Annual General Meeting 2018 of the General Contents

1 Invitation

2 Conference Program

3 Invitation to the 2018 Annual General Meeting

4 Motions

12 Reaffirmation of Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato

14 Reinstated and

20 Theme of the Year 2018/2019

21 Finance Report/Budget

25 Auditors’ Report

35 Opening Hours / Exhibitions

Remembrance of the Dead Saturday 24 March 2018, 8 p.m.

Silent composition with Halleluiah Prelude in E-flat minor J. S. Bach Verse „Wie du empfangen“ R. Steiner First Movement for String Quartet op. 110 D. Schostakowitch

Speaker Joan Sleigh Gerald Häfner Stefan Hasler John Bloom

Fifth Movement for String Quartet op. 110 D. Schostakowitch Verse „Wir dir Geistverbunden“ R. Steiner Verse „Ich war..“ R. Steiner Adagio in A minor J. S. Bach Silent composition with Halleluiah

We intend to manage in the big hall without speaker amplification. Therefore, we kindly ask all parti- cipants who might need audio support to collect a headset for sound amplification at the information desk prior to the events. Admission to Annual General Meeting with pink membership card only. There will be simultaneous translation into English and French. Headphones for translation and hearing assistance are available at the information table. Translation receivers (free of charge) and headphones (two kinds at CHF 3 and CHF 8 / 3 EUR and 8 EUR) are available at the Information Desk. Please return these devices immediately after the lecture or performance as they need recharging.

Channel 0 – German 1 – English 2 – French 1

ó Annual General Meeting 2018

For the upcoming Annual Conference and General Assembly of 2018 A letter to the Members of the Anthroposophical Society

Dear Members of the Anthroposophical Society!

e look forward to the upcoming Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Anthroposophical Society, certainly with many encounters and opportunities for exchange! The is in deve- Wlopment, which, we hope, is felt everywhere! We would like to present the individual projects and report on the current developments of the “large”, worldwide Goetheanum. Ten working groups are currently working on individual projects in order to substantiate and implement the impulses from the Goetheanum World Conference held in 2016. In the meantime, important steps have been taken which we would like to share with you during the conference. In addition, this year all sections of the School for Spiritual Science will intro- duce themselves and report on their work in the past year as well as perspectives for the coming year. In the vocational working groups we will consider important and current questions in the activities of the respecti- ve Sections.

The theme of the Annual Conference will focus on the second stanza of the Foundation Stone Meditation. It will be prefaced in the mornings by the content of the First Class of the School for Spiritual Science, in fre- ely rendered Class Lessons for members of the School as well as complimented by contemplations on the Anthroposophical meditative path, accessible to all participants. The “spirit mindfulness” leads to the deve- lopment of feeling and touches our relationship to the world. Against this background we hope to deepen the work on the “Foundation Stone”.

This year we have designed a new form of General Assembly and we ask you to accompany the three-step process: All the necessary information on the motions and requests will be presented and shared on Thursday (22nd March). In doing so, we assume that the written information has been read, either in “ Worldwide” 1-2 /3 2018, or in the available Conference Reader. On Friday (23rd March), the plenary space will be open for discussion and consideration, necessary for members to form an individual and independent judgment. The numerous motions are subdivided into a) motions that concern the legal sphere of the mem- bership and need to be decided upon, and b) requests to the Executive Council, to which the members can vote in the General Assembly. After having shared the information and consulted on it, the decisions will be taken by the General Assembly on Saturday (24th March), having slept on them for two nights.

In addition, we will have presentations regarding Anthroposophical activities worldwide: What has been successful? Which initiatives and projects are developing and are taking Anthroposophy into present-day cultural life? This is where initiatives and representatives of institutions and companies may introduce them- selves and report on their work. Perhaps this will lead to suggestions for the implementation of other Anthro- posophically-inspired initiatives.

In this General Assembly we will deal with the motion to annul the decision of 1935 and to reinstate both Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede, which includes taking up the impulses of Anthroposophical work, as car- ried by these personalities, in the future. Part of the General Assembly is also the affirming of Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato, both of whom stand to be reaffirmed as members of the Executive Council. This “caesura” was preceded by intensive deliberations in the Executive Council, in the Goetheanum Leadership and also by the circle of General Secretaries, which led to the relevant suggestion of the Executive Council.

