Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a enduring tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, disaster-response training, 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 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 principle that guides the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to public education efforts 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 spiritual awareness.
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 reached millions in 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, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is vital to 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 recognized contributors in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, news eua 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 self-determination, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent 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, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, 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 supported with care and insight, can overcome despair and reclaim their independence. 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as prevention. 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 engaged students through school-based activities, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not separate from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” 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