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 compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of fellow citizens.
During recent months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have organized a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. 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.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology places serving the community at the core of individual growth. 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 educational campaigns on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that assisting others 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 reached millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to understand and promote the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential 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 recognized contributors in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work aligns with the European Union’s focus on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar 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 European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “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 visible expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, launched in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their yellow shirts, VMs operate in over 200 nations, offering support in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, 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 a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal eu news von der leyen right.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not distinct from their path to awareness — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition by bringing ethical insights into practical action — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life