Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are continuing a time-honored tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as local clean-up drives, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all conducted under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology positions assisting those in need at the core of individual growth. 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 social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, showcase the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is vital to 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 recognized contributors in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to address social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. 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 foundation of a peaceful and inclusive society,” 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 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 L Ron Hubbard of the most recognizable 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 are active 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 active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, 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 address disagreements, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the conviction that people, when supported with care and insight, can overcome despair 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a long-term strategy for change. 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 partnership alongside schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but delivered alongside non-religious organizations, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This commitment to collaboration has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not apart from their path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both personal study and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy 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