Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are continuing a time-honored tradition: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have organized hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Similar efforts were mirrored in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology positions assisting those in need at the core of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that underpins the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to educational campaigns on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people 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 recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, showcase 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 tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s focus on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation 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 choose to care for their communities, they also move closer to understanding their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists education mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most recognizable expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, created 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 nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction 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 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 prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and organized awareness events in cooperation with 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 delivered alongside non-religious organizations, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has received recognition 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 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. Supporting those around you thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” 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