Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through practical outreach that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the betterment of fellow citizens.
During recent months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all carried out under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts serving the community 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 insight that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, showcase 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 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 substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s commitment to community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, 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 move closer to understanding their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most recognizable expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, created news eureka ca in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their bright yellow uniforms, VMs operate in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to resolve conflict, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the understanding that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can overcome despair and regain control of their lives. 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a long-term strategy for change. 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 cooperation with schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 backed by Church members but delivered alongside secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This commitment to collaboration has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not separate from their spiritual journey — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and service to others. Helping one’s community thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that honors compassion and community support,” 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