Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a belief 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 numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, disaster-response training, 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 comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts assisting those in need 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 teaching that shapes the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an indispensable step toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to understand and promote the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
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 partnering alongside local associations to address social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work aligns with the European Union’s focus on 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 learn to take responsibility 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 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs serve in over 200 nations, offering support in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
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 ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can overcome despair 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded 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 engaged students through school-based activities, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with non-religious organizations, showing education that faith can inspire real-world service. 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 separate from their religious practice — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy by bringing ethical insights into practical action — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life