INTERNATIONAL SPIRITIST COUNCIL ISC Member Countries 1. ANGOLA 2. ARGENTINA 3. AUSTRALIA 4. AUSTRIA 5. BELGIUM 6. BOLIVIA 7. BRAZIL 8. CANADA 9. CHILE 10. COLOMBIA 11. CUBA 12. EL SALVADOR 13. FRANCE 14. GERMANY 15. GUATEMALA 16. HOLLAND 17. HONDURAS 18. ITALY 19. JAPAN 20. LUXEMBOURG 21. MEXICO 22. MOZAMBIQUE 23. NEW ZEALAND 24. NORWAY 25. PANAMA 26. PARAGUAY 27. PERU 28. PORTUGAL 29. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 30. SPAIN 31. SWEDEN 32. SWITZERLAND 33. UNITED KINGDOM 34. URUGUAY 35. USA 36. VENEZUELA EDITORIAL STAFF General Secretary - Charles Kempf Communication Advisor - Antonio Cesar Perri de Carvalho E-mail: acperri@gmail.com Editor - Elsa Rossi E-mail: ceieuropa@gmail.com Website: www.intercei.com Translation into English Adam Osborne Valeria Chamon Osborne Other languages available on-line Esperanto, French, German Portuguese, Russian and Spanish Editorial ISC NEWSLETTER 59 1st Quarter 2016 - Jan- F e b - Mar ISC: unifying institution and current news. Founded in 1992, the International Spiritist Council (ISC) has been growing over the years, reaching maturity 24 years after its creation. Naturally, many adjustments have taken place during the long years of uninterrupted tasks, supporting many countries with their organisation, bringing emerging groups close together and connecting all in a fraternal web, strengthening the promotion of the Counsellor for a better world. Other adjustments are needed, particularly to give ISC better recognition worldwide, preserving the precepts engraved on its statute of considering all of its members as equals. ISC has today 36 member countries of which 15 speak Spanish, 5 speak English, 4 Portuguese, 2 German, 1 French, 1 Dutch, 1 Italian, 1 Japanese, 1 Norwegian, 1 Swedish, as well as the multilingual countries: Belgium (Dutch and French), Canada (English and French), Luxembourg (French, German and Luxembourgish) and Switzerland (French, German, Italian and Romansh): a total of 12 languages and so many different cultures from the five continents. If we consider the countries that are in line with ISC in their core activities, such as Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Poland etc., these numbers will increase even more. There are also groups in the Philippines, Russia, Singapore and United Arab Emirates. These groups, just as everyone else, can follow the articles in the ISC Newsletter, which has been providing information since 1998 about the growing Spiritist movement around the world. There is still an intense journey ahead. However, this growth both reflects and confirms the universality of the Spiritist Codification by Allan Kardec, bringing together the three aspects of knowledge: scientific, philosophic and religious. The are many dangers. The oppositions from the incarnate and disincarnate spirits who use great intelligence and sophisticated resources, including mind manipulating techniques, are as strong as ever. And they demand that Spiritist directors and workers intensify even more the practice of "Watch and Pray", following humbleness and loyalty to Kardec and Jesus. Bezerra de Menezes warned us, showing the path to take: "may the basis set by Allan Kardec remain in everything and everyone, so that we do not lose our balance from the foundations which support the organization"... "It is essential that Spiritism be maintained exactly as it was conveyed by the Divine Messengers to Allan Kardec, without political obligation, without religious
2 ISC NEWSLETTER 59 professionalism, without depressing personalisms, and without the desire of conquering fleeting earthly powers."... "Let us unite, let us love one another earnestly, and let us eliminate our doubts, rectify our opinions, difficulties, and our points of view in light of the clear and sublime message of the Doctrine by which Allan Kardec enriches the new era, understanding that we are just simple disciples." Between 8th and 10th October 2016, in Lisbon, Portugal, with organisation and support by the Portuguese Spiritist Federation (FEP), the 8th World Spiritist Congress will take place. Illustrating what we have just mentioned, this event will be attended by people from all continents. The ISC Ordinary Meeting will also take place on 10th and 11th October, just after the Congress. We invite all readers of the ISC Newsletter to attend the Congress, where the reunion of almost 2,000 people will create lights interlinking the five continents and the two planes of life. See www.8cem.com for more details. Charles Kempf ISC General Secretary COORDINATION FOR EUROPE Working with and supporting various languages can be complex, not just when preparing material for meetings, but for seminars that need to be interpreted into the language of the country hosting the event. This is how it will be for the 2016 Coordination for Europe meeting which will be held in Basel, Switzerland, from 1st to 3rd April. This meeting is being organised and hosted by the Union of Spiritist Study Centres in Switzerland (UCESS), an integral part of the International Spiritist Council. These meetings always have the aim of improving of the Spiritist movement in Europe, which has so many different languages. The first European Meeting of Mediumship Workers will have interpretation into French and German, giving support to participants from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland. The seminars will be based on the works of Yvonne Pereira and will be held in Portuguese. There will also be the Workshop for Spiritist Tutors, organised by the European Education Commission, with the participation of tutors and facilitators from Austria, Spain