Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through practical outreach that aim to restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a news euros core principle central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of others in the community.
During recent 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 conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
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 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 underpins the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an integral component toward one’s own enlightenment.
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 been distributed to millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to flourish spiritually.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. 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 pillar of a just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, 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 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 recognizable expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, launched in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their yellow shirts, VMs serve in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, 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 — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and organized awareness events in cooperation with schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, 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 consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not apart from their spiritual journey — it is the path through which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both personal study and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy 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