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 restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have organized a wide range of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places assisting those in need 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 shapes the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that assisting others 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 universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in news european commission over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to recognize and copyright 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 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 commitment to human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone 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 Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also move closer to understanding their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during 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 workshops — accessible to every interested person — provides practical tools to resolve conflict, enhance understanding, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and hosted community forums 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but delivered alongside non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not separate from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both personal study and service to others. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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