and UK. These gatherings of Spiritist tutors have brought great benefit in the organisation of this important task which is offered at Spiritist centres as an educational foundation for the "adults and workers of the future". Charles Kempf - Coordinator ISC Europe 8th WORLD SPIRITIST CONGRESS 2016 Over 1,500 registrations already. Maximum capacity of 1,900 people. Secure your registration to this great event in the World Spiritist Movement! The Organisation informs that demand increases as the date approaches: 7th to 9th October 2016. The event will be simultaneously interpreted into English. Details about travel packages, transport, etc., for those travelling from Brazil: http://www.transalpino-eventos.com/site/8congressoespirita. To reserve directly, please visit the Congress website: www.8cem.com For all other additional information, please contact: info@8cem.com or 8cem2016@gmail.com THE SPIRITIST MAGAZINE 2016 - January - March - Nº32 Download the PDF for free: www.thespiritistmagazine.com
3 GERMANY GERMAN SPIRITIST UNION (DSV) Florêncio Anton from Salvador, Bahia (Brazil), visited several Spiritist groups in Germany during February, bringing the beauty of psycho -pictography (mediunic painting) where he allows his hands to be an instrument that reputed artists from the past can use, so they can carry on bringing beauty and colour to the world. Juselma Coelho, from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais (Brazil), toured Germany in March, spreading the teachings of the Spiritist Doctrine in lectures and seminars at the Spiritist groups in the cities of Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Munich and Stuttgart. The German Spiritist Union will host, for the first time, Doctor and Transpersonal Therapist, Alberto Almeida from Para (Brazil), who, on 23rd April, will present the seminar "Learning how to deal with: lack of affection, loneliness, sadness, rejection, attachment and jealousy". Registration is now open! AUSTRIA ISC NEWSLETTER 59 In May our dear friend Divaldo Franco, the "Sower of Stars", will be in Germany at the following Spiritist groups: 24/05 - FAK, Mannheim 25/05 - FAK, Frankfurt 26/05 - DSV / SEELE group, Stuttgart 28-29/05 - Bad Honnef, FAK Düsseldorf. We would like to take this opportunity to invite all those who are interested in these events to contact the representatives from the respective groups. Deutschen Spiritistischen Vereinigung (DSV) Kontakt@spiritismus-dsv.de http://www.spiritismus-dsv.de Spiritist Movement in Austria
ISC NEWSLETTER 59 4 ARGENTINA ARGENTINIAN SPIRITIST CONFEDERATION (CEA) The Federative Council of CEA held a meeting on 5th March to plan the activities for 2016 in the various areas of the Programme of Support for Spiritist Centres. The Spiritist Education Institute started the academic year of 2016 by providing eight courses per year. A cycle of weekly Public Conferences was launched. A new printed edition of "The Gospel According to Spiritism" by Allan Kardec was presented. Fraternal Assistance sessions on Thursdays kept the same high demand during the Summer holiday months. We invite everyone to visit CEA's stand at the 42nd International Book Fair of Buenos Aires from 21st April to 9th May. Austrian Spiritist groups: www.facebook.com/pages/vak-wien www.spiritismus.at seejaangelis@gmail.com http://seejawien.blogspot.com emmanuelinwien@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/emmanuel.wien www.emmanuel-vienna.at http://geeakvorarlberg.blogspot.co.at geeakaustria@gmail.com Registration is now open for the 2016 Spiritism courses. www.ceanet.com.ar/cursos ceaespiritista@gmail.com www.ceanet.com.ar Facebook: www.facebook.com/confederacion LIECHTENSTEIN PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN Liechtenstein Spiritist centre "Lehre Allan Kardec, im Fürstentum Liechtenstein eingetragene Verein (LEAK-FL e.v.)". We registered our group with the name "LEAK- FL" which means: Allan Kardec Doctrine in the Principality of Liechtenstein. There are still only a few activities conducted here in the Principality. We are following a systematised study of the Spiritist Doctrine in German on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm, and on Sundays we have the Gospel study in Portuguese. Once a month, on a Sunday, we hold a public lecture from 5pm to 6pm. We are combining with the other Spiritist groups in our region (GEEAK in Austria and GEECX in Switzerland) to host lecturers, to give courses. Our group will be attending the 8th World Spiritist Congress in October 2016, in Lisbon. Marta Frommelt - lehreallankardec@gmail.com http://leak-fl.jimdo.com Address: Prär 7 FL9496 Balzers. Tel: +41 423 384 18 82 Mobile: +41 078 798 99 94
ISC NEWSLETTER 59 5 BRAZIL THE BRAZILIAN SPIRITIST FEDERATION (FEB) Mediumship Coordinators meeting at FEB The Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB) hosted on 12th, 13th and 14th February the Gathering of Mediumship Coordinators (including national, deputy and regional coordinators), National Coordination for Childhood and Youth, National Coordination of Spiritual Assistance and AME-DF, with the purpose of addressing two projects run by the Federation: suicide, and mediumship and obsession in children. On the first day, an overview of the projects was given and the core team, assistants and consultants were designated. On the other days, documents and schedules were developed, and the research protocol to be developed by the regional committees and the federations was also presented. Gathering Collaborators from FEB Studies Area Approaching the return to the activities of Doctrine Study of the Experimental Field of