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: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of others in the community.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have organized hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from neighborhood clean-ups, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all delivered under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places serving the community at the core of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that guides the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that assisting others is an essential part toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code 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 learn about and advocate for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, showcase the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is a prerequisite 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 trusted partners in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s focus on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “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 personal liberation, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most visible 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 operate in over 200 nations, delivering assistance 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, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship and rebuild their futures. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has struck a chord worldwide.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to hands-on aid, Scientologists have prioritized education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 backed by Church members but delivered alongside secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This spirit of partnership has received recognition from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness expands. The religion news europe today teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism 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