Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: serving society through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved without contributing to the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have led numerous public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, 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 positions serving the community 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 Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an integral component toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, showcase the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is vital to individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work supports the European Union’s focus on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only self-determination, but shared responsibility for the world around us.”
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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs serve in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the conviction 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 prioritized education as a long-term strategy for change. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums in partnership alongside schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 delivered alongside public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has earned acknowledgment from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not separate from their path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and compassionate action. Helping one’s community thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that news eureka ca honors compassion and community support,” 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