Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to reaffirm moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of fellow citizens.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty 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 Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
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 individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that shapes the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
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 reached millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, showcase the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to flourish spiritually.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to respond to social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements 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 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 step up to support their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement news eugene oregon 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 operate in over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when given practical help and empathy, can find their way forward 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but delivered alongside non-religious organizations, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. 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 distinct from their path to awareness — 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 compassionate action. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” 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