Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing a time-honored tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of others in the community.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have organized hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from local clean-up drives, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts helping others 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 principle that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.
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 reached 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 entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is a prerequisite 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 active participants 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 aligns with 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, 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 choose to care 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 self-determination, 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 operate in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — available to all, no eu news this week matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the belief that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can find their way forward and reclaim their independence. 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with 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, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This cooperative spirit has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
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 grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy 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