FEB, in Brasilia (Brazil), the Education Gathering for Area Collaborators took place on the weekend of 20th- 21st February. The following subject matters were included: the Spiritist Evangelisation of Children and Youth, the Systematised Study of the Spiritist Doctrine, the In-depth Study of the Spiritist Doctrine, the Study of the Basic Works, Esperanto, and the course "Mediumship: Study and Practice". More than 120 people took part in the activities which provided special moments of learning and celebration. The opening of the event on Saturday morning saw FEB's president, Jorge Godinho Barreto Nery, reflect about the role of the leader, as well as the dedication to the commitment of promoting the Gospel According to Spiritism. "It is important that the workers are aware of the importance of their work as promoters of the Gospel, without forgoing the experience of those teachings. Our role as a leader is to serve, to meet the needs of those who arrive. Some come through need of being welcomed, curiosity; others to reaffirm the teachings; and, in this relationship, the exchange of experience is essential", said Godinho. The collaborators also attended the lecture "The Spiritist Doctrine and the Four Pillars of Education in the 21st Century" by Sandra Borba. On this occasion, Sandra Borba talked about the relation between learning to know, to do, to be and to live together, from the Spiritist point of view. The lecturer also emphasized that the purpose of the study groups is the education of the good person, through study and experience. "Jesus said Go and preach. He came and called us, and all of us who are here listened. We hope that this reflects every day in the search of our best work", wrapped up Sandra. Disincarnation of Altivo Ferreira Altivo Ferreira disincarnated in Santos, Sao Paulo (Brazil), in the early evening of 24th February, at the age of 90. A worker in the Spiritist Movement since the 1930s, Altivo had intensive activities in the state of Sao Paulo as a lecturer and president of the Spiritist Union of the City of Santos (part of the Union of Spiritist Societies in Sao Paulo). He was director and then later became vice-president of FEB, respectively in the mandate of FEB presidents Juvanir Borges de Souza and Nestor João Masotti. He also worked as a writer for the magazine Reformador until March 2012. Along his way he also took part as organiser of the International Spiritist Congress in 1989 and the 1st Brazilian Spiritist Congress in 1999; as General Secretary of the National Federative Council (CFN) of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB) and coordinator of the regional committees of CFN. Altivo Ferreira took part in the meetings for the creation of the International Spiritist Council (ISC) in 1992 and the World Spiritist Congresses, in unique edifying work. The funeral took place at Memorial de Santos at 5pm on Thursday 25th February. We express our gratitude for the tireless and valuable work done by our dedicated friend Altivo Ferreira for the Spiritist Movement and for the promotion of our comforting Doctrine. FEBtv Survey FEBtv, the TV channel of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation, is conducting a survey to better understand the Spiritist and Spiritist sympathiser audience. This survey is composed of questions to reveal the profile of the viewers. At the end there is a chance to write comments, criticisms and suggestions. To participate in this survey, go to: http://www.febtv.com.br/pesquisa FEBtv: BETWEEN TWO WORLDS Targeted to an audience of Spiritists and Spiritist sympathizers, this programme addresses themes relating to our daily lives, showing the need and importance of Spirituality in our lives. The viewer can send questions (in Portuguese) to be answered by knowledgeable Spiritists. The contact e-mail is: entredoismundos@febtv.com.br Watch every Saturday from 12pm to 12:30pm on Rede Brasil de Televisão, available in several open channels and subscription TV throughout Brazil.
6 Cultural exhibition Playing the soul - 150 years of Frederico Fígner Playing the soul - 150 years of Frederico Fígner, an exhibition about the phonographic pioneer in Brazil, is the new cultural project promoted by the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB). Started on 5th March at FEB's headquarters in Brasilia (Brazil), this exhibition celebrates the 150th anniversary of Frederico Fígner, a pioneering entrepreneur in the field of music, promoter of the Spiritist Doctrine, vice-president of FEB and benefactor. As part of this project, FEB has begun to host musical performances of diverse styles at its premises, starting with singer Livia Izar and the pianist Elenise Bandeira. Many free performances will take place throughout the year. Look out for the schedule which we will announce soon. Come and play your soul, and participate in this culturally incentive project. Opening of the Doctrine Studies of 2016 FEB held the Opening of the Doctrine Studies 2016 on 5th March. The opening of the Cultural Exhibition "Playing the Soul" was followed by a music performance. Jorge Barreto Godinho Nery comunicacao@febnet.org.br www.febnet.org.br BELGIUM ISC NEWSLETTER 59 The 17th Symposium of Wégimont for Francophones will take place in Liege from 28th to 29th May 2016, at the Chateau de Wegimont. In addition to the main theme, which will be dedicated to the 170th Anniversary of Léon Denis' birth, other themes will be addressed. BELGIAN SPIRITIST UNION Venue: Chateau de Wegimont, Chaussée de Wégimont 76, 4630 Soumagne. There will be activities for children. Registration is required: www.spirite.be - info@spirite.be