Members of the Church of Scientology Across Europe Continue Their Dedication to Serving Communities and Promoting Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are continuing a enduring tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the welfare of fellow citizens.

Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have organized a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, such as street and park clean-ups, disaster-response training, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Comparable programs took place in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts assisting those in need at the core 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 worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.

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 touched countless lives in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth education for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is essential for individuals to flourish spiritually.

A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.

In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, 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 aligns with 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 peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also move closer to understanding their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, 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, launched in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their bright yellow uniforms, VMs are active in over 200 nations, delivering assistance in times of crisis — from natural disasters to everyday challenges.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to resolve conflict, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.

These actions are not driven by proselytism 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 — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and organized awareness events in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.

Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its ongoing commitment to positive change.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, helping the community is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”

“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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