Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing tradition: serving society through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the well-being of fellow citizens.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, such as local clean-up drives, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Similar efforts were mirrored in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, 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 positions assisting those in need at the heart of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that shapes the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action demonstrates the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an integral component toward one’s own personal liberation.
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 dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to understand and promote the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work aligns with the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European news eugene 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 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, 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, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in flood response in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, 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 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 found universal relevance.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to hands-on aid, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. 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 apart from their spiritual journey — it is the path through which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and service to others. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“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