As long as we are notified in advance, we might be able to support those arriving by train on Friday after 4pm at the Liege Guillemins railway station. Radio Kardec in French Remember to listen to "Radio Kardec". The new team have just boosted the new online broadcast. Feel free to send your constructive feedback. www.spirite.be - info@spirite.be CANADIAN SPIRITIST COUNCIL CANADA The Canadian Spiritist Council welcomes new members. Since July 2015, the CSC team has been encouraged by the target of increasing the number of Spiritist centres to be integrated into CSC's reflections and activities. This work is already fruitful. In 2016, CSC doubled the number of members to a total of six centres, due to the addition of three new affiliated groups: Fraternity Spiritist Society of Calgary, Allan Kardec Spiritist Society of Vancouver and Paul of Tarsus Vancouver Spiritist Group. All three centres are from the western regions of Canada and will be assisted together, promoting fraternity between the teams. The Canadian Spiritist Council sent an invitation to all centres in Canada. The objectives are as follows: 1) To promote fraternal relationship between the CSC team and the centres, especially the non-affiliated ones and their directors, through dialogue and the exchange of ideas, documents and experiences; 2) To invite them to gatherings to reflect on the unification of the centres, by sharing the centres' context, the plans for unification and development, taking part in the reflection of the next steps, sharing documentation to ease the process for the legal registration of the centre as a nucleus of Spiritist reflective studies; 3) To invite the centres to take part in the national education programmes with great facilitators, thus integrating the highest number of centres possible (affiliated or not) to the CSC education schedule; 4) To provide administrative assistance to get the statute of charitable institution from the Canadian Ministry of Finance. The purpose of this work is to document a safe view of Spiritism in the country, therefore providing the teams of Spiritist workers with an official identification that will make it easier to operate in this society, where Spiritism is not well known. The next education programme from CSC will have the partnership of FEB and will take place in June. Miriam Masotti will present a lecture about the Moral Education of Children. Miriam will work in nine Spiritist centres, motivating teams of tutors and families to keep track of the moral education of our children, who are the future of our dear Earth. info@canadianspiritistcouncil.com - www.canadianspiritistcouncil.com
ISC NEWSLETTER 59 7 CHILE CENTRE FOR SPIRITIST STUDIES MedelIín is the BUENA NUEVA second biggest In 2016, the city in Colombia, Buena Nueva which is among centre the most completed 20 innovative places years of in the world, with uninterrupted the drive of activities. technologic, cultural and The period of educational January to solutions that February is a vacation time in reflect the vibrant business culture. Chile. During this period, the Centre for Spiritist Studies Buena Nueva offers only Fraternal Assistance, lectures and passes with energised water. On 9th February, a planning meeting took place for future Spiritist work at a hospital in Santiago. Normal activities restarted on 5th March: Tuesdays: systematised study of the Andre Luiz series of books, lectures, children and youth evangelisation, passes and distribution of energised water. Wednesdays: mediunic meeting. Thursdays: fraternal assistance and systematic study of the Spiritist Doctrine. Saturdays: systematic study of mediumship and the Gospel, alternating each week. On 19th March, the Centre hosted a charity fundraising lunch and get-together And, on 29th March, an ordinary general meeting took place to approve the balance sheet and memories of 2015. Odette Letelier espiritismo@espiritismo.cl www.espiritismo.cl There will be two seminars and 14 conferences based on the theme "Cause and Effect: the Universal Law". Divaldo Franco and Alberto Almeida will be honouring us with their presence. 3rd June Divaldo Pereira Franco - "Life After Life" 4th June Alberto Almeida - "Love: Divine Work for the Human Heart" Ubaldo Rodriguez de Ávila - "Forgiveness Generates Health" Alba Leonor Camacho Gil - "The Challenge of Being Yourself" Alex Rhenals Turriago - "Why Do We Suffer? Suffering Is an Option." Jose Angel - "Slavery in Modern Times" Divaldo Franco - "The Search for Inner Peace" 5th June Divaldo Franco - "Sex and Consciousness" Abreo Cubillos - "Dawn of a New Era" Carmen Cardona Fuentes - "We Will Be Happy" Jorge Bustillo - "Spiritism: Comforting Doctrine" Johnny Navarro Camacho - "The Sower Is Free, But The Harvest Is Mandatory" Alberto Almeida - "Family: Lovers and Haters" COLOMBIA COLOMBIAN SPIRITIST CONFEDERATION CONFECOL (Colombian Spiritist Confederation) invites the national and international Spiritist community, sympathizers of Spiritism and the wider community to take part in the XVI Colombian Spiritist Congress to be held in the city of Medellín from 3rd to 6th June 2016. The city is strategically located in Colombia. The event will take place at Plaza Mayor Convention Centre. 6rd June Fabio Villarraga - "To Live Is The Best Option" John Rhenals Turriago - "Jesus' Mission on Earth" Divaldo Franco - "Heaven and Hell: States of Consciousness" For more information about this event, visit: www.confecol.org/congreso-espirita.html confecol@confecol.org - www.confecol.org
