Members of 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, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are upholding a enduring tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have led numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, 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 comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places serving the community at the center of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that underpins the Church’s social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to educational campaigns on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action reflects 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 non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in dozens of countries and more than news eu uk 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities 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 recognized contributors 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 commitment to community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone 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 step up to support 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 shared responsibility for the world around us.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent 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 over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in 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 training — open to anyone regardless of belief — provides practical tools to resolve conflict, improve communication, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship and rebuild their futures. 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 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 partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside public and civic groups, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not separate from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and compassionate action. Helping one’s community thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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