Scientologists Across Europe Continue Their Dedication to Helping Society and Promoting Spiritual Freedom.
Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: supporting their communities through practical outreach that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved unless one actively supports the well-being of fellow citizens.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have organized a wide range of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Comparable programs took place in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all carried out 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 puts serving the community at the heart of personal progress. 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 social programs. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action demonstrates the idea that helping people is an essential part 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 universal moral framework written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to recognize and copyright the UDHR. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, showcase the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society 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 trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to address social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work supports the European Union’s emphasis on human rights awareness and local involvement.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a just and united community,” 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 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 self-determination, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”
Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.
One of the most prominent 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 yellow shirts, VMs serve in nearly every region of the world, providing aid in times of crisis — from natural disasters to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been responded to flood response in Slovenia, humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Hungary, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their workshops — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship and regain control of their lives. 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have focused significantly 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 organized awareness events in collaboration with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have delivered classroom programs, 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 public and civic groups, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This spirit of partnership has received recognition from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not apart from their religious practice — it is the very way that spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both individual spiritual work and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this eu news now 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