Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: contributing to the public good 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 without contributing to the well-being of fellow citizens.
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 organized nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Parallel activities unfolded in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, 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 helping others at the heart of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that news european parliament “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that shapes the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to public education efforts on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that assisting others 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 secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to understand and promote the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, showcase the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is vital to individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors 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 focus on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a just and united community,” 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 inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, established in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their bright yellow uniforms, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship and reclaim their independence. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has struck a chord worldwide.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to direct assistance, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not apart 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 elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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