Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing 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 core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
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 hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, such as local clean-up drives, emergency preparedness workshops, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts 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 humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own enlightenment.
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 reached millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers 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 strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential 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 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 aligns with 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 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 learn to take responsibility 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 visible 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 operate in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — available to all, no matter their background or faith — focuses on practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction 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 struck a chord worldwide.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to hands-on aid, 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 collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for eu news live its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and service to others. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy by using spiritual understanding to address real-world needs — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life