Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a long-standing tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of others in the community.
During recent months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Comparable programs took place in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all carried out under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts helping others at the heart of news eureka ca spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that underpins the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in 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 entirely secular in participation, showcase the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is a prerequisite for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on civic participation and ethical 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 learn to take responsibility 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 operate in more than 200 countries, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can overcome despair and regain control of their lives. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has resonated across languages and cultures.
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 — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with public and civic groups, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not apart from their path to awareness — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition 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