Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, 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 belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of others in the community.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have led hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized over 40 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. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology positions 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 guides the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part 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 entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is a prerequisite for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s focus on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“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 Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own inner potential. 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 prominent 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs operate in more than 200 countries, offering support in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in flood response in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — accessible to every interested person — focuses on practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship and reclaim their independence. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done Scientology about it,” has struck a chord worldwide.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to immediate support, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but implemented in partnership with secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. 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, helping the community is not apart from their path to awareness — it is the very way that spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both personal study and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” 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