18 Apr THE 2018 ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT THE GOETHEANUM
Dear Friends,
During the week of March 19, the Executive Committee, Section Leaders, General Secretaries and Country representatives met to exchange ideas together on the theme of the year and the three points contained in the future development plan. These include the strengthening of the School for Spiritual Science in its educational and research aspects, the developing of a culture of collaboration between the anthroposophical movement and society at large, and the formation of an external economic group to provide support for the Goetheanum.
This working together was also to be a preparation for the General Assembly. In this gathering, the individuals present voiced their support for Bodo von Plato and Paul Mackay. Since last November, the General Secretaries have served as a support group for the work done at the Goetheanum, with country representatives joining us for the March meetings. This group met several more times during the week and again following the AGM.
You are probably aware by now that the General Assembly of the General Anthroposophical Society did not reconfirm Bodo von Plato and Paul Mackay as members of the Executive Committee. This is a great loss for us here in Canada, where these two individuals have contributed immensely to the work of anthroposophy through their lectures, workshops and conversation periods, as well as developing personal connectionswith many of our members.
The General Assembly took place in three stages: on the first day the motions were presented; on the second day they were discussed; and on Saturday, the voting took place. The attendance varied from day to day, from approximately 700 on some days to 900 on the day of the vote. The rehabilitation of Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede was approved by a majority vote. The details of the meeting will appear in the next issue of Anthroposophy Worldwide, which will come out very shortly.
In spite of the tensions and dissentions that came to the fore in the discussions, one can still find several positive aspects for the future life of the Society.
The fact that the preponderant number of voting members came from the neighbouring vicinity allowed us to become aware that a truly democratic vote must include participation from members worldwide. The Executive Committee has vowed to seek for mechanisms that,in the very near future,will allow all members to cast their votes.
The circle of General Secretaries also helps to create awareness of what lives in the periphery.
Please read the letter from the Executive Committee dated April 13 which gives details as to how its members are now dealing with the new situation.
We wish to extend our full support to the members of the Executive Committee, as well as to the Section leaders, for their work in dealing with the challenges that face them.
Arie van Ameringen,
General Secretary.
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