Press Release
Scientology hosts its 12th edition of the Religious Freedom Awards in Spain
On September 19, 2025, the twelfth Religious Freedom Awards were held at the Church of Scientology headquarters in Madrid, organized by the Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society, which has UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. These pioneering awards in Spain and Europe recognized five honorees for their work defending religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and interfaith dialogue: Salvador Pérez Álvarez (UNED) for promoting positive secularism and a culture of peace; Óscar Salguero Montaño (Complutense University of Madrid) for advancing diversity and coexistence; Javier García Oliva (University of Manchester) for his international perspective on rights; Luis Morente Leal (Buddhist Union of Spain) for his advocacy of equality and minority faiths; and Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa (Hindu Federation of Spain) for strengthening interreligious dialogue. The event reaffirmed its role as a European benchmark in promoting diversity as a source of societal enrichment.
Madrid, September 19, 2025 – The headquarters of the Church of Scientology in Madrid hosted the twelfth edition of the Religious Freedom Awards, organized by the Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society, pioneers in Spain and Europe in recognizing the work of those who defend religious freedom, freedom of conscience and interfaith dialogue.
These awards, unique in their kind, and drawing from precept 18th of The Way to Happinness by L Ron Hubbard, bring together academics, jurists, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society in an event that seeks to highlight the challenges and achievements in this field. The Foundation, which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and which was proudly founded by the Church of Scientology, has brought the voice of Spanish religious communities to international forums, including Geneva, Vienna, and New York, consolidating its role as a relevant actor in the promotion of this fundamental right.
Among those in attendance were Mr. Daniel Pelayo, Deputy Director General for Religious Freedom at the Ministry of the Presidency, and representatives of the Diversity Management Unit of the Madrid Municipal Police, whose work was highlighted during the event. Other attendees were from the Bahai Community of Spain, the sisterhood of Vedruna Carmelita nuns of Charity, among others.
A message of dignity and freedom
The ceremony opened with remarks by Isabel Ayuso Puente, Secretary General of the Foundation, who recalled that religious freedom is essential even in times of war:
“In a world ravaged by war, it might seem a little frivolous to focus on freedom of belief or freedom of religion, because there are other needs that seem more pressing, and indeed they are, at present.”
Ayuso emphasized the centrality of freedom of belief to human dignity:
“Freedom of belief is like the freedom of freedoms. Without it, people would not have the status of human beings.“
Finally, he highlighted the need to make diversity of belief visible in order to strengthen coexistence:
”to give visibility to religion, because it can be a pillar, and in fact is a pillar, for laying the foundations for a future and a better society in which everyone can live in peace.”
Five awards, five approaches
This year, for the first time, the awards were expanded from three to five, incorporating awards that recognize the practical work of religious communities and their direct contribution to dialogue and coexistence.
Professor Salvador Pérez Álvarez – Positive secularism and culture of peace
The first award winner of the night was Salvador Pérez Álvarez, Professor of Ecclesiastical Law at the UNED, presented by Professor Fernando Amérigo-Cuervo, who highlighted his academic career and his commitment to freedom of conscience and bioethics.
In his speech, Pérez reflected on the constitutional principles that guarantee religious freedom:
“Positive state secularism is the institutional guarantee, the constitutional pillar that underpins the full enjoyment of religious freedom by all citizens in an increasingly pluralistic society, under conditions of real and effective equality.”
He warned of the growing risk of hate speech in society:
“This argument is becoming increasingly radicalized and, what is more worrying, in my humble opinion, it is becoming increasingly prevalent in different social sectors.”
He called for a collective commitment to address these threats:
“We cannot stand idly by in the face of this new form of threat to coexistence on the grounds of religious differences.”
Finally, he linked freedom of belief to the construction of a more just society:
“The fulfillment of this requirement has served as the basis for the implementation of a genuine culture of peace as a sustainable development goal.”
Professor Óscar Salguero Montaño – Diversity, respect, and dialogue
The second prize went to Óscar Salguero Montaño, professor and social anthropologist at the Complutense University of Madrid, presented by UAM professor Ana Isabel Planet, who highlighted his commitment to social change and the promotion of coexistence.
