Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have organized hundreds of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, 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 wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts serving the community at the center of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that shapes the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that assisting others is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to news european union recognize and copyright the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is a prerequisite for individuals to flourish spiritually.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s commitment to human rights awareness and local involvement.
“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 Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also move closer to understanding their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, 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, established in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their yellow shirts, VMs are active in over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — focuses on practical tools to resolve conflict, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can find their way forward and regain control of their lives. 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 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 partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not apart from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition by applying spiritual principles to everyday life — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life