Scientologists Across Europe Maintain Their Commitment to Helping Society and Advancing Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From the streets of Prague to community halls in Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a enduring tradition: serving society through compassionate initiatives that aim to restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved without contributing to the welfare of one’s fellow human beings.

Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have led hundreds of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized nearly news eua 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including local clean-up drives, emergency preparedness workshops, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places serving the community at the core of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that guides the Church’s social programs. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action embodies the idea that assisting others is an indispensable step toward one’s own personal liberation.

Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while not requiring religious affiliation, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition 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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on civic participation and ethical education.

“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a cornerstone of a free and cohesive 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 inner potential. 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, created in the 1970s in response to what Hubbard described as the “moral decay” of modern life. Easily recognized by their yellow shirts, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, offering support in times of crisis — from natural disasters to everyday challenges.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their workshops — open to anyone regardless of belief — focuses on practical tools to resolve conflict, foster clearer dialogue, and restore self-confidence.

These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when given practical help and empathy, can overcome despair 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as a long-term strategy for change. 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 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 made possible through the dedication of Scientologists but implemented in partnership with secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation 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 apart from their spiritual journey — it is the means by which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both personal study and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”

“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that honors compassion and community support,” 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