Volunteers from the Church of Scientology Across Europe Sustain Their Efforts to Helping Society and Advancing Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are continuing a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.

Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, such as street and park clean-ups, disaster-response training, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Comparable programs took place in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all delivered under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology puts 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 insight that underpins the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.

Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard news eu ai act in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, showcase the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is a prerequisite for individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.

A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.

In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants 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 supports the European Union’s commitment to 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, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, 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 serve in more than 200 countries, providing aid 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, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — provides practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.

These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by 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 engaged students through school-based activities, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.

Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, service to others is not apart from their religious practice — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”

“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation 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