Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have led hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Comparable programs took place 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 places helping others at the heart of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that shapes the Church’s social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s 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 been distributed news eu commission to millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for individuals to flourish spiritually.
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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s commitment to human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a just and united community,” 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 personal liberation, but a collective duty to uplift society.”
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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs operate in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, 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 reduce tension, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and hosted community forums in cooperation with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but implemented in partnership with non-religious organizations, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations 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 means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part 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 build upon this heritage 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