Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have organized a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Parallel activities unfolded in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology places helping others at the heart of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that guides the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, showcase the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is vital to individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to respond to social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work complements the European Union’s commitment to community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, created in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their bright yellow uniforms, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their courses — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when given practical help and empathy, can rise above hardship and regain control of their lives. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has found universal relevance.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights news eu gipfel chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but delivered alongside non-religious organizations, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both personal study and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition by applying spiritual principles to everyday life — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life