Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward 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 conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of others in the community.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including local clean-up drives, emergency preparedness workshops, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Similar efforts were mirrored 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 puts helping others at the core of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight 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 supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, exemplify the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is essential 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 active participants 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 community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone 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 learn to take responsibility 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: eu news france 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, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to resolve conflict, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the belief 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 struck a chord worldwide.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to hands-on aid, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as a long-term strategy for change. 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 schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the path through which 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. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that honors compassion and community support,” 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