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 restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved without contributing to the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, such as local clean-up drives, disaster-response training, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Comparable programs took place in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology puts assisting those in need at the core of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that shapes the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to educational campaigns on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that supporting one’s neighbors 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 more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for individuals to flourish spiritually.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work supports the European Union’s commitment to civic participation and ethical education.
“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 European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
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 natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, 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 given practical help and empathy, 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 resonated across languages and cultures.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and hosted community forums in partnership alongside schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has received recognition from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the very way that spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both personal study and compassionate action. Supporting those around you 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 contribute to this tradition by applying spiritual principles to everyday life — {bringing news eu farmers help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life