Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a enduring tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of others in the community.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, disaster-response training, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all delivered under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, 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 insight that shapes the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to public education efforts on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an indispensable step 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 secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is vital to 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 tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s focus on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping news eu ai act 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 UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, 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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs are active in over 200 nations, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the understanding that people, when given practical help and empathy, can rise above hardship 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 immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums in partnership alongside educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. 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 delivered alongside public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has gained appreciation 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 apart from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and service to others. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” 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