Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — From Prague’s neighborhoods to Madrid’s civic centers, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are continuing a time-honored tradition: contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to reaffirm a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that true spiritual freedom cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the well-being of others in the community.
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 organized more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as street and park 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 broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology places serving the community at the center of personal progress. Its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, wrote that “a being is only as valuable as he can serve others,” a principle that guides the Church’s humanitarian efforts. From the international Volunteer Ministers movement to public education efforts on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that helping people is an indispensable step toward one’s own enlightenment.
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 touched countless lives in dozens of countries and more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to learn about and advocate for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These programs, while entirely secular in participation, exemplify the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is essential for individuals to achieve spiritual well-being.
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 address social challenges such as social exclusion, substance dependency, and prejudice. Their work aligns with the European Union’s emphasis on community engagement and human rights education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a foundation of a just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, European representative of the Church of Scientology, Representative of the Church of Scientology to the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Union. “When individuals choose to care for their communities, they also deepen their awareness of their own inner potential. This is the essence of what Scientologists mean by freedom news eu ukraine — not only individual freedom, 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 bright yellow uniforms, VMs serve in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to everyday challenges.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during flood response in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their workshops — available to all, no matter their background or faith — provides practical tools to address disagreements, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are not driven by proselytism but by the conviction that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can find their way forward and rebuild their futures. This is why the program’s motto, “Something can be done about it,” has resonated across languages and cultures.
Education and Prevention as Keys to Social Change.
In addition to immediate support, Scientologists have focused significantly on education as a long-term strategy for change. 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 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 carried out jointly with secular institutions, demonstrating how spiritual conviction can translate into tangible civic contribution. This commitment to collaboration has earned acknowledgment from local authorities, educators, and NGOs for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, service to others is not distinct from their religious practice — it is the path through which spiritual awareness deepens. The religion teaches that individuals are eternal spirits, capable of achieving greater awareness and freedom through both personal study and altruistic conduct. Supporting those around you thus becomes an essential element of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy by bringing ethical insights into practical action — {bringing help, hope, and understanding wherever they can|offering practical aid and moral clarity in their communities|sharing tools for a better life