Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing tradition: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of others in the community.
During recent months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all carried out under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts serving the community 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 teaching that shapes the Church’s social programs. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an integral component 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 touched countless lives in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to learn about and advocate for the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, exemplify the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is vital to individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. 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 peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs serve in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the understanding 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 resonated across languages and cultures.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to hands-on aid, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in cooperation with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but carried out jointly with secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This cooperative spirit has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community 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 greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition by using spiritual eu news sondergipfel 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