Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.
During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have led numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, 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 puts helping others at the center of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that guides the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own enlightenment.
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 over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, exemplify the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for 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 trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. 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 cornerstone of a just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most visible 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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs are active in over 200 nations, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction that people, when given practical help and empathy, can find their way forward and rebuild their futures. This is why the Scientology 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 immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and partnered on prevention workshops in collaboration with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership 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 distinct from their path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both self-directed learning and compassionate action. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition by applying spiritual principles to everyday life — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life