Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a long-standing tradition: serving society through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved without contributing to the well-being of others in the community.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have organized hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand news eu uk ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all delivered 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 personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that underpins the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
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 touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — 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, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is a prerequisite for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. 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 peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also move closer to understanding their own spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs serve in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship and reclaim their independence. 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 prioritized education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and organized awareness events in collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not separate from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition by using spiritual understanding to address real-world needs — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life