Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: contributing to the public good through humanitarian actions that aim to restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a belief 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 affiliated groups have led a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from neighborhood clean-ups, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology places helping others at the core of personal progress. 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 social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an indispensable step toward eu news italy one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code 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 encourages students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, exemplify the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to flourish spiritually.
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 respond to social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. 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, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most visible expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, launched 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, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — focuses on practical tools to resolve conflict, foster clearer dialogue, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can overcome despair and rebuild their futures. 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 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 shared educational materials with countless individuals and hosted community forums in collaboration with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both self-directed learning and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element 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