Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: contributing to the public good through humanitarian actions that aim to restore moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have organized hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all delivered under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology positions assisting those in need at the center 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 humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that assisting others is an essential part 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 secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, exemplify the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is a prerequisite for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often collaborating 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 UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own inner potential. 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 visible expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, launched 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, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee Scientology support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the understanding that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can overcome despair 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 prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and organized awareness events in cooperation 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 delivered alongside secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has earned acknowledgment from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not separate from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both self-directed learning and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part 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 participate in this legacy 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