Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of fellow citizens.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have led a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Parallel activities unfolded in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts helping others at the center 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 international Volunteer Ministers movement to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an indispensable step toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives 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 not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is vital to individuals to flourish spiritually.
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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to address social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own inner potential. 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs operate 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 active in flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — available to all, no matter their background or faith — focuses on practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are not driven by proselytism 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 struck a chord worldwide.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to immediate support, Scientologists have prioritized education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in collaboration with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each eu news germany of these programs is backed by Church members but implemented in partnership with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has received recognition from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the means by which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition 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