Salguero began by recalling the words of Jürgen Habermas after 9/11, which remain fully valid:
“Secular citizens must stop understanding religions as atavistic realities and, on the other hand, religious citizens and their representatives must open themselves to dialogue with modernity, far from any fundamentalist attitude.”
She explained how freedom of belief underpins social diversity:
“This freedom of belief enables each and every one of us to live according to our deepest convictions, whether political, religious, or non-religious, and always under the crystal-clear prism of respect and coexistence.”
He warned against the political exploitation of beliefs:
“We see how religious beliefs are increasingly being exploited to generate conflict or used as an excuse to limit rights.”
And he linked this challenge to the fragility of peace:
“Coexistence and interreligious respect are fragile values that we must protect and defend.”
Professor Javier García Oliva – An international perspective on rights
The third award recognized the work of Javier García Oliva, Professor of Constitutional Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at the University of Manchester (United Kingdom), presented by UCM Professor Santiago Cañamares.
García Oliva recalled the historical challenges to religious freedom and their current impact:
“It is disheartening to think that this person had to live in fear and hide their beliefs.”
Referring to the contemporary reality, he warned:
“In many parts of the world, including Western Europe, many citizens face serious problems, even death, in exercising their religious freedom.”
He emphasized the need for a balance between fundamental rights:
“Religious freedom is a fundamental and non-negotiable right in a democracy, but it can only be fully enjoyed if other fundamental rights are respected.”
Mr. Luis Morente Leal – Buddhism and equality in diversity
The fourth award was presented to Luis Morente Leal, representative of the Buddhist Union of Spain and a lawyer with decades of experience in defending equal treatment for minority faiths.
Morente spoke about the importance of knowledge as the basis for respect:
“Knowing and dealing with other people who think differently from me has not only enriched me, but has also made me understand in all its depth the phrase that to know is to love.”
He shared personal experiences of discrimination:
“I have experienced discrimination in my own country for two reasons. One, when I had an African girlfriend. And another, when some people found out that I was a Buddhist.”
He defended diversity as an enriching element of society:
“Diversity enriches us. And diversity is not only what is in line with our religion, it is also the person who has a code of ethics.”
And he expressed his desire for a peaceful future:
“May some generation in this world finally live without hatred, live without wars, and live knowing others and, above all, knowing themselves.”
Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa – Recognition and interreligious dialogue
The last award went to Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa, president of the Hindu Federation of Spain, for his work in representing and uniting Hindu communities, as well as his proactive participation in multiple interreligious spaces, such as the TRANSCENDENCE International Forum, among others.
Krishna Kripa Dasa recalled the daily coexistence in his hometown, Ceuta:
“In Ceuta, coexistence is not an academic exercise or a matter of diplomacy, but something that is lived on a daily basis.”
He defended the millennial status of Hinduism as a religion deeply rooted in the world and in Spain:
“Hinduism has 1.2 billion followers, a presence in 145 countries, and 130 years of history in Spain.”
He pointed out the need to avoid the fragmentation of communities and explained the inclusive vision of his tradition:
“The truth is one, but the sages call it by different names.”
Religious freedom: a living practice
To close the event, Iván Arjona Pelado, president of the Foundation and representative of Scientology to the European institutions and the United Nations, thanked the award winners and all those present, emphasizing that religious freedom is a collective effort:
“Today we have seen that religious freedom is not only a legal right, but a living practice that builds more just and peaceful societies.”
The ceremony concluded with a group photo and a call to continue working together for coexistence, cooperation, and respect among all beliefs.
A consolidated event on the religious freedom calendar
With this twelfth edition, the Religious Freedom Awards reaffirm their role as a meeting platform for religious communities, institutions, and human rights defenders. The Foundation’s international recognition, thanks to its status with the UN, has made these awards a European benchmark in the defense of freedom of belief, with a view to building societies where diversity is understood as a source of wealth and not as a threat.
The closing remarks of the evening also reflected on the origins and vision that made these awards possible. The Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society, established by the Church of Scientology, draws inspiration from the teachings of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, who emphasized that “religious freedom is the first freedom.” Under the leadership of Mr. David Miscavige, the Church has expanded its humanitarian and interfaith initiatives worldwide, fostering dialogue and understanding among communities of diverse beliefs. This global vision continues to guide the Foundation’s efforts to defend the rights of all individuals to practice their faith freely and to promote a culture of peace and coexistence.
