Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing a enduring tradition: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to reinforce a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have led news eu economy numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from local clean-up drives, disaster-response training, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology puts 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 guides the Church’s social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an indispensable step toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports 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 just and united community,” 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 choose to care for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of 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, created in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their yellow shirts, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — available to all, no matter their background or faith — focuses on practical tools to resolve conflict, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the conviction that people, when supported with care and insight, can find their way forward and rebuild their futures. 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 placed strong emphasis on education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 delivered alongside non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has received recognition from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the path through which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both self-directed learning and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“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