8 ISC NEWSLETTER 59 SPAIN SPANISH SPIRITIST FEDERATION (FEE) The Spanish Spiritist Federation's work is backed by eight committees that are responsible for the creation and implementation of proposals for the promotion of the Spiritism in Spain. The activities being performed include: The Publishing House is working on the launch of several titles in collaboration with EDICEI and FEB: Spiritist Magazine 1860, Missionaries of the Light, Workers of The Eternal Life, Vida e Sexo (Life and Sex), Desperte e Seja Feliz (Awake and Be Happy), Happy Life and Espiritismo para Principiantes (Spiritism for Beginners). The Magazine, which has had its 14th issue, has several items covering the events of the 22nd National Spiritist Congress which took place last December, with contributions from Alfredo Tabueña, Divaldo Franco ("Evolution in Two Worlds" and "Death Does Not Exist"), Humberto Werdine, José Miguel Fernández, Miguel Vera, Victor Ruano. The Internet Committee also posted lectures from the Congress on YouTube. The Promotions group are continuing their tasks by using various methods. The Children and Youth Committee developed their first activities guide for children. The "Mediumship Practice" Course, organised by the Education Committee and directed by Carlos Campetti, is planned for 25th and 26th June. The course will take place in Madrid and availability is limited. UNITED STATES SPIRITIST COUNCIL OF THE UNITED STATES Finally, as a sample of the collaborative activities within the Spiritist groups, the 6th Mediterranean Spiritist Journeys took place from 4th to 6th March in Alfàs del Pi, Alicante, with the theme "The Power of Love". Over 70 people from many Spiritist groups in Spain attended the event. Knowledge and experience was shared and, above all, the value of fraternity and happiness that is engrained with the force of Love. Federación Espírita Española www.espiritismo.es info@espiritismo.cc www.youtube.com/user/federacionespirita info@spiritist.us www.spiritist.us 6th Spiritist Conference of Florida: "Unveiling Death, Heaven & Hell" Divaldo Franco, Haroldo Dutra Dias, Alberto Almeida, Daniel Assisi www.spiritistconferenceflorida.com
ISC NEWSLETTER 59 9 GUATEMALA GUATEMALAN HELIOSOPHIC CHAIN A lecture was given in Spanish on 4th March by the Engineer Ney Prieto Peres. Theme: "The Scientific Evidence of the Survival of the Soul". There was also a seminar entitled "Tools for Selfbetterment". HOLLAND DUTCH SPIRITIST COUNCIL (NRSP) NRSP (Nederlandse Raad voor het Spiritisme) started 2016 with a celebration on 17th January. These were moments of warmth among Brazilian and Dutch people, Spiritist and non-spiritists. The event strengthened the bonds of friendship between the groups and brought us inspirations for our activities in 2016. In a joyful atmosphere, we closed the event with a play with a theme based on the Spiritist Doctrine and performed by the children and youth from NRSP. On 7th February, Ivan Quadros talked about Emotion and Spiritual Growth in the Mary of Nazareth group, of which he is a member. There were both Brazilian and Dutch attendees, with simultaneous interpretation into English. Escuela Luz y Caridad ciudad de Guatemala (School of Light and Charity, Guatemala City) On 6th March the group hosted the lecturer Flavio Benedito from Belgium, who addressed the theme Depression and Spirituality. ebravo_1@hotmail.com www.guatespirita.org FRANCE FRENCH SPIRITIST COUNCIL Subscribe to the magazine VIGNES DE LUMIÉRE (Vineyard of Light) ca@conseil-spirite.fr www.spiritisme.org The campaign for valuing life, and the theme of the 8th World Spiritist Congress, in called "Say yes to life". This is promoted by NRSP and conveys the message of the immortality of the soul. Please help us to promote this message. Visit "Say Yes to Life" on Facebook and leave your Like: www.facebook.com/ambassadorsoflife Dates for your diary Lecture with the Norwegian doctor Lars Omdal on 1st May 2016 in Amsterdam 15 th National Spiritist Gathering, with the theme "Experiencing Charity", on 25th September 2016 in Amsterdam. Lecturer: Jorge Godinho Barreto Nery 7 th Dutch Congress on Medicine and Spirituality, on 5th November 2016 in Rijswijk. For more information: info@nrsp.nl - www.nrsp.nl
ISC NEWSLETTER 59 10 JAPAN SPIRITIST MOVEMENT IN JAPAN ITALY ITALIAN SPIRITIST UNION (USI) The Vl Spiritist Symposium of Japan will take place in May 2016. The event occurs twice a year and this time it will host Julia Nezu, president of USE Sao Paulo, who is visiting Japan again, 10 years since her last visit. Regina Zanella, from Milan, provided a Summary of lectures given in Italy from January to March: Roberto Bresaola, from Natal (Brazil), gave a talk to the group Sentieri dello Spirito, in Milan on 15th February. André Luiz Ruiz, medium, Spiritist speaker and president of Charitable Society Bezerra de Menezes, along with Solange Godoy, from Campinas, Sao Paulo (Brazil), conducted a cycle of Spiritist activities with various groups: Seme di Luce, Biella (20th and 21st February, 11th, 12th and 13th March); Sentieri dello Spirito, Milan (29th February, 5th, 6th and 10th March); SKAR, Rome (3rd March) Professor Sérgio Thiesen, Spiritist speaker, gave the following lectures and seminar: Sentieri dello Spirito, Milan - 3rd March - lecture "Modern Physics and its Relations with Spiritism" Seme di Luce, Biella - 4th March - lecture "Modern Physics and its Relations with Spiritism" GLAK, Lecco - 5th March - seminar "Magnetism, Fluids and Spiritist Fluidtherapy" italia.usi@gmail.com - www.italiausi.com The invitation was accepted in light of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Association of Spiritist Disseminators in Japan (ADE-JP). During this trip to Japan, Julia Nezu will visit the regions