Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the betterment of fellow citizens.
During recent months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have organized hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Similar efforts were mirrored in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all carried out under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places serving the community 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 outreach initiatives. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that assisting others is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, showcase the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities news eu commission like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a free and cohesive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals step up to support 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 collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most visible 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 operate in more than 200 countries, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the belief that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can find their way forward and rebuild their futures. 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 immediate support, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has earned acknowledgment from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the path through which 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 service to others. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage by bringing ethical insights into practical action — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life