Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are upholding 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 conviction central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.
During recent months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have organized numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Comparable programs took place in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology positions assisting those in need at the heart of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that guides the news eureka springs arkansas Church’s humanitarian efforts. 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 integral component toward one’s own enlightenment.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to learn about and advocate for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, exemplify the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is vital to 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 active participants in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s focus on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a free and cohesive society,” 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 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 personal liberation, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most recognizable 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 operate in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, can overcome despair 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have focused significantly 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 partnership alongside educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is made possible through the dedication of Scientologists 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 sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not separate from their spiritual journey — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning and service to others. Supporting those around you thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition 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 a better life