Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a long-standing tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to reinforce dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have led numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out 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 puts helping others at the center of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that guides the Church’s social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an indispensable step toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to understand and promote the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is vital to individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European news euros 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 tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s focus on community engagement and human rights 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 UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most visible 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 operate in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in flood response in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can rise above hardship and regain control of their lives. 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 prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not apart from their religious practice — 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 personal study and compassionate action. Contributing to society 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 participate in this legacy by applying spiritual principles to everyday life — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life