Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing a enduring tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted 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 broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts assisting those in need 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 principle that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, illustrate 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 Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to respond to social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a peaceful and inclusive 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 step up to support their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own spiritual nature. 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 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 yellow shirts, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during eu news china Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to reduce tension, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, can rise above hardship and reclaim their independence. 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 placed strong emphasis on education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has received recognition from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not separate from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition by using spiritual understanding to address real-world needs — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life