Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a enduring tradition: serving society through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have organized a wide range of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from local clean-up drives, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
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 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 social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action demonstrates the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.
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 dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is essential for individuals to flourish spiritually.
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 partnering alongside local associations to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a peaceful and inclusive society,” 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 learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. This is the volunteer ministers essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most recognizable 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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to 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 — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to resolve conflict, 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 rise above hardship and rebuild their futures. 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 long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both personal study and compassionate action. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy by using spiritual understanding to address real-world needs — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life