Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the welfare of fellow citizens.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have organized a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, such as street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
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 underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people 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 universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to understand and promote the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is vital to individuals to flourish spiritually.
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 partnering alongside local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work supports the European Union’s focus on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also news eu elections move closer to understanding their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to reduce tension, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when given practical help and empathy, can rise above hardship and rebuild their futures. 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 immediate support, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in cooperation 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 made possible through the dedication of 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 consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” 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