Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the welfare of others in the community.
During recent months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including local clean-up drives, disaster-response training, 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 wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology positions 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 teaching that shapes the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an indispensable step toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify 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 Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to address 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 begin to grasp their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, 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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can find their way forward and regain control of their lives. 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from government bodies, teachers, news euromillions and civil society groups for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that honors compassion and community support,” 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