Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing a enduring tradition: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the betterment of others in the community.
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 hosted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places helping others at the core of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that shapes the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to educational campaigns on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that assisting others is an integral component toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework 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 empowers students to learn about and advocate for the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, illustrate the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is essential for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, 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 complements the European Union’s commitment to civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar 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 Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. 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 prominent 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 yellow shirts, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during flood response in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, eu news ireland enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
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 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have prioritized education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and organized awareness events in collaboration with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with 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 ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning and compassionate action. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” 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