Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: supporting their communities through practical outreach 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 unless one actively supports the welfare of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have led numerous public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, 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 delivered 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 places helping others 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 principle that shapes the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that news eu farmers supporting one’s neighbors 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 touched countless lives in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, exemplify 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 trusted partners in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s commitment to community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a peaceful and inclusive society,” 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 step up to support their communities, they also begin to grasp their own spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most visible 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 over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can find their way forward and reclaim their independence. 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through 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 run workshops in schools, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but delivered alongside public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage by applying spiritual principles to everyday life — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life