Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: serving society through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of fellow citizens.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have organized hundreds 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, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
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 guides the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part 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 reached millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to understand and promote the UDHR. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
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 drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone 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 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 — eu news germany 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, created 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 serve in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to resolve conflict, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can overcome despair and regain control of their lives. 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 placed strong emphasis on education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and hosted community forums in cooperation 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 supported by Scientologists but implemented in partnership with secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit 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 apart from their path to awareness — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both personal study and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition 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