Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a enduring tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a conviction 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 led a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out 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 positions 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 insight that shapes the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in 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 fostering greater moral awareness in society is a prerequisite for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
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 collaborating with local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s focus on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone 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 UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “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 individual freedom, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs serve in over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can find their way forward 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 immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but implemented in partnership with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has received recognition news eurovita from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not separate from their path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society 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 contribute to this tradition 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