Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing 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 except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, such as street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Parallel activities unfolded in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts assisting those in need at the core of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that shapes the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an indispensable step toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to learn about and advocate for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is essential for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work aligns with the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, 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, established in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their distinctive yellow T-shirts, 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 responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their courses — accessible to every interested person — provides practical tools to reduce tension, enhance understanding, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when given practical help and empathy, can news eu overcome despair and regain control of their lives. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has struck a chord worldwide.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to hands-on aid, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and organized awareness events in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This commitment to collaboration has gained appreciation from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not apart from their spiritual journey — it is the path through which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition 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