Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: contributing to the public good through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the well-being of others in the community.
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 conducted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all carried out under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology places assisting those in need at the heart of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that guides the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, showcase 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 active participants in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work aligns with the European Union’s emphasis on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals step up to support 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 recognizable expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, launched in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their yellow shirts, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, L Ron Hubbard and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can overcome despair and rebuild their futures. 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 long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and hosted community forums in partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not separate from their path to awareness — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy 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