The crowd starts to assemble Click for more photos of the Event

Downtown Hamburg thronged with 5,000 residents and visitors celebrating a milestone feat on October 25: the finale of the historic, 4,500-kilometer European Marathon for Human Rights. The run, begun in Athens on July 22, crossed seven countries before its conclusion in Germany’s second largest city.

The crowds cheered as 14 runners sprinted across the finishing line at Domstrasse and Alter Fischmarkt, with the team captain holding high a Torch of Freedom carried all the way from Greece. The runners were enthusiastically welcomed by the thousands who lined the street, waving flags and banners to celebrate their victory.

Organized by the Church of Scientology International’s Human Rights Office in response to an alarming proliferation of intolerance against minority and new religions, the Marathon ended as the runners were honored with medallions, bouquets and words of appreciation.

Church of Scientology representatives then surprised and delighted the crowd with the announcement of the new home for the Church of Scientology in Hamburg – located directly behind the stage erected to celebrate the Marathon finale, in the very heart of Hamburg.

Several hundred meters from City Hall, the seven-story building will service the growing membership of Scientologists in the city and surrounding areas, and has extensive visitor facilities designed to answer questions anyone might have about the religion.

“Intolerance of others’ beliefs and ideas is only possible where there is no understanding,” said Gisela Hackenjos, President of the Church of Scientology of Hamburg. “It thrives where truth is suppressed, fueled by those who exploit our rather natural fear of the unknown. More visibility, more information and communication go a long way in bringing about understanding.“

The reception of the new Hamburg Church, with its predominantly glass and copper walls, offers passersby an open view into the Church. Visitors will be able to learn about the Scientology religion in the extensive ground-floor facilities provided for introductory reading of religious books, films or lectures, or just by speaking with staff who are always on hand to answer questions and provide information.

Just off the reception area is a lounge where officials, scholars, religious leaders and other dignitaries will be made welcome. The spacious chapel will house the Sunday services, christenings, weddings and other ecclesiastical ceremonies and services.

International Support

Following the conclusion of the Marathon and the surprise announcement of the Church’s new home, runners and crowds were led by a band of Scots pipers to a five-hour concert and festival on Lake Alster. More than 25 artists entertained the crowd, which swelled to 7,000. Performers included American singer Carl Anderson, famous for playing “Judas” in the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar”, songwriter and performer David Pomeranz, Vice World Champion classical accordionist Enrique Ugarte, Italian performer Elena Roggero, international “hip hop” artist Doug E. Fresh and Greek classical violinists and pianists Artash Terzian and Josephina Orfanidou. Andrik Schapers, spokesperson for the European Marathon, performed with a Children’s Choir.

The concert was given in the cause of religious freedom and human rights, and speakers included Academy Award nominated American actress Anne Archer (with starring roles in such movies as Clear and Present Danger and Fatal Attraction), Irving Sarnoff, founder of Friends of the United Nations; Archbishop Ungerer of the Free Catholic Church of Germany; the Honorable Pamela Appelt of Toronto, Canada; Dr. Gabriele Yonan, Berlin Free University; Rev. Alfreddie Johnson, founder of the World Literacy Crusade; and Dr. Derek Davis of Baylor University in the U.S.

The message of the Marathon has particular relevance to Germany. In reports and conferences over the past year, international human rights bodies including the International Helsinki Federation (IHF) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have repeatedly warned of the increasing trend of intolerance in Europe, and urged respect for individual freedoms and constructive dialogue to resolve perceived problems arising from differences in faith.

The European Marathon for Human Rights enjoyed the support of a wide variety of religious and human rights groups as it traversed Greece, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland and northern Germany to Hamburg. Attending the finale was an international assemblage of religious, academic, human rights and artistic personalities.

But the marathon was more than an inspiring physical feat – it marked the beginning of a renewed commitment to preserve human rights in Europe.

Throughout its journey, the marathon team carried a proclamation calling for a rededication to the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and specifically calling upon Germany “to end government religious discrimination, criticized by international human rights bodies in 24 separate reports, and instead to commit itself to a policy of dialogue.” The proclamation was signed by thousands of officials, politicians, civic and religious leaders and others who support its message.