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

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: serving society through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of fellow citizens.

During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have carried out numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as local clean-up drives, disaster-response training, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Comparable programs took place in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted 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 places helping others at the center of individual growth. 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 outreach initiatives. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action demonstrates the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own enlightenment.

Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential 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 drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work aligns with the European Union’s commitment to human rights awareness and local involvement.

“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 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 spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but a collective duty to uplift society.”

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 yellow shirts, VMs are active in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to 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 courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to resolve conflict, improve communication, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.

These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can find their way forward 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 proactive solution. news european union The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led 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 engaged students through school-based activities, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.

Each of these programs is backed by Church members but implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its consistent long-term engagement.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, helping the community is not separate from their path to awareness — it is the means by which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”

“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that values solidarity and mutual aid,” 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