Members of the Church of Scientology Across Europe Continue Their Efforts to Helping Society and Advancing Spiritual Freedom.
Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out numerous public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts helping others at the center of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that underpins the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to public education efforts on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to learn about and advocate for the UDHR. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, showcase the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is a prerequisite for individuals to flourish spiritually.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work aligns with the European Union’s commitment to civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar 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 personal liberation, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most visible 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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs operate in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the understanding that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can find their way forward 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums in partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This commitment to collaboration has gained appreciation from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and compassionate action. Supporting those around you thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that cherishes cooperation news eu italy budget and shared responsibility,” 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