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

Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, members of the Church of Scientology are upholding a long-standing tradition: contributing to the public good through practical outreach that aim to reinforce moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that real spiritual advancement cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of one’s fellow human beings.

Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have led a wide range of community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from street and park clean-ups, disaster-response training, and programs helping teens understand ethics and collaboration. Parallel activities unfolded in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and France, all conducted under the Church’s wide-reaching social mission.

Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.

Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology puts helping others at the core of individual growth. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that human rights “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a teaching that shapes the Church’s social programs. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action reflects the idea that assisting others is an indispensable step toward one’s own enlightenment.

Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, illustrate the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is essential for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.

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 working hand-in-hand with local associations to address social challenges such as substance abuse, urban neglect, and intolerance. 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 foundation of a peaceful and inclusive society,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals learn to take responsibility for their communities, they also begin to grasp their own spiritual nature. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom — not only personal liberation, but a collective duty to uplift society.”

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 yellow shirts, VMs operate in more than 200 countries, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to daily personal struggles.

In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and continuous local outreach across the continent. Their courses — available to all, no matter their background or faith — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, foster clearer dialogue, and rebuild personal resilience.

These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can rise above hardship and regain control of their lives. 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 a proactive solution. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — spearheaded by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has shared educational materials with countless individuals and partnered on prevention workshops in cooperation with teachers, police departments, and youth organizations. 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 implemented in partnership with public and civic groups, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This cooperative spirit has gained appreciation from government bodies, teachers, and civil society groups for its ongoing commitment to positive change.

The Path to Spiritual Freedom.

For Scientologists, helping the community is not apart from their path to awareness — it is the path through which spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both personal study and service to others. 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 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