Volunteers from the Church of Scientology Across Europe Continue Their Efforts to Serving Communities and Championing Spiritual Freedom.

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm dignity, compassion, and moral values. Behind these efforts lies a belief central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved without contributing to the well-being of fellow citizens.

During recent months, Scientologists and their affiliated groups have led numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, crisis response drills, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Similar efforts were mirrored in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all delivered under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

Whereas some groups distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts assisting those in need at the heart of individual growth. 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 educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an essential part toward one’s own spiritual awareness.

Across Europe, this philosophy has been put into action 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 enables students to recognize and copyright the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, illustrate 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 Vienna, Rome, and Brussels, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often collaborating with local associations to tackle social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work complements the European Union’s emphasis on human rights awareness and local involvement.

“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a free and cohesive 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 begin to grasp 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 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 serve in over 200 nations, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to individual hardships.

In Europe, Volunteer news eu elections Ministers have been responded to the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, 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 rebuild personal resilience.

These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, 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 direct assistance, Scientologists have prioritized education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with educators, law enforcement, and youth groups. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.

Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside 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 consistent long-term engagement.

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 deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are spiritual entities without end, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both personal study and altruistic conduct. Helping one’s community thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “full spiritual independence.”

“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” added Arjona. “Scientologists build upon this heritage 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