Media Contact
Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Contact Person: Ivan Arjona
Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org
Email: Send Email
Address:Boulevard de Waterloo 103
City: Brussels
State: Brussels
Country:Belgium
Release id:34478
The post Scientology hosts its 12th edition of the Religious Freedom Awards in Spain appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
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Press Release
KeyCrew Media Selects ACME Real Estate as Verified Expert for Boutique Brokerage Operations, and LA Market Expertise
KeyCrew Media, a real estate analytics and media network, has selected Courtney Poulos and her team at ACME Real Estate as a KeyCrew Verified Expert.
LOS ANGELES, CA, December 12, 2025 — KeyCrew Media, a real estate analytics and media network, has selected Courtney Poulos and her team at ACME Real Estate as a KeyCrew Verified Expert. The boutique Los Angeles brokerage will contribute specialized insights on renovation-resale strategy, boutique brokerage operations, and LA market dynamics.
KeyCrew Verified Experts are carefully selected as prolific market trend authorities who demonstrate exceptional insight and expertise in their fields. These distinguished professionals and companies regularly contribute market insights, expert perspectives, and forward-looking analysis to help audiences navigate complex industry landscapes.
Founded in 2011 by Broker/Owner Courtney Poulos, ACME Real Estate has established itself as a premier boutique brokerage specializing in renovation-resale projects across Los Angeles. Operating in what Poulos calls “the NFL of real estate,” ACME has built its reputation on comprehensive agent training, ethical accountability, and exceptional client experiences without the backing of international capital funding.
ACME Real Estate offers a distinctive “one-stop shop” approach for real estate investors and renovation-resale specialists. The brokerage provides full-spectrum support from acquisition—including deal analysis and cost-benefit evaluation—through in-house design services at any price point, sophisticated appraisal packaging, and premium marketing. With 35 agents completing 178 transaction sides totaling $155 million in sales volume over the past 12 months, ACME has proven that boutique brokerages can compete against corporate giants through superior training and service.
“We’re honored that ACME Real Estate has been selected as a KeyCrew Verified Expert,” said Courtney Poulos, Broker/Owner. “We built ACME to fill a gap in the market—highly trained agents who the public can trust, comprehensive support for renovation-resale investors, and a commitment to quality over scale. This recognition validates what our clients already know: sometimes the underdogs deliver the highest quality service.”
ACME Real Estate’s areas of expertise include:
- Renovation-Resale Strategy – Comprehensive acquisition analysis, cost estimation, design consultation, and resale marketing for investors
- Boutique Brokerage Operations – Building and scaling quality-focused independent brokerages in competitive markets
- Los Angeles Market Dynamics – Deep expertise in LA neighborhoods, market trends, and investment opportunities
- Agent Training & Development – Mastery-based training programs emphasizing contract expertise and client psychology
- Premium Property Marketing – High-end photography, printed materials, and strategic positioning for maximum market performance
About ACME Real Estate
ACME Real Estate is a boutique independent brokerage founded in 2011 and based in Los Angeles. With 35 agents and 178 transaction sides totaling $155 million in sales volume over the past 12 months, ACME specializes in renovation-resale projects and provides comprehensive support from acquisition through marketing and sale. The brokerage offers in-house design services at any price point, sophisticated appraisal packaging, and premium marketing execution. ACME serves both real estate investors and traditional buyers and sellers with what Broker/Owner Courtney Poulos describes as “the most concierge, attentive, well-trained group of underdogs you could ever have behind you.” Website: https://acmeflorida.com/
About KeyCrew Media
KeyCrew Media is the next generation real estate intelligence platform that leverages AI-powered analytics and first-person reporting from verified experts to produce forward-looking insights across local markets and niche asset classes. Proprietary market reporting is delivered through KeyCrew’s growing portfolio of niche media properties—including KeyCrew Journal, NextAsset News, and other specialized publications—as well as selectively syndicated to media partners that influence industry decision-makers. Learn more at keycrew.co
Media Contact
Organization: KeyCrew Media
Contact Person: Heather Hook
Website: https://www.keycrew.co
Email: Send Email
City: Baltimore
State: Maryland
Country:United States
Release id:39011
The post KeyCrew Media Selects ACME Real Estate as Verified Expert for Boutique Brokerage Operations, and LA Market Expertise appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
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.
