Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to restore moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of fellow citizens.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have led hundreds of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, disaster-response training, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology positions assisting those in need at the heart of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that underpins the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to public education efforts on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an indispensable step toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
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 touched countless lives in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to understand and promote the UDHR. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is a prerequisite 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 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 complements 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 free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals choose to care for 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 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, established in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their bright yellow uniforms, VMs are active in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have prioritized education as a long-term strategy for change. 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 collaboration with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. eu news brexit This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not apart from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect 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 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