Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the well-being of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including news eu gipfel local clean-up drives, emergency preparedness workshops, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, 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 puts serving the community at the heart 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 outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an integral component toward one’s own enlightenment.
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 touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society 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 tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work aligns with the European Union’s commitment to civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, 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 true identity. 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 visible 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 yellow shirts, VMs serve in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction that people, when given practical help and empathy, can rise above hardship and rebuild their futures. 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 a proactive solution. 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 collaboration with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. 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, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has earned acknowledgment from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not apart from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both personal study and service to others. Supporting those around you 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 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