Press Release
KeyCrew Media Selects Brooke Pfautz as Verified Expert for Vacation Rental Management and Property Technology
KeyCrew Media, a real estate analytics and media network, has selected Brooke Pfautz, CEO and Founder of Vintory, as a KeyCrew Verified Expert.
NATIONWIDE, December 12, 2025 — KeyCrew Media, a real estate analytics and media network, has selected Brooke Pfautz, CEO and Founder of Vintory, as a KeyCrew Verified Expert. Pfautz will contribute data-driven analysis on vacation rental management, property technology innovation, and industry consolidation trends.
KeyCrew Verified Experts are carefully selected as prolific market trend authorities who demonstrate exceptional insight and expertise in their fields. These distinguished professionals regularly contribute market insights, expert perspectives, and forward-looking analysis to help audiences navigate complex industry landscapes.
Brooke Pfautz brings unparalleled expertise to the vacation rental management sector, having helped over 950 companies scale their portfolios through strategic growth initiatives. As founder of both Vintory and Comparent, Pfautz has established herself as a leading voice on data-driven property acquisition, AI integration in hospitality operations, and market consolidation dynamics. Her work encompasses the largest database of vacation rental homeowners globally and the industry’s first comprehensive ranking system through the Comparent 100.
With 18 years of experience in the short-term rental industry, Pfautz successfully scaled Vantage Realty to over 500 properties before its acquisition. She has since focused on revolutionizing how professional vacation rental managers approach growth through Vintory’s data and marketing platform, which aggregates information from over 10 sources to create what she calls “stacked data architecture” — a proprietary approach that provides unprecedented accuracy in homeowner targeting.
Pfautz’s insights on artificial intelligence adoption have positioned her as a forward-thinking industry authority. She advocates that property managers not implementing AI-native tools by 2026 risk competitive obsolescence, emphasizing that data capture — particularly call recordings and guest communications — represents the critical intellectual property that will differentiate winners in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace.
“I’m honored to be selected as a KeyCrew Verified Expert,” said Brooke Pfautz. “The vacation rental management industry is at a pivotal moment where data quality and AI adoption will separate thriving companies from those left behind. Having helped nearly 1,000 companies with their growth strategies, I’ve seen firsthand how the right data and technology stack can transform a mid-sized operator into a market leader. I’m excited to share insights that help property managers navigate consolidation pressures, leverage their unique data assets, and position themselves strategically whether they’re scaling independently or preparing for acquisition.”
Pfautz’s areas of expertise include:
- Vacation Rental Management Growth Strategies — Proven frameworks for inventory acquisition and scaling beyond 10 million in gross bookings
- Property Technology & AI Integration — Strategic guidance on AI-native tools, data architecture, and competitive positioning
- Market Consolidation & M&A Dynamics — Insights on institutional capital trends, acquisition metrics, and positioning for exit
- Homeowner Data & Marketing Analytics — Expertise in multi-source data aggregation, targeting precision, and marketing ROI optimization
About Vintory
Vintory is a data, sales, and marketing platform that helps professional vacation rental managers grow their inventory through the world’s largest database of vacation rental homeowners. The platform combines proprietary stacked data architecture with tech-enabled marketing services, building targeted campaigns that drive qualified leads through custom CRM and automation systems. Vintory has supported over 950 property management companies with strategic growth initiatives. Website: www.vintory.com
About KeyCrew Media
KeyCrew Media is the next generation real estate intelligence platform that leverages AI-powered analytics and first-person reporting from verified experts to produce forward-looking insights across local markets and niche asset classes. Proprietary market reporting is delivered through KeyCrew’s growing portfolio of niche media properties — including KeyCrew Journal, NextAsset News, and other specialized publications — as well as selectively syndicated to media partners that influence industry decision-makers. Learn more at keycrew.co
Media Contact
Organization: KeyCrew Media
Contact Person: Heather Hook
Website: https://www.keycrew.co
Email: Send Email
City: Baltimore
State: Maryland
Country:United States
Release id:39013
The post KeyCrew Media Selects Brooke Pfautz as Verified Expert for Vacation Rental Management and Property Technology appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
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.
