Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are continuing a time-honored tradition: contributing to the public good through practical outreach that aim to reinforce dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of others in the community.
During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out hundreds of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from local clean-up drives, emergency preparedness workshops, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Similar efforts were mirrored in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places assisting those in need at the heart of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that eu news today “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that shapes the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects 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 been distributed to millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, showcase the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, 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 social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work aligns with the European Union’s emphasis on 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, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also begin to grasp their own inner potential. 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 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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs are active in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons 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 reduce tension, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship and reclaim their independence. 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 immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and organized awareness events in cooperation with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not separate from their path to awareness — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both personal study and compassionate action. Helping one’s community thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” 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