Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are continuing a time-honored tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of fellow citizens.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have led hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as local clean-up drives, emergency preparedness workshops, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Similar efforts were mirrored in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology positions helping others 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 teaching that shapes the Church’s social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action demonstrates the idea that assisting others is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide 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 encourages students to learn about and advocate for the UDHR. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, exemplify 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 trusted partners in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s focus on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, 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 begin to grasp 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 recognizable 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in flood response in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can find news euro cup 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 immediate support, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on 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 hosted community forums in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. 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 supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not apart from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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