Churches and missions across the continent continue local initiatives in drug prevention, human rights education, moral education and volunteer service, linking social betterment work with European principles of dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights.
BRUSSELS, Belgium — 30 April 2026 — Scientologists, churches and missions across Europe are continuing a wide range of community-based initiatives that contribute to public life through education, prevention and practical service. From drug-prevention campaigns and human rights education to volunteer assistance and neighbourhood-level projects, these activities reflect a longstanding commitment by Scientology communities to civic responsibility and to values widely recognised across the European project.
The activities are carried out by Church of Scientology churches, missions and groups in Europe, as well as by individual Scientologists and volunteers in cities and towns throughout the continent. While each initiative responds to local circumstances, they share a common purpose: helping people understand their rights, make informed choices, strengthen ethical responsibility and support their communities.
Europe’s founding values, expressed in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, include respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights. Scientology communities in Europe see these principles not as abstract concepts, but as responsibilities that can be reflected in daily social action, community education and practical help.
This approach has also been reinforced through the Church’s educational initiative “Europe’s Values, Your Rights”, a plain-language campaign presented by the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights. The initiative explains key European protections, including the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, using official EU and Council of Europe sources. Its purpose is educational: to help young adults and the wider public better understand the rights and civic principles that shape democratic life in Europe.
Among the best-known social betterment initiatives supported by Scientologists is Foundation for a Drug-Free World, whose “Truth About Drugs” materials are used by volunteers and community groups to provide factual information on drugs and their consequences. Across Europe, these activities have included awareness events, booklet distribution, school and neighbourhood outreach, and cooperation with local associations seeking to strengthen prevention among young people and families.
Another major area of work is human rights education. Through Youth for Human Rights and related educational activities, Scientology-supported volunteers promote awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly among young people. The programme seeks to make human rights understandable in practical terms, encouraging respect for others, rejection of discrimination and recognition of the dignity of every person.
The Church’s social betterment work also includes The Way to Happiness, a non-religious moral education guide written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Used in community settings by volunteers and partner groups, it presents common-sense principles such as respecting others, safeguarding children, being trustworthy and seeking to live honestly. In European contexts, these activities are often presented as contributions to social cohesion, personal responsibility and peaceful coexistence.
Volunteer Ministers, another international humanitarian programme inspired by L. Ron Hubbard’s writings, have also been active in Europe in response to community needs. Their activities have included assistance during emergencies, support for local clean-up efforts, logistical help at community events and practical aid where requested. The programme is based on the idea that individuals can be trained to offer help in moments of confusion, stress or difficulty.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, said the work reflects a practical understanding of European civic life.
“European values are strengthened when citizens take responsibility for the wellbeing of their communities,” said Arjona. “For Scientologists, respect for human dignity, freedom of conscience, education and service are not slogans. They are principles that should be visible in neighbourhoods, schools, families and public spaces. Our churches and missions work to contribute to that shared civic culture through prevention, human rights education and practical help.”
The Church of Scientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 20th century and has developed a range of humanitarian and social betterment initiatives that are today carried out by Scientologists and affiliated groups in many countries. In Europe, these initiatives are adapted to local needs and legal frameworks, while remaining connected to broader international campaigns in drug prevention, human rights awareness, literacy, moral education and volunteer service.
Church representatives present these activities as contributions to the wider fabric of community life, where religious and non-religious actors alike can support public welfare within democratic societies. The initiatives are not intended to replace the role of public institutions, civil society organisations or families, but to add practical support through voluntary action and education.
Across Europe, churches and missions have increasingly worked in local settings where cooperation, dialogue and practical service are essential. In some places, volunteers support youth education; in others, they take part in neighbourhood-level prevention campaigns, interfaith initiatives, cultural events or emergency assistance. The common thread is the view that freedom of religion or belief carries with it a responsibility to contribute constructively to society.
This approach also reflects the European understanding that pluralism is not limited to tolerance, but includes the active participation of diverse communities in public life. Scientologists, like members of other religious and philosophical traditions, contribute to that pluralism through their own beliefs, institutions and voluntary activities.
Arjona added that European democracy benefits when communities are judged by their actions and their contribution to the common good.
“In Europe, freedom of religion or belief is inseparable from respect for others,” he said. “Our experience is that communities become stronger when people are educated, when young people are helped to avoid drugs, when human rights are understood, and when citizens are encouraged to take responsibility for their environment and for one another.”
The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across the European continent. Scientology Europe reports a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least 27 European nations, alongside thousands of community-based social betterment and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighbourhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
Within Europe’s diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church’s recognitions continue to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany Slovakia and others, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by the national and international provisions of Freedom of Religion or belief.
Media Contact
Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Contact Person: Ivan Arjona
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