of Karya, Osaka, Toki, Tokyo and Suzuka. The main event will take place in the region of Isesaki, where the ADE-JP headquarters are located. Julia is the main guest of this event as she is one of the founders of ADE-JP. Adalberto Morais is also one of the founders and the current president. Association of Disseminators of Spiritism in Japan (ADE-JP) PAS-JP- 日本ワスピリティスムの出版社協会 Gunma-Ken -Isesaki-Shi -2598-1 群馬県伊勢崎市東町 - 2598-1 (Postcode)- T- 379 2231 Telephone- 携帯 090-8328-4773 spiritism.japan@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/evangelhonojapao International Spiritist Council SGAN 909, Conjunto F - Asa Norte CEP 70790-090 Brasília, DF Tel: +55 61 3038 8414 intercei@intercei.com http://cei.spirite.org ISC Executive Committee General Secretary: Charles Kempf (France) 1st secretary: A. Cesar Perri de Carvalho (Brazil) 2nd secretary: Elsa Rossi (United Kingdom) 1st Treasurer: Roberto Versiani (Brazil) 2nd Treasurer: Jean-Paul Evrard (Belgium) Eduardo Santos (Uruguay) Edwin Bravo (Guatemala) Fábio Villarraga (Colombia) Jussara Korngold (USA) Milciades Lezcano (Paraguay) Vitor Mora Feria (Portugal) Salvador Martin (Spain)
ISC NEWSLETTER 59 11 LUXEMBOURG GEEAK- LUXEMBOURG promotion, as suggested by International Spiritist Council (ISC), were emphasized. Children and Youth Theatre Luxembourg 2016 It was with great joy that, on 13th February, we performed our play with the children and teenagers who study the Spiritist Doctrine at the Allan Kardec Spiritist Group of Luxembourg. With 19 children in total, we performed the story of the Rebellious Sheep, that was studied during 2015. This study is based in the virtues exemplified by Jesus and focuses mainly on forgiveness and gratitude. It brought better awareness about the importance of reincarnation, the understanding of the divine laws and the importance of our neighbour for us to achieve happiness. We hope that in 2017 we will perform another theatrical play with the same coherence to the Doctrine about a main theme, which we will suggest later this year. We thank all who took part, directly or indirectly, in the organisation of this event. allankardeclux@yahoo.fr www.groupespiriteallankardeclux.com MEXICO SPIRITIST COUNCIL OF MEXICO As a Federation activity, the Spiritist Council of Mexico held their activities planning meeting for 2016 with the directors of the federations and centres from Mexico City, Michoacan, Nuevo León, Yucatán Peninsula, Queretaro, San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, State of Mexico, Tamaulipas and Veracruz. The guidelines related to the Doctrine and its The Regional Congress for the Promotion of Spiritism among NGOs took place in the state of Sinaloa, with participation of psychologists and thanatologists (those who study the phenomena of death). There were regional visits to Spiritist centres to give lectures about the correct practice of mediumship. As a promotion strategy, film-debates started to be organised with Spiritist films in several cities, which has been successful in spreading the Kardec Doctrine. consejoespiritademexico@gmail.com www.espiritismoenmexico.org Spiritist Groups in Norway NORWAY News An introductory course to the Spiritist Doctrine was presented in Norwegian, in the city of Oslo, and was attended by 12 people. This was an intensive course lasting two days 2 days, 3 hours each day, and took place on 16th and 17th January. A lot of enthusiasm, great reflections and valuable learning, and the unconditional support of the Greater Spirituality. The result is that another day of studies in Norwegian will be starting, on Saturdays. Planned events 14th April, Conference with Andrei Moreira with the theme "Meeting Between Traditional Medicine and Spiritism - Experience from the Medical Spiritist Association in Minas Gerais, Brazil". 5:30pm at the Eldorado bookstore, Torggata 9A, Oslo. Bergen: Euripedes Barsanulfo Spiritist Group (GEEB). Contact: spiritismeibergen@gmail.com Regular activities: Studies of The Spirits Book and The Gospel According to Spiritism, every Sunday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
12 A Spiritist Evangelisation study for parents takes place on the last Saturday of each month, from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Oslo: Den Norske Spiritiktiske Student Forening (DenOssFor) Contact: denossfor@gmail.com Address: Fredrikkebygget (UiO Universitetet i Oslo, Blindern Oslo) in the room "Tro og Tanke" (Belief and Reflection) on the first floor. Regular activity: Meetings in Norwegian from 12:30pm to 2:00pm on the following days: 1st February, 7th March, 4th April, 2nd May and 13th June. ISC NEWSLETTER 59 PARAGUAY PARAGUAYAN SPIRITIST PHILOSOPHY CENTRE cefep.paraguay@gmail.com www.facebook.com/centroespirita.paraguayo Oslo: Gruppen for Spiritistiske Studier Allan Kardec (GEEAK) Contact: post@geeaknorge.com Address: Dronningens gt. 23 Room 512 Centre, Oslo Website: www.geeaknorge.com Regular activities: Public Lecture - Saturdays: 10:45am Study of the book "Education of Sentiments" by Janson de Camargo - Saturdays: 10:45am to 12:00pm Youth Spiritist Education - Saturdays: 12:30pm to 2:00pm Study of The Spirits' Book - Wednesdays: 6pm Meimei Group (children, infants and parents) - Saturdays: 10:45am to 12:00pm Mediumship Education and Study - Mondays: 6:00pm Study of The Spirits' Book in Norwegian - Tuesdays at 6pm; First Sunday of each month at 1:00pm to 2:30pm PORTUGAL PORTUGUESE SPIRITIST FEDERATION (FEP) Trondheim: Spiritismeforening i Trondheim Contact: spiritismen.trondheim@gmail.com Regular activities: Study of the Spiritist Doctrine - Wednesdays from 6:15pm to 7:15pm PANAMA post@geeaknorge.com www.geeaknorge.com SPIRITIST FRATERNITY GOD, LOVE AND CHARITY FEDAC (Fraternidad Espírita Dios, Amor y Caridad) and AME-Panama (Medical Spiritist Association of Panama) held, at the Monteferro Hall Hotel Torres de Alba, a seminar in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the book "Heaven and Hell" on 3rd March. Theme: "How do we wake up in the spiritual plane? Continued on page 15 2016 presents itself as a challenging year for the Portuguese Spiritist Federation (FEP). It is a year of celebrations and great responsibilities. 