Volunteers from the Church of Scientology Across Europe Sustain Their Commitment to Serving Communities and Promoting Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to reinforce dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of others in the community.

During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have organized numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, disaster-response training, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Parallel activities unfolded in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all carried out under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology places assisting those in need at the core of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that shapes the Church’s social programs. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, 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 been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to recognize and copyright 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 vital to individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.

A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.

In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to address social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements 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, 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 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 of the most visible expressions of this ethos is the Volunteer Ministers (VMs) program, established in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their yellow shirts, VMs eu news today are active in more than 200 countries, offering support in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms 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 training — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.

These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can rise above hardship and regain control of their lives. 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 — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums in collaboration with 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 supported by Scientologists but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, helping the community is not separate from their path to awareness — it is the means by which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element 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 build upon this heritage by applying spiritual principles to everyday life — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life