Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are upholding a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the betterment of others in the community.
During recent months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have led hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from local clean-up drives, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, 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 serving the community at the center of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that guides the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action demonstrates the idea that assisting others is an indispensable step 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 been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to understand and promote the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, showcase the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to address social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work supports the European Union’s focus on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also move closer to understanding their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most recognizable 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 are active in more than 200 countries, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters 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 regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and hosted community forums in collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not apart from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. news eugene The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and service to others. Helping one’s community thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism 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