Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: contributing to the public good through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of others in the community.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have organized hundreds of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from neighborhood clean-ups, disaster-response training, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Parallel activities unfolded in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all carried out under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
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 teaching that underpins the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives 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 spiritual awareness.
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 touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to understand and promote the UDHR. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate 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 Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work aligns with the European Union’s emphasis on 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 UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also 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 visible 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 yellow shirts, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — accessible to every interested person — 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 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. 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 educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has earned acknowledgment from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not apart from their spiritual journey — it is the means by which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal news european elections spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition 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