Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are continuing a enduring tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to reinforce a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out a wide range of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as local clean-up drives, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology puts serving the community at the center of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that underpins the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that assisting others is an integral component 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 reached 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 open to news european union all regardless of belief, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is essential for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to address 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 foundation 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 learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of 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, launched 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 over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to reduce tension, 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 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in partnership alongside schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but implemented in partnership with non-religious organizations, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity 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