Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are continuing a enduring tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce 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 unless one actively supports the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have led a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including local clean-up drives, disaster-response training, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out 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 assisting those in need at the center of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that shapes the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human eu news uk Rights”, which enables students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is vital to individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s focus on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also move closer to understanding their own true identity. 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 recognizable 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 operate in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — accessible to every interested person — provides practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the understanding that people, when given practical help and empathy, can overcome despair and regain control of their lives. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has resonated across languages and cultures.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to direct assistance, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in partnership alongside schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both personal study and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” 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