Scientologists Across Europe Maintain Their Dedication to Supporting the Public Good and Promoting Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are continuing a long-standing tradition: serving society through humanitarian actions that aim to restore dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of fellow citizens.

Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have organized hundreds of public service and awareness efforts 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 programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Comparable programs took place in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all delivered under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology places helping others at the heart of spiritual development. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a insight that shapes the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to awareness initiatives 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 been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to understand and promote the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, showcase the Scientology view that fostering greater moral awareness in society is essential for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.

A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.

In cities like Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, 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 supports 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 just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, 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 move closer to understanding their own true identity. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only individual freedom, but a commitment to the well-being of all.”

Volunteer Ministers: A Movement of Practical Help.

One of the most visible 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs operate in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to daily personal struggles.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during 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 — available to all, no matter their background or faith — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.

These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the conviction 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 found universal relevance.

Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.

In addition to hands-on aid, Scientologists have prioritized education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 supported by Scientologists but implemented in partnership with non-religious organizations, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its ongoing commitment to positive change.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both self-directed learning and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”

“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy by bringing ethical insights into practical action — {bringing help, hope, and human rights understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life