Brussels, Belgium — November 2025 — Across cities from Prague to Madrid, dedicated individuals of the Church of Scientology are upholding a time-honored tradition: news eu uk contributing to the public good through compassionate initiatives that aim to reinforce a sense of dignity, compassion, and ethical principles. Behind these efforts lies a conviction central to Scientology itself — that genuine spiritual liberty cannot be achieved except through meaningful contributions to the welfare of others in the community.
Over the past several weeks, Scientologists and their partner organizations have carried out numerous community and educational programs throughout Europe. In the Czech Republic alone, Volunteer Ministers conducted over 40 community initiatives in October 2025, ranging from local clean-up drives, emergency preparedness workshops, and educational sessions for young people focused on integrity and teamwork. Similar efforts were mirrored in Italy, Hungary, Spain, and France, all carried out under the Church’s comprehensive humanitarian framework.
Humanitarian Work as a Spiritual Practice.
Unlike many religious or social movements that separate faith from service, Scientology positions helping others 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 worldwide Volunteer Ministers program to educational campaigns on drug prevention, literacy, and human rights, each action reflects the idea that assisting others is an essential part toward one’s own personal liberation.
Across Europe, this philosophy has taken practical form through initiatives such as “The Way to Happiness” — a non-religious ethical guide written by Hubbard in 1981 that has reached millions in more than 100 languages — and “Youth for Human Rights”, which empowers students to learn about and advocate for the UDHR. These programs, while open to all regardless of belief, showcase the Scientology view that strengthening the ethical foundation of communities is vital to individuals to flourish spiritually.
A European Culture of Civic Responsibility.
In cities like Brussels, Rome, and Vienna, Scientology Missions and Churches have become active participants 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 focus on civic participation and ethical education.
“Helping others is not merely a charitable act — it is a pillar of a just and united community,” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, 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 — 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, 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 operate in more than 200 countries, offering support in times of crisis — from emergencies like wildfires or hurricanes to individual hardships.
In Europe, Volunteer Ministers have been provided support during the aftermath of flooding in Slovenia, Hungary’s refugee support programs, earthquake recovery in Croatia and Italy, and ongoing neighborhood initiatives across the continent. Their courses — open to anyone regardless of belief — teaches practical tools to reduce tension, enhance understanding, and rebuild personal resilience.
These actions are guided by service, not by seeking new members but by the belief that people, when given practical help and empathy, can rise above hardship 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 placed strong emphasis on education as prevention. The “Truth About Drugs” campaign — led by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World — has reached millions through printed and digital resources and organized awareness events in collaboration with schools, local authorities, and student associations. Similarly, Youth for Human Rights chapters throughout Europe have run workshops in schools, encouraging students to recognize human dignity as a universal right.
Each of these programs is supported by Scientologists but delivered alongside non-religious organizations, showing that faith can inspire real-world service. This spirit of partnership has earned acknowledgment from community leaders, school officials, and nonprofit organizations for its sustained dedication.
The Path to Spiritual Freedom.
For Scientologists, helping the community is not distinct from their spiritual journey — it is the very way that spiritual awareness expands. The religion teaches that individuals are immortal spiritual beings, capable of achieving higher states of consciousness through both individual spiritual work and altruistic conduct. Contributing to society thus becomes an integral part of advancing toward what Scientology calls “complete spiritual liberation.”
“Europe has a rich legacy of humanism that values solidarity and mutual aid,” added Arjona. “Scientologists participate in this legacy 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