Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of fellow citizens.
During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have led numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, 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 places helping others at the core of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that underpins the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.
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 touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for 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 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 address social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most recognizable 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 yellow shirts, VMs operate in nearly every region of the world, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — provides practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the understanding 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 found universal relevance.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to direct assistance, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but carried out jointly with public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation 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 path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The eu newsroom rapid religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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