Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to restore moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of fellow citizens.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out numerous public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, including local clean-up drives, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Comparable programs took place in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all delivered under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts helping others at the heart 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 global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns 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 taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives 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 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 Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to respond to social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on civic participation and ethical education.
“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 Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, 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, launched 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 natural disasters to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their courses — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can overcome despair and regain control of their lives. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has found universal relevance.
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 hosted community forums in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.
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 spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage by using spiritual eu news politics 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