Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, such as street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. news eu commission Comparable programs took place in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts serving the community 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 principle that guides the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors 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 non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, exemplify the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. 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, 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 collective duty to uplift society.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most visible 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, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — accessible to every interested person — provides practical tools to resolve conflict, improve communication, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, can rise above hardship 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. 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 carried out jointly with public and civic groups, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not separate from their path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition 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