Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives 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 betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
During recent months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park 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 broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts assisting those in need 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 principle that guides the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is vital to individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
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 collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. 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 deepen their awareness of 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, 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 serve in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — focuses on practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can overcome despair and regain control of their lives. 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 hands-on aid, 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 shared educational materials with countless individuals and partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside 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 implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. 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 separate from their spiritual journey — it is the path through which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning human rights 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 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