Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a enduring tradition: contributing to the public good through practical outreach that aim to reinforce dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of fellow citizens.
During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have led numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology positions assisting those in need at the center 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 social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an integral component 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 reached millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is essential for individuals to flourish spiritually.
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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to address social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own spiritual nature. 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, 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 more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across news eu wahlen the continent. Their training — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the belief that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can overcome despair and rebuild their futures. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has found universal relevance.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to direct assistance, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and hosted community forums in collaboration with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is supported by 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 received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not separate from their path to awareness — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that values solidarity and mutual aid,” 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