (Colombia, Spain, and Greece) have recognized their religious entities, including Scientology, within a framework of great freedom and inclusion.

The second panel included U.S. attorney and constitutional expert Austin Hepworth; Prof. Juan Ferreiro Galguera, professor of church law at the University of Oviedo, Spain; and Prof. Vincent Berger, former jurisconsult at the European Court of Human Rights.

Attorney Hepworth explained how the principle of religious freedom is applied in the U.S., also recalling the 1948 U.S.-Italy Friendship Treaty on automatic mutual recognition of entities, including religious ones. Prof. Ferreiro Galguera explained the difference between the secular state that respects religious phenomena and the cooperation with it as it happens in Spain, and the secularist state that instead prevents it, as it happens in France.

Prof. Berger asserted that the state’s tolerance of a religious denomination should not replace its full recognition, and he recalled the remedies offered by the ECHR on limitations of religious freedom, with the possibility of recourse to the Strasbourg Court as well.

 

Italian situation of religious freedom under analysis

The speakers at the first section of this panel were Prof. Maria D’Arienzo, professor of ecclesiastical, canonical, and confessional law at the University “Federico II” of Naples; Prof. Gianfranco Macrì, professor of intercultural law at the University of Salerno; and Prof. Francesco Sorvillo, associate professor of Law and Religions at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli.”

The peculiarity of the Italian normative situation emerged, in that the Constitution addresses religious freedom in 4 specific articles and in 5 with a more general approach, yet it still lacks a law on religious denominations, still having to refer to Law No. 1159, which dates back to 1929, and which concerns “admitted denominations” in the “Kingdom of Italy”, a law that predates the republican democracy that is Italy today.

The second section of this panel featured the editor-in-chief of “bitterwinter.org” and journalist for the “Journal of CESNUR,” Dr. Marco Respinti; Dr. Nader Akkad, religious affairs advisor of the Grand Mosque of Rome; and Mother Anastasia, legal advisor of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese.

Dr. Respinti explained how the media perceive religiosity and their own responsibility on how it is perceived in society. Dr. Akkad emphasized the importance of dialogue between members of different faiths, while Mother Anastasia spoke about the difficulty of the Romanian Orthodox Church working on recognition in Italy for over 13 years.

What emerged overall was the need for greater attention to the religious phenomenon for accomplished regulation not only at the level of individuals but also of organizations in their relations with states.

Freedom of religion and respect for the beliefs of others have always been principles of fundamental importance to the Church of Scientology,” recalled Lina Pirotta, representative of the Church of Scientology Italy, in her welcome address to the conference participants.

The Creed of the Church of Scientology itself, written in 1954 by the religion’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, among other points states, “We of the Church believe that all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance.”

It is within this framework that the Church of Scientology has strongly supported this conference, collaborating with domestic and foreign experts to make it happen in order to provide a clearer picture of the state of freedom of belief in Italy and other countries, and the possible solutions that could help make, of this fundamental right, a fulfilled reality, favoring its development.

Media Contact

Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights

Contact Person: Ivan Arjona

Website: https://www.europeanaffairs.eu

Email: scientology@europeanaffairs.eu

Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 103

City: Brussels

State: Brussels

Country: Belgium

Release Id: 03062412785

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Press Release

Tennessee Candidate Writes Book About the Dangers of the Reserve Currency

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Knoxville, Tennessee, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Elliott Schuchardt, a candidate for the Tennessee General Assembly, has published a book which argues that the U.S. dollar could pose a threat to the citizens of Tennessee.

The book, entitled America’s Achilles Heel:  How to Protect Your Family When America Loses the Reserve Currency, argues that the United States needs to devalue the U.S. dollar against other major currencies.

Schuchardt argues that the dollar is artificially overvalued, because the United States has a near-monopoly on the sale of oil, for only U.S. dollars.  In other words, most countries on the planet will sell oil only for dollars.  Schuchardt argues that the value of the dollar could collapse, if the Middle East were to sell oil for a currency other than the dollar. He says that this is a foreseeable risk, given the efforts of China and Russia to establish new international payment methods.

