Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have led hundreds of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Similar efforts were mirrored in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted 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 positions helping others 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 insight that guides the Church’s social programs. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that assisting others is an indispensable step 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 internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, showcase the Scientology view volunteer ministers that improving society’s moral and ethical condition 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 recognized contributors in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work aligns with the European Union’s focus on community engagement and human rights 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 European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. 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 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 serve in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can rise above hardship 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 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 shared educational materials with countless individuals and organized awareness events in partnership alongside 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its sustained dedication.
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 individual spiritual work and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” 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