Press Release
KLOTA Launches Two Free Analysis Tools to Help E-Commerce Brands Improve Search and AI Visibility
Sweden, 13th Dec 2025 – KLOTA AB, a Sweden-based digital performance and SEO consultancy, has announced the launch of two new free analysis tools designed specifically for serious e-commerce companies seeking stronger visibility, better performance, and clearer insights across search engines and AI-driven platforms. The newly released tools—the AI Visibility Analyzer and the Shopping Feed Analyzer—are currently available as free BETA services and deliver actionable results within approximately 10 minutes via email.
As search behavior rapidly evolves, e-commerce brands are no longer competing only for traditional Google rankings. Increasingly, consumers are discovering products and brands through AI-powered assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini. KLOTA’s new tools are built to address this shift, providing practical diagnostics that help online retailers understand where they stand and what to fix.
The AI Visibility Analyzer focuses on how well a website is seen, accessed, and understood by modern AI search engines and large language models. The tool evaluates critical factors such as AI-bot accessibility (including robots.txt and llms.txt), content clarity and readability, structured data, and core technical SEO elements. Based on this analysis, it generates an easy-to-understand AI Visibility Score ranging from 0 to 100, along with clear, prioritized recommendations that highlight the most impactful improvements.
“This is about helping companies prepare for the next generation of search,” said Anders Karlsson, Contact at KLOTA AB. “Many e-commerce brands are still optimizing only for classic search results, while AI assistants are already shaping how users discover information and products. The AI Visibility Analyzer makes this new landscape measurable and actionable.”
The second tool, the Shopping Feed Analyzer (Google Shopping Feed Analyzer ), is designed for e-commerce businesses actively running Google Shopping and Performance Max (PMax) campaigns. Poor feed quality is a common reason for disapproved products, limited reach, and underperforming ads. KLOTA’s tool performs an automated quality audit of a Google Shopping product feed , reviewing required attributes, product titles and descriptions, pricing accuracy, images, Google product categories, and overall compliance with Google’s specifications.
After the audit, users receive a detailed PDF report that includes an executive summary and a prioritized action list. This enables marketing and e-commerce teams to quickly identify errors, resolve disapprovals, and systematically improve feed quality for better campaign performance.
“Most feed issues are not strategic—they’re technical and fixable,” Karlsson added. “The challenge is knowing exactly where the problems are and what to address first. The Shopping Feed Analyzer removes that guesswork and gives teams a clear roadmap.”
Both tools are offered as free BETA services, reflecting KLOTA’s commitment to sharing expertise and helping e-commerce brands adapt to a more complex digital ecosystem. Once a website URL or product feed is submitted, the analysis is processed automatically and sent by email in about 10 minutes, making the tools accessible even for busy teams with limited technical resources.
While some information within the tools may be presented in English, the insights are designed to be universally applicable for international e-commerce brands aiming to compete more effectively in search, paid media, and AI-driven discovery.
With the launch of these tools, KLOTA reinforces its position as a forward-looking partner for e-commerce growth—bridging traditional SEO, paid shopping performance, and the emerging world of AI visibility.
For more information visit https://www.klota.se .
About KLOTA AB
KLOTA AB is a Sweden-based digital consultancy specializing in SEO, e-commerce optimization, and data-driven performance strategies. The company works with ambitious brands that want to improve visibility, traffic quality, and revenue across search engines, advertising platforms, and AI-powered discovery channels.
Media Contact
Organization: KLOTA AB
Contact Person: Anders Karlsson
Website: https://www.klota.se/
Email: Send Email
Address:Katrinedalsgatan 13A 504 51 BORÅS Sweden
Country:Sweden
Release id:39023
The post KLOTA Launches Two Free Analysis Tools to Help E-Commerce Brands Improve Search and AI Visibility appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
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.
KeyCrew Media Selects ACME Real Estate as Verified Expert for Boutique Brokerage Operations, and LA Market Expertise
KeyCrew Media Selects Brooke Pfautz as Verified Expert for Vacation Rental Management and Property Technology
KLOTA Launches Two Free Analysis Tools to Help E-Commerce Brands Improve Search and AI Visibility
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