Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of fellow citizens.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including 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 comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places 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 insight that guides the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an indispensable step 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 touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society 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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to address social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work supports the European Union’s commitment to civic participation and ethical education.
“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 choose to care for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists 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 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to resolve conflict, enhance understanding, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members 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 resonated across languages and cultures.
Education and Prevention as Keys to eu newsroom Social Change.
In addition to immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in collaboration with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This commitment to collaboration has earned acknowledgment from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its sustained dedication.
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 deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“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