The Rudolf Steiner Archive

8. Minutes of the General Assembly of the German Section of the Theosophical Society

[ 1 ] Secretary General Dr. Steiner presides. He welcomes the representatives of the various branches in Germany.

[ 2 ] The following are present:

Mr. Hubo from Hamburg
Mr. Günther Wagner from Lugano
Mr. Richard Bresch from Leipzig
Ms. Geheimrat Lübke from Weimar
Mr. Julius Engel from Charlottenburg
Mr. Fischer from Hanover
Mr. Arenson from Stuttgart

[ 3 ] From the Berlin branch:

Secretary General Dr. Steiner
Treasurer Ms. von Holten
Secretary Ms. von Sivers

[ 4 ] The following German cities are not represented:

Düsseldorf, Kassel, Munich.

[ 5 ] The following members of the Theosophical Society are also present:

Miss Motzkus
Mrs. Blieffert
Miss von Rosen
Mr. Kolbe from Hamburg
Mr. Fränkel
Mr. Georgi

[ 6 ] Dr. Steiner reads out congratulatory telegrams from:

Count and Countess Brockdorff
Mr. Haase in Leipzig
Mr. Fischer in Schneidlingen.

[ 7 ] Dr. Steiner announced that Mr. Bruno Berg had resigned from the Theosophical Society. Since he had been a member of the Executive Committee and Mr. Hübbe-Schleiden had also resigned from the Executive Committee, it would be necessary to proceed with the election of two new members of the Executive Committee; thereafter, the bylaws of the Theosophical Society would need to be reviewed. First, however, he wished to raise the question of whether it would be advisable to include sponsors in the membership lists as well, to the extent possible.

[ 8 ] Hubo believes it would serve little purpose and present certain difficulties.

[ 9 ] Bresch asks whether it has proven to be desirable in practice.

[ 10 ] Steiner reports on a case where, however, knowledge of the godparent relationship would have been of practical importance. In the past, people would have listed just one godparent on the form and taken the other one very lightly. Much later, it became necessary to review each individual case.

[ 11 ] Wagner suggests removing the godparents' names from the forms if they are in Berlin.

[ 12 ] Hubo admits that it is necessary not to admit members in such an informal manner and without knowing their character. However, this presents difficulties, since after public meetings, people whom no one knows may come forward. They would then have to be asked to attend the public meetings for a while, until they have become familiar with the Theosophical worldview.

[ 13 ] Bresch believes that caution is warranted when admitting people to the Esoteric Section, but otherwise he accepts as members those who have attended three of his lectures.

[ 14 ] Arenson says that one cannot go further than requiring an interest in the matter and ensuring that no moral qualities stand in the way of admission.

[ 15 ] Engel believes that if these people were interested in getting to know us, we would get to know them in the process as well. He agrees with Dr. Steiner’s view that the names of the godparents should also be included.

[ 16 ] Looking ahead, Hubo expresses the hope that the costs of propaganda lectures in Berlin will be covered by the German Section. Election of the Executive Board: Dr. Steiner proposes Ms. Geheimrat Lübke from Weimar as a member of the Executive Board to replace Hübbe-Schleiden, who has resigned.

[ 17 ] He justified this choice by citing Mrs. Lübke’s contributions to the spread of theosophy in Weimar, which he described as particularly important as the intellectual center of Germany. He also noted that Mrs. Lübke had gained a thorough understanding of the theosophical movement in England during an extended stay there.

[ 18 ] The election is approved unanimously.

[ 19 ] Wagner proposes electing Herr Eggers, the chairman of the Hanover branch, as a member of the board in place of Bruno Berg.

[ 20 ] Bresch: Without intending to disagree with Eggers, he believes that the main emphasis should be placed on the quality of one's character.

[ 21 ] Having met Eggers in person, Steiner gained the impression that he is skilled, energetic, and hardworking.

[ 22 ] Fischer says that this same person has already served as chairman for a good two years.

[ 23 ] Bresch introduces Miss Mathilde Scholl in Cologne.

[ 24 ] Hubo agrees and adds that they had already considered it last time.

[ 25 ] Arenson abstains from the vote.

[ 26 ] Wagner says he doesn't know her either, but believes that personal qualities must be the deciding factor, and that Hanover won't be offended if it is left out this time.

[ 27 ] Steiner remarks that Mr. Noll will soon be unable to continue in his role, and that Eggers could then be elected to replace him. Following this, the election of Mathilde Scholl is approved unanimously.

[ 28 ] Steiner asks whether, in the event of Noll's resignation, there is prior agreement on the election of Mr. Eggers.

[ 29 ] Hubo noted that, according to the bylaws, the opinions of the board members would have to be sought in this case.

[ 30 ] Election of two treasury auditors, who are to audit the section’s treasury annually at the general meeting. Miss Motzkus and Mr. Seiler of Berlin were elected unanimously after Mr. Fischer of Hanover declined the nomination. Amendment of the Bylaws

[ 31 ] These are reviewed and revised point by point. There is a lengthy discussion about whether Germans living in other countries should be counted as part of the German section.

[ 32 ] Hubo notes that, as far as Switzerland is concerned, it does not yet have its own section, and therefore the German-speaking Theosophists there could be counted as part of the German Section, just as the Theosophists in Geneva have joined the French Section. However, as soon as Switzerland has its own section, this question will resolve itself.

[ 33 ] Steiner notes that, under Austrian state law, it is not at all possible for individual lodges to merge to form a section. However, we do have members from Austria.

[ 34 ] Arenson proposes setting the date of the General Assembly and including it in the bylaws.

[ 35 ] Hubo proposes setting the date “in October,” and this version is adopted.

[ 36 ] Following further discussions on the bylaws, Hubo proposes increasing membership dues within the branches and section dues.

[ 37 ] The date for the section's annual financial closing was also discussed, and August 31 was set as the date.

[ 38 ] Mr. Arenson, who is representing the chairperson in Stuttgart, Mr. Oppel, raises the question of whether members of the section’s executive board may be represented by others at executive board meetings held during the general assemblies of the German Section.

[ 39 ] Dr. Steiner says this will not be permitted in the future.

[ 40 ] Hubo proposed amending the title of the bylaws as follows: “Bylaws of the Theosophical Society and the German Section.”

[ 41 ] Steiner suggests: “Theosophical Society, Headquarters Adyar-Madras, German Section. Bylaws.”

[ 42 ] This version is adopted.

[ 43 ] The motto surrounding the Theosophical emblem is still under discussion. Steiner says that the translation “No religion is higher than the truth” is not entirely accurate, but that Olcott once accepted it as such. It should rather read “No preconceived opinion is higher than the truth”; however, this matter cannot be settled so quickly.

[ 44 ] Hubo suggests omitting the quote entirely, while Bresch suggests leaving it in the original language.

[ 45 ] Everything remains the same, and the bylaws are adopted without a third reading.

End

[ 46 ] Hubo proposes sending a welcome message to the new branch in Weimar and thanks Steiner, Miss von Sivers, and Mrs. von Holten on behalf of everyone for their leadership over the past year.

[ 47 ] Steiner urges us not to be dissatisfied with the progress of the German Section, which has, after all, only been in existence for a year. There are many difficulties and prejudices to overcome, but we should nevertheless hold fast to the word “theosophy”—which still causes so much offense—and honor it in every way.

[ 48 ] The meeting will adjourn around two o'clock.