Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a long-standing tradition: serving society through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore 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 except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, 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 broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology puts assisting those in need at the center of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that guides the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s news eua own spiritual awareness.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is essential for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to respond to social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation 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 move closer to understanding their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent 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 are active in over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — focuses on practical tools to resolve conflict, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction 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 resonated across languages and cultures.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to direct assistance, Scientologists have focused significantly on 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 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, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not separate from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition 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