Volunteers from the Church of Scientology Across Europe Continue Their Commitment to Serving Communities and Championing Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through practical outreach that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved without contributing to the well-being of fellow citizens.

In the last few months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as street and park clean-ups, disaster-response training, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all carried out under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology positions assisting those in need at the core of spiritual development. 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 humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that assisting others is an indispensable step toward one’s own spiritual awareness.

Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to news eu 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 encourages students to understand and promote the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, exemplify the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is a prerequisite for individuals to flourish spiritually.

A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.

In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.

“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation 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 choose to care for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, 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, established 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 are active in more than 200 countries, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during 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 courses — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to resolve conflict, 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 understanding that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can rise above hardship and rebuild their futures. 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 prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, service to others is not separate from their religious practice — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both personal study and service to others. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”

“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition 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