Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are continuing 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 conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
During recent months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from neighborhood clean-ups, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology places serving the community at the center of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — news eu parlament and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages 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 improving society’s moral and ethical condition is vital to 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 trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s commitment to 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, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “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 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 yellow shirts, VMs serve in more than 200 countries, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can find their way forward and rebuild their futures. 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 immediate support, Scientologists have focused significantly on 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 partnered on prevention workshops in collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This cooperative spirit has received recognition from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not apart from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both personal study and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that honors compassion and community support,” 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