Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Similar efforts were mirrored in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology places assisting those in need at the center of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own enlightenment.
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 dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work complements 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 free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals choose to care 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 self-determination, 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, launched in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their bright yellow uniforms, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, delivering assistance in times of crisis — eu newspapers from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when given practical help and empathy, can find their way forward and reclaim their independence. 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 immediate support, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 backed by Church members but delivered alongside public and civic groups, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This commitment to collaboration has earned acknowledgment from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not distinct from their path to awareness — it is the very way that spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both personal study and service to others. Supporting those around you 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 build upon this heritage 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