For the first time, the Scientology religion is included in the Diccionario de la Lengua Española de la Real Academia Española (Dictionary of the Spanish Language of the Royal Academy of Spain) or DRAE, the most authoritative dictionary of the Spanish language. Produced, edited, and published by the Royal Spanish Academy since 1780 and now in its 22nd edition, it defines Scientology religion as a “religious movement originating in the United States, which aims to promote awareness through certain introspective techniques.

Dictionary additions such as this one require the consensus of the 22 Academies of the Spanish Language which represent all Spanish-speaking nations throughout the Americas and the Philippines. Members of the Academy are chosen from among the most prestigious Spanish artists and scientists. As with their French counterpart, the Académie Française, members of the Royal Spanish Academy are elected for life by their peers.

“We are pleased that our Church is now represented in this dictionary, as anything that makes greater knowledge and understanding available benefits society as a whole,” says Ivan Arjona-Pelado, President of the National Church of Scientology Spain.

Scientologists have been practicing the religion in Spain since the 1960s. The Spanish Ministry of Justice officially recognized Scientology as a religion in 2007.

The National Church of Scientology Spain is located at Santa Catalina, 7 in the heart of Madrid.

“The opening of our new Ideal Scientology Organization in 2004 and the expansion of its public information center and seminar and conference rooms in 2011 have made it possible to introduce scholars and civic and community leaders to our religion,” says Arjona-Pelado. “This makes our technology and social betterment programs even more broadly available.”

Ideal Scientology Organizations (Orgs) realize the fulfillment of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the religion. They not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual awareness and freedom, each is also designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift citizens of all denominations.

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has today expanded to more than 10,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 nations.