Scientologists Across Europe Continue Their Efforts to Supporting the Public Good and Promoting Spiritual Freedom.
Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: supporting their communities through practical outreach that aim to restore moral clarity, human dignity, and empathy. Behind these efforts lies a core principle central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved without contributing to the welfare of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their associated initiatives have organized numerous civic and educational activities throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers hosted more than forty community initiatives in October 2025, such as neighborhood clean-ups, emergency preparedness workshops, and youth workshops on ethics and cooperation. Comparable programs took place in France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy, all conducted under the Church’s broader humanitarian umbrella.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Whereas some groups news eugene oregon distinguish between belief and action, Scientology puts serving the community at the core of spiritual development. 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 humanitarian efforts. From the global “Volunteer Ministers” network to public education efforts on human rights, anti-drug education, and literacy, each action embodies 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 secular moral code written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which encourages students to learn about and advocate for the internationally recognized human rights standards. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, exemplify the Scientology view that improving society’s moral and ethical condition is vital to individuals to grow in awareness and freedom.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Rome, Brussels, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become trusted partners in civic life, often working hand-in-hand with local associations to address social challenges such as drug abuse, community disrepair, and discrimination. Their work complements the European Union’s commitment to civic participation and ethical 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 Council of Europe, OSCE, UN, and EU. “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 individual freedom, 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 yellow shirts, VMs are active in more than 200 countries, providing aid in times of crisis — from earthquakes, floods, and storms to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been active in flood response in Slovenia, refugee-aid coordination in Hungary, rebuilding efforts after seismic events in Southern Europe, and regular community service projects across the continent. Their workshops — accessible to every interested person — focuses on practical tools to resolve conflict, foster clearer dialogue, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the understanding that people, when empowered with understanding and compassion, can overcome despair and reclaim their independence. 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 — conducted through the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has distributed millions of booklets and partnered on prevention workshops in partnership alongside schools, local authorities, and student associations. 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 supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside non-religious organizations, 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 consistent long-term engagement.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not separate from their religious practice — it is the means by which spiritual awareness grows. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving elevated spiritual conditions through both personal study and service to others. Contributing to society thus becomes an inseparable aspect of advancing toward what Scientology calls “total freedom.”
“Europe has a longstanding commitment to human dignity that honors compassion and community support,” added Arjona. “Scientologists contribute to this tradition 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