Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are upholding a enduring tradition: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out numerous public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places serving the community 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 teaching that underpins the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is essential 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 substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work supports the European Union’s commitment to community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation 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 begin to grasp their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
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 yellow shirts, VMs serve in over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to resolve conflict, enhance understanding, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the understanding that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, 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 news eu economy addition to immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in collaboration with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but delivered alongside secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has gained appreciation from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not separate from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and compassionate action. Helping one’s community thus becomes an essential element 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 participate in this legacy by bringing ethical insights into practical action — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life