Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing tradition: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of fellow citizens.
During recent months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have led numerous public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
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 principle that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug news european union education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives 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 not requiring religious affiliation, showcase the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is vital to individuals to flourish spiritually.
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 drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work aligns with the European Union’s commitment to 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, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs serve in more than 200 countries, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the conviction that people, when given practical help and empathy, can find their way forward and rebuild their futures. 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 focused significantly on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums in partnership alongside educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not apart from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and compassionate action. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” 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