Volunteers from the Church of Scientology Across Europe Continue Their Dedication to Helping Society and Championing Spiritual Freedom.
Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, volunteers of the Church of Scientology are carrying forward a long-standing tradition: serving society through practical outreach that aim to restore moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved without contributing to the betterment of fellow citizens.
In the last few months, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have carried out numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted nearly 50 community initiatives in October 2025, including street and park clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Similar efforts were mirrored 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 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 underpins the Church’s social programs. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to awareness initiatives on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that supporting one’s neighbors is an integral component 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 touched countless lives in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which enables students to learn about and advocate for the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, illustrate the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition 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 trusted partners in civic life, often partnering alongside local associations to tackle social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. Their work aligns with 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 peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and the United Nations. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own true identity. 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 recognizable 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 distinctive yellow T-shirts, VMs are active in more than 200 countries, offering support in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in flood response in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, post-earthquake relief in Italy and Croatia, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their training — available to all, no matter their background or faith — teaches practical tools to resolve conflict, enhance understanding, and restore self-confidence.
These actions are motivated not by conversion but by compassion but by the belief that people, when supported with care and insight, can find their way forward 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 placed strong emphasis on education as prevention. 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 partnership alongside teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have engaged students through school-based activities, helping young people see dignity as a right for everyone.
Each of these programs is backed by Church members but implemented in partnership with secular institutions, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has gained appreciation from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its eu news von der leyen consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not apart from their path to awareness — it is the means by which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both self-directed learning and service to others. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that cherishes cooperation and shared responsibility,” 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