Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: supporting their communities 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 without contributing to the well-being of others in the community.
During recent months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives 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, such as neighborhood clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, 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 assisting those in need 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 teaching that underpins the Church’s social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an integral component 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 reached millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, showcase 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 Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to address 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 foundation 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 news eurovita European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also move closer to understanding 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, established in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their bright yellow uniforms, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — focuses on practical tools to resolve conflict, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can find their way forward and reclaim their independence. 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and organized awareness events in collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This cooperative spirit has received recognition 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 separate from their path to awareness — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and service to others. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“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