90 Years of FEP On 26th May 1926, the statutes of FEP, the Portuguese Spiritist Federation, were approved. The Movement was brought from France by Portuguese people and was accepted in scientific, intellectual and military circles, proliferating quickly in the main urban centres. The dictatorial regime that Portugal experienced weakened and almost extinguished the Spiritist practice. Assets were removed and the premises
ISC NEWSLETTER 59 13 closed in November 1953. Only in 1974, after the 25th April Carnation Revolution, FEP re-organised, and the 2nd National Spiritist Congress took place in 1994. Currently there are around 100 Spiritist groups, and 60 of these are part of the Federation. On Saturday 28th May, we will host the exhibition: "FEP - 90th Anniversary" at our headquarters. 8th WORLD SPIRITIST CONGRESS The 8th World Spiritist Congress is approaching quickly. 1,500 people from 24 countries have already registered to attend. The theme "In Defence of Life" will be addressed during the event, which takes place from 7th to 9th October. For more information, visit www.8cem.com and follow the most recent posts in the "News" section. The Organisation is at the disposal of everyone who requires any information regarding this event: 8cem2016@gmail.com or info@8cem.com Have you registered yet? The maximum capacity is 1,900 people. Secure your place now! Promotion of Spiritist Books One of the objectives of our organisation is to promote the Spiritist Doctrine. We rely on the cooperation of various publishing houses: FEB, Leal, Frater and FEP. There are 274 titles printed in Portugal, and we hope to finish more books this year. This opportunity gives us the pleasure of providing books by wonderful authors at a very affordable price. PO2ECJ Orientation Programme for Spiritist Education of Children and Youth This is another area that has been receiving special attention from our organisation: the area of the Education of Children and Youth. PO2ECJ is still being developed. Material for 9-year olds has been finalised and is now available for download: https://fepgcndij.wordpress.com/. The programmes for 6-year olds and 2nd level (10 and 11 year olds) are in progress. Upcoming Events 23th - 24th April - Spiritist Culture Journeys (Caldas da Rainha) 23th - 24th April - XXXII ENJE National Gathering of Spiritist Youth (Porto) 28th May - Exhibition "FEP 90th Anniversary" (Lisbon) 12th June - CONCESP National Gathering for Spiritist Children (Viseu) fep.informa@feportuguesa.pt www.feportuguesa.pt UNITED KINGDOM BRITISH UNION OF SPIRITIST SOCIETIES BUSS has been trying to focus recently on the Preparation and Retraining of Spiritist Workers, through seminars and workshops, with speakers and coordinators from within Europe. With exhaustive work done between 2014 and 2015, a total of 20 public events, the decision was taken and approved by everyone. On Saturday 20th February, BUSS held a meeting with 16 Spiritist centres, who spent the day exchanging ideas and getting to know each other better. That evening, Marina Steagall, a Spiritist worker from Holland, gave a lecture in English. On Sunday, she gave a lecture, in Portuguese, at Sir William Crookes Spiritist Society. On 12th and 13th March, the workshop for Spiritist Tutors focusing on Children and Youth took place. Coordinators from Germany, Spain and Switzerland attended. DIVALDO FRANCO in London in May We will hold two days of lectures with Divaldo Franco, on 8th and 9th May, at the Perrin Theatre of Queen Mary University of London. A huge list of book titles, DVDs and CDs will be available to the attendees. Divaldo will be autographing books, as usual, during the events. For more information: bussevents@gmail.com www.buss.org.uk
ISC NEWSLETTER 59 14 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SPIRITIST SOCIETY OF IRELAND SPIRITS' BOOK IN SWEDISH The Harmoni Mässa fair will take place on 2nd and 3rd April in Stockholm. Spiritist books in Portuguese and Swedish will be sold, and leaflets with information about the Spiritist Doctrine will be distributed. Fraternidade Sverige, a Spiritist group of Stockholm, usually takes part in the fair promoting the Spiritist Doctrine. A new Swedish translation of The Spirits Book by Götebors Spiritistiska Förening Allan Kardec (GSF Allan Kardec) will be launched soon. Svenska Spiritistiska Förbundet http://ssf-sverige.wix.com/spiritismen spiritismen@hotmail.com On 7th May 2016, our dear friend Divaldo Franco will give a lecture in Dublin. For more information, visit our website. We will be present at the ISC Europe Meeting in Basel and the ISC General Meeting in Lisbon. sbertozzo@gmail.com www.spiritismireland.com SWEDEN On 6th and 7th February, Humberto Werdine gave a public lecture in English about the theme "Heaven and Hell" and the seminar "The Importance of Spiritist Centres and Their Responsibilities" in Stockholm. The events were promoted by Spiritistiska Studiegruppen På Väg till Ljuset, a Spiritist group of Stockholm. SWEDISH SPIRITIST UNION SWITZERLAND UNION OF SPIRITIST STUDY CENTRES IN SWITZERLAND (UCESS) 2016 started