From shrill to impressive
A colourful, almost Faustian group came together at the beginning of Holy Week. And the four days, during which almost 500 people tried to represent «the Society», did in fact reveal much individual and communal striving.
My personal conclusion is that people increasingly realize why this association is a General Anthroposophical Society rather than a Rudolf Steiner Society.
While these people can occasionally appear as a «seasoned» community, their quest for self-determination is clearly, and legitimately, based on individuality.
From shrill to impressive
This was quite evident, sometimes in rather shrill and at other times in profoundly impressive ways. The active involvement of the young people from the Youth Section in particular added an authenticity and sustainable commitment that commanded respect.
While the much-quoted harmony remained hidden, it was subtly tangible as the unspoken yet quietly effective continuity of a rehabilitation process that seemed to have finally found its heart: the rebirth of the 1923/1924 Christmas Conference out of the spirit of a lived anthroposophy.
The 2019 Annual Conference began exactly one week before the ‹paradoxical› Holy Thursday and ended officially on Palm Sunday. The time frame was almost sufficient, even with the embedded official agm. Both left hardly anything to be desired (subjectively), but much to be done (objectively).
The future of humanity lies in active anthroposophy
The actual decision-taking within the sphere of rights could be minimized this year, as had been agreed, with the exception of the reaffirmation, by an overwhelming majority, of Justus Wittich as treasurer. What truly stood out, however, were the reports on global initiatives in connection with the specialist sections of the School of Spiritual Science. The message conveyed by these reports was as clear as it was touching: the future of our humanity reveals itself in the practical applications of anthroposophy! Gratitude and admiration must be expressed for the incredible achievements of the outwardly considerably reduced Executive Council and its further increased cooperation with the Goetheanum Leadership and the international representatives; and – last but not least – also to the newly formed Goetheanum Eurythmy Ensemble. The fruit of their artistic work brought brilliance and spiritual nourishment to this Annual Meeting.
The whole event found its conclusion on Palm Sunday, when the Foundation Stone Meditation of the Christmas Conference Society was presented in eurythmy. There is nothing more to add …
From people of the night to people of the day
I personally take with me from this special Palm Sunday the imagination of the ‹people› and its significance for the (now Michaelic) turning point of time – the inner change from a people of the night to a people of the day (cf. GA 186, lecture of 7 December 1918) – and the general impression of an Anthroposophical Society that one can live with!