Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities 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 except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all carried out under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology positions serving the community at the heart of spiritual development. 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 international Volunteer Ministers movement to public education efforts on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that assisting others 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 been distributed to millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, exemplify 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 Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a free and cohesive society,” 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 spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, 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 are active in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to resolve conflict, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
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 regain control of their lives. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has found universal relevance.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to immediate support, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached eu news ireland millions through printed and digital resources and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 carried out jointly with public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit 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 apart from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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