According to Schuchardt, if the value of the dollar were to fall 50%, then the price of goods imported to the United States could double, in dollar terms.  If the dollar were to fall 80% against other major currencies, then the price of imported goods could increase by five times, or 500%.  In other words, the cost of an imported television could increase from $300 to $1,500, relatively quickly.

Schuchardt warns that this could be a problem if the price of gasoline were to double or triple overnight.  “The United States would have a difficult time dealing with gasoline priced at $8 or $10 a gallon,” says Schuchardt.  We need to deal with this possibility.

Schuchardt’s book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  It is also available in an audio version on Amazon’s Audible platform, read by the author.

Elliott J. Schuchardt is a candidate for the Tennessee General Assembly in the 2026 election.  Schuchardt studied politics at Cornell University and Oxford University.  He is also a graduate of Columbia Law School.  Prior to entering politics, Schuchardt focused his legal practice on civil liberties issues in the courts.

CONTACT:

Elliott J. Schuchardt

2322 Jockey Run Trail

Knoxville, TN 37920

Call or Text: (865) 304-4374

Website:  www.elliott-author.com

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Press Release

Dr. Jennifer Robinson Advocates for Accessible and Compassionate Mental Health Care

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Detroit, MI, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE– Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Robinson, founder of Integral Psychiatric and Recovery Services, is calling for greater awareness and early intervention in mental health care. Drawing from insights in her recent interview “Redefining Success in Psychiatry and Life,” Dr. Robinson highlights the urgent need to make mental health treatment more accessible and human-centred—especially for individuals facing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

“Success in psychiatry isn’t just about medication or diagnosis,” said Dr. Robinson. “It’s about connection—helping people feel seen, understood, and supported. Healing starts long before the prescription pad comes out.”

The Growing Mental Health Challenge

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, and nearly half never receive treatment. In Detroit and similar urban communities, access remains a significant barrier, with provider shortages and socioeconomic challenges amplifying the problem.

A 2023 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 61% of U.S. counties—most of them rural or low-income—lack adequate mental health professionals. For Dr. Robinson, these statistics are more than numbers—they represent real people left without care.

“I’ve seen patients wait months for appointments or travel hours for therapy,” she said. “No one should have to choose between their mental health and their job, their childcare, or their safety. That’s why accessible care matters.”

Through her online practice, Dr. Robinson has made it her mission to remove barriers by offering virtual consultations that meet patients where they are—literally. But her advocacy goes beyond technology. It’s about rethinking how communities view mental health and encouraging early, compassionate engagement.

The Power of Early Support

Dr. Robinson stresses that early intervention is key. The World Health Organization reports that half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, yet most go undetected and untreated. Early signs—changes in mood, sleep, focus, or behaviour—are often dismissed as stress or personality quirks until they become crises.

“Mental illness doesn’t appear overnight,” Dr. Robinson explained. “There are always warning signs. The earlier we respond, the better the outcomes—not just for individuals, but for families and communities.”

She emphasises that success in treatment requires partnership, not just between patient and doctor, but across the community. Teachers, parents, and employers all play a role in recognising and responding to mental health needs early on.

Breaking the Stigma Around Psychiatry

Dr. Robinson also wants to dismantle the lingering stigma that keeps many from seeking help—particularly within minority and faith-based communities.

“As a Black woman from Detroit, I understand the cultural hesitation that still exists around mental health,” she said. “People fear being judged or seen as weak. But seeking help is strength—it’s self-awareness, not failure.”

She integrates empathy and faith into her practice and community work, volunteering through Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church, where she helps organise outreach programmes providing food, clothing, and emotional support to Detroit families.

“You can’t separate mental health from the human experience,” she added. “Faith, family, and community all shape our wellbeing. The more we talk about it openly, the more healing we’ll see.”

A Call to Action: What Individuals Can Do Now

Dr. Robinson believes everyone—not just clinicians—can help shift the mental health landscape. She encourages small, practical steps that build awareness, compassion, and resilience.

