Members of the Church of Scientology Across Europe Sustain Their Efforts to Helping Society and Championing Spiritual Freedom.

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

Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out hundreds of public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, crisis response drills, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, 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 insight that underpins the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an indispensable step 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 been distributed to millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to understand and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, exemplify 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 Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors in civic life, often partnering alongside 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 foundation of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “When individuals step up to support 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 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, 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 natural disasters to everyday challenges.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in Slovenia’s flood recovery efforts, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their training — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to address disagreements, improve communication, and restore self-confidence.

These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the belief that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can find their way forward and reclaim their independence. 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 hands-on aid, Scientologists have placed strong emphasis on education as a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and hosted community forums in collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.

Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside secular institutions, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This commitment to collaboration has received recognition from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both self-directed learning and compassionate action. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”

“Europe has a deep humanist tradition that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition by applying spiritual principles to everyday life — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools news eu parlament for a better life