Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through humanitarian actions that aim to reaffirm moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the betterment of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have organized hundreds of public service and awareness efforts 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 programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Similar efforts were mirrored in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted 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 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 guides the Church’s outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that helping people 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 Happiness” — a secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, exemplify the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is a prerequisite for individuals to flourish spiritually.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to address social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work aligns with the European Union’s emphasis on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, 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 deepen their awareness of their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, 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, created 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, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to reduce tension, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can overcome despair 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and organized awareness events in collaboration with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 backed by Church members but delivered alongside public and civic groups, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not apart from their path to awareness — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. 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 cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy 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 news eu migration a better life