Members of the Church of Scientology Across Europe Maintain Their Commitment to Helping Society and Advancing Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.

During recent months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, including local clean-up drives, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Comparable programs took place in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all carried out under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.

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 teaching that guides 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 reflects the idea that assisting others is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.

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 dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to recognize and copyright the internationally recognized human rights standards. 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 Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s focus on community engagement and human rights education.

“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a just and united community,” 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 deepen their awareness of their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but a collective duty to uplift society.”

Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.

One of the most recognizable expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, established 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 over 200 nations, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to individual hardships.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.

These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, can rise above hardship 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals 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, and civil society groups for its ongoing commitment to positive change.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, helping the community volunteer ministers is not distinct from their path to awareness — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work 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 cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” 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