Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: contributing to the public good through humanitarian actions that aim to restore a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the betterment of one’s fellow human beings.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have led numerous public service and awareness efforts throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers organized over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from neighborhood clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. 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.
In contrast to traditions that treat charity and spirituality as distinct, Scientology positions assisting those in need 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 underpins the Church’s social programs. From the worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to public education efforts on literacy, drug awareness, and human rights, each action demonstrates the idea that supporting one’s eu newsletter neighbors is an indispensable step toward one’s own spiritual awareness.
Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in over 100 languages worldwide — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate 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 Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become recognized contributors in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to respond to social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work aligns with 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 peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals step up to support their communities, they also move closer to understanding their own true identity. 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 recognizable 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 are active in more than 200 countries, offering support in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their training — accessible to every interested person — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, enhance understanding, and help people regain their sense of self-worth.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can rise above hardship 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 long-term strategy for change. 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 cooperation with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but implemented in partnership with non-religious organizations, proving that spiritual values can drive meaningful social action. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its ongoing commitment to positive change.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, acts of compassion is not apart from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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 for a better life