Here’s how you can make a difference today:

  1. Check in on someone. A simple “How are you, really?” can start a powerful conversation.

  2. Normalise therapy. Talk openly about mental health care as you would about physical health.

  3. Learn the signs. Persistent sadness, irritability, isolation, or changes in sleep and appetite are red flags worth attention.

  4. Support local resources. Donate, volunteer, or share information about community clinics and crisis lines.

  5. Model balance. Show others—especially children—that rest, boundaries, and vulnerability are healthy, not indulgent.

“We can’t solve the mental health crisis overnight,” Dr. Robinson said. “But we can each create pockets of care—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Change begins when compassion becomes habit.”

About Dr. Jennifer Robinson

Dr. Jennifer Robinson is a board-certified psychiatrist based in Detroit, Michigan, and the founder of Integral Psychiatric and Recovery Services, an online mental health clinic providing accessible, patient-centred care. She specialises in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. A graduate of Bowling Green State University and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Dr. Robinson has built a reputation for her empathetic, holistic approach that integrates clinical science with human connection.

Take the Next Step

Dr. Robinson invites individuals, families, and community leaders to take small steps toward awareness and understanding.

“Every act of empathy is a form of prevention,” she concluded. “When we lead with compassion—whether at home or in our communities—we create a world where healing is possible for everyone.”

To learn more or access mental health resources, visit www.integralpsychiatric.com or follow Dr. Robinson’s work on community outreach through Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church.

To read the full article, click here.

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Press Release

New Partnership Brings Free ATM Placement to Dispensaries Nationwide

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Greenstar ATM expands turnkey payment solutions with a program designed to increase customer convenience, boost spending, and drive shared revenue.

San Francisco, CA, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRECannabis dispensaries across the U.S. continue to face significant challenges when it comes to providing secure, compliant, and convenient payment options. To address this, Greenstar ATM has announced a new strategic partnership that will deliver free, fully maintained ATM machines to dispensaries nationwide, with no upfront costs or long-term financial commitments.

Through this initiative, dispensary owners can gain instant access to a turnkey ATM placement service, enabling customers to withdraw cash on-site, increasing purchasing power and average transaction values. The program also provides retailers with optional revenue-sharing opportunities, allowing them to participate in ATM fee profits without the burden of installation or maintenance expenses.

“Our mission has always been to simplify financial services for cannabis retailers,” said the spokesperson for Greenstar ATM. “This partnership strengthens that mission by eliminating the barriers to ATM access. Dispensaries can now offer customers reliable cash access at no cost, while benefiting from increased sales and potential profit-sharing. It’s a true win-win for operators and consumers alike.”

As part of the program, Greenstar ATM manages the full lifecycle of each machine, including installation, vaulting, 24/7 service, and repairs, ensuring maximum uptime and security. By removing the logistical and financial burdens, dispensaries are free to focus on running their businesses, confident that their customers will always have access to cash when needed.

The benefits extend beyond convenience. Research consistently shows that customers with cash in hand are more likely to spend more per visit, particularly in retail environments like cannabis dispensaries where card options remain limited. By increasing both access and ease of payment, Greenstar ATM’s free placement program gives retailers a competitive edge in a growing marketplace.

This partnership reflects Greenstar ATM’s broader mission to be the go-to provider of financial and payment solutions for cannabis dispensaries. From cashless ATMs and point-of-banking (POB) systems to merchant services and compliant banking support, the company continues to lead with innovative, operator-friendly solutions designed specifically for the cannabis industry.

About Greenstar ATM

Greenstar ATM is a trusted partner for cannabis dispensaries nationwide, specializing in cashless ATMs, point-of-banking (POB) solutions, merchant services, and ATM placement. With a focus on compliance, security, and customer convenience, Greenstar ATM helps retailers overcome the challenges of limited banking access while driving growth through innovative, reliable payment solutions.

Contact Information

Website: https://www.greenstaratm.com/

Phone: (833) 420-2867

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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