Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the welfare of fellow citizens.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out a wide range of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all conducted under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology places assisting those in need at the heart of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that guides the Church’s social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an integral component toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to understand and promote the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, showcase the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society 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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to respond to social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work complements the European Union’s commitment to human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology news eugene to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own spiritual nature. 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 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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs serve in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief 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 a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums 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 supported by Scientologists but implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not distinct from their path to awareness — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” 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