Volunteers from the Church of Scientology Across Europe Maintain Their Commitment to Serving Communities and Advancing Spiritual Freedom.
Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through practical outreach 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 unless one actively supports the betterment of others in the community.
During recent months, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out a wide range of civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Parallel activities unfolded in Spain, Italy, Hungary, news eugene and France, all delivered under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
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 core of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that underpins the Church’s social programs. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an integral component toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has manifested in real-world programs through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is vital to individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to respond to social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work complements the European Union’s commitment to community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar 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 Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals choose to care 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 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, launched 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 operate in over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — focuses on 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 understanding that people, when supported with care and insight, can overcome despair 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 immediate support, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a proactive solution. 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 collaboration with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, teaching that human worth is inherent and universal.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but carried out jointly with non-religious organizations, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This cooperative spirit 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 grows. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both personal study and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that honors compassion and community support,” 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