with a very positive outlook. Most of the Spiritist centres of Switzerland offer one or more in-depth studies: "Systematic Study of the Spiritist Doctrine" and "Study and Practice of Mediumship". CESG, the pioneering centre in Switzerland, founded in Geneva over 40 years ago, offers the studies in French, using the booklet translated by Charles and Márcia Kempf. Collectively, the Union of Spiritist Study Centres in Switzerland (UCESS) carries on with the collective "In-depth Study of the Spiritist Doctrine", during six weekends per year, and started the Spiritise Project on 13th and 14th February. This project should carry on through this year and next year. Soon, due to the ISC gathering in Basel from 1st to 3rd April, there will be a seminar about mediumship with Sandra Ventura and Rosenite Alves, as well as testimonials by Affonso Soares (in a video). This event will emphasize the law of cause and effect and redemption through mediumship, using the example of the great medium Yvonne do Amaral Pereira. It is our intention to value life (and, as such, to oppose the "philosophy" of the numerous suicide assistance clinics in Switzerland), but also to
15 ISC NEWSLETTER 59 emphasize the real purpose of mediumship, which is the redemption of humankind. We will also have the great pleasure of having a workshop by Claudia Werdine, of the ISC European Education Commission, on 2nd April for the Spiritist tutors for Childhood and Youth. We are delighted to share experiences, to study and to learn together. response from those who attended in person, and from those in various countries who watched via the internet. There is another important event in April: the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Paul and Stephen Spiritist Study Group (GEEPE), in Lausanne. This will take place at Yverdon Castle on 17th April and will count on the presence of Alberto Almeida (Doctor and member of AME-International) and ISC General Secretary, Charles Kempf. Nelly Berchtold ucessdept.comunicacao2015@gmail.com www.ucess.ch PANAMA - Cont.: Spiritual Future and Divine Justice" for an audience of 200 people. Several themes (Phenomenon of Death, The Past, the State of Spirits in the Past and The Criminal Code of the Future Life) were addressed by both international lecturers (Andrei Moreira, Edwin Bravo and Fábio Villarraga) and local lecturers (Guillermo Valdes, Luis Carlos Ruiz and Maria dela Gracia Ender), with a final Questions and Answers session. The event was covered on the Internet by FEBtv Canal 3 and a local TV station that interviewed all lecturers. We had an excellent In December 2015, we held two Christmas parties: one for the parents and children in our Evangelisation, and an ecumenical innovation at an institution of the Pastoral Catholic Church (Casa do Bom Pastor), dedicated to socially protect those who are terminally ill with AIDS. We provided solidarity to the 22 brothers and sisters who are going through difficult trials. All were very happy with the acts of love offered to them at Christmas. fedac@fedac.org.pa www.fedac.org.pa
16 REPUBLIC OF BELARUS SPIRITIST GROUP OF MINSK ISC NEWSLETTER 59 the life in the Afterlife, inspired by her 14 years of mediumship and healing work. The medium Tatiana Andrianova writes stories and messages to motivate inner reform. During a lecture, the group prayer and spiritual treatment helped to improve the health of a certain attendee. And so, we started to emphasize group vibrations for health and peace. It is the Group's tradition to socialise, taking the opportunity to fraternise through the heart and to remember love and charity. The Spiritist Group of Minsk (Belarus) continues with lectures and courses about Spiritism, following the study programme of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB) and the materials developed by the Group itself. The Group's director, Andrei Latinnik, in his "Sixth Sense Development" course, targeted to people from outside the Spiritist centre, started to give examples of spiritual life and Spiritism, which has drawn great interest from those attending. We have, therefore, received another way of bringing the Doctrine to the world. Andrei will add more talks and studies about the Gospel. The Group's representative abroad, Spartak Severin, translated several Spiritist books and magazines and has been taking part in ISC meetings. energylife1@gmail.com www.minskspirit.net Currently the Group's activities include lectures, mediumship development, psychography, spiritual treatments and therapies, disobsession, fraternal assistance and the translation of Spiritist books and films. The mediumship development group has completed its first year of studies. A few members of the group have started psychography work. The medium Alesia Chirikova wrote a novel about UNITED ARAB EMIRATES SPIRITIST CHRISTIAN GROUP AWAKENING In August 2016 we completed 10 years of our "Spiritist Centre". It is with a lot of joy that my heart feels grateful for the support from the friendly Spirituality, which has been encouraging us in this task. The tasks here are like that of ants, but with love we are progressing. Currently, we have public meeting and the following groups: Study of André Luis' works, mediumship study and practice, weekly distribution of 220 meals to our brothers and sisters in need, as well as Family Evangelisation every other week. Patricia Farias contato.gecd@gmail.com http://espacodespertar.blogspot.com ESTONIA SPIRITISM IN ESTONIA Estonia will host Andrei Moreira on 15th April for the seminar "Healing and Self-Healing: a Medical Spiritist Approach". spiritisminestonia@gmail.com www.spiritism.eu