Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: contributing to the public good through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of others in the community.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. 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.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology positions assisting those in need at the center of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is eu news 24/7 only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that assisting others is an indispensable step 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 non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for individuals to flourish spiritually.
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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a just and united community,” 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 self-determination, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
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 operate in over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — focuses on practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, can find their way forward and reclaim their independence. 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums 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 backed by Church members but delivered alongside secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not separate from their spiritual journey — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and service to others. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that values solidarity and mutual aid,” 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