With warm regards, in anticipation of the upcoming Annual Assembly of the Anthroposophical Society,

Matthias Girke, Justus Wittich, Christiane Haid For the board and the Goetheanum Leadership. 2

ó Annual General Meeting 2018 8.15—9.00 Friday, 23rd March 2018 20.00—21.30 18.30 17.15—18.30 16.30 15.00—16.30 14.00 Thursday, 22

Matthias Girke, Constanza Kaliks do we stand? Goetheanum-Process: Where Opening with Eurythm the Sections” in Foyer Market Place: “Work from C kind – free contemplation The Representative of Human- Bodo von Plato An Introduction School for Spiritual Science: School for Spiritual Science) Simpson (EN) (for members of the Claus-Peter Röh (D), Sue Lesson the Mantrams of the 16th Class Freely rendered Class Lesson to Supper Break and Explanations Motions and Requests; Questions Council; Finances; Information to fromReports the Executive Annual Gener Sections” in the Foyer Market Place: “Work from the Arriv Goetheanum Stage Ensemble Frans Lutters Elizabeth Vreede Macr offee Break nd March 2018 ocosm and Microcosm – al

al Meeting I y:

14.30—16. 3 20.00—21.30 18.30 17.15—18.30 12.30-14.30 11.00—12.30 10.15 9.15—10.15 1 6 . 3 0

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Annual General Meeting II from the Sections” Market Place: “Work C ing for Branch and Group Holders Spiritual Science as well as Meet- of the sections School for W posophical Societs worldwide ments and projects of the Anthro- Presentations of current develop- Goetheanum Worldwide Supper Break Continuation of Annual General Meeting Eichenberg Stefano Gasperi / Ariane in the Present Practice Spirit mindfulness Stefan Hasler Eur Guided Tours Lunch Br Goetheanum Stage Ensemble Eurythmy ing for the World – Ita Wegman Anthr sion and consultation Open forum for Members discus- from the Sections” Market Place: “Work C offee Break offee Break orking groups to the activities ythmy Demonstration oposophy as an Art of Heal-oposophy as an Art eak

14.30—16. 3 16. 3 12.30—14.30 11.00—12.30 10.15 9.15—10.15 8.15—9.00 Saturday, 24 17.15—18.30 0

0

Annual General Meeting III from the Sections” Market Place: “Work C posophical Societs worldwide ments and projects of the Anthro- Presentations of current develop- Goetheanum Worldwide Continuation of Annual General Meeting ing for Branch and Group Holders Spiritual Science as well as Meet of the sections School for Working groups to the activities kind – free contemplation The Representative of Human- Paul Mackay Spiritual Science Introduction to the School for for Spiritual Science) (EN) (for members of the School Johannes Kühl (D), Joan Sleigh Lesson the Mantrams of the 17th Class Freely rendered Class Lesson to Eur Jaap Sijmons / Bodo von Plato Individuality and Community The Development of Feeling: Stefan Hasler Guided Tours Lunch Br Decisions from the Sections” Market Place: “Work C offee Break offee Break th March 2018 ythmy Demonstration eak

- 11.00—12.30 10.15 9.15—10.15 8.15—9.00 Sunday, 25 20.00—21.30 18.30

from the Sections” Market Place: “Work C Foundation Stone Meditation Eurythmy Contributions and Discussion Present The Social Chal Goetheanum Stage Ensemble Supper Break Christiane Haid / Justus Wittich of the Present The Social Challenges Margrethe Solstad Eur Eurythmy Eurythmy for those who have died Memorial Gathering kind – free contemplation The Representative of Human- tive of Humankind Peter Selg Contribution to the Representa- for Spiritual Science) (EN) (for members of the School Matthias Girke (D), Virginia Sease 19th Class Lesson the Mantrams of the 18th and F th reely rendered Class Lesson to offee Break March 2018 ythmy Demonstration

lenges of the Subject to change 3

ó Annual General Meeting 2018

agm part 2 2018 Annual General Meeting Conversation (23 March 2018, 2.30 to 4 p.m.): Open discussion of the Invitation reports and the motions and con- cerns submitted by members (sec- and Agenda ond reading)

Dear members, agm part 3 Decision-making (24 March 2018, you are warmly invited to the Gen- 2.30 to 4 p.m.): Presentation of de- eral Anthroposophical Society’s An- cisions to be made Decisions on the nual Conference and Annual General motions submitted (third reading Meeting which will be held from 22 and vote) to 25 March 2018 at the Goethe- anum. A programme for this event Proposed agenda is included below. For the first time for the 2018 agm this invitation has also gone out by email to our English-, French-, and 1 Beginning of agm German-speaking members. This (22 March, 5.15 p.m.) year’s meetings will see a new for- 2 Executive Council report and mat for our annual gatherings. We discussion (22 March, 5.15 p.m., are looking forward to seeing you all! and 23 March, 2.30 p.m.) Please note that registration is 3 Statement of 2017 accounts essential for the smooth running of and auditors’ report (22 March, 5.15 this extensively prepared conference! p.m.) discussion (23 March, 2.30 The General Anthroposophical So- p.m.) approval of 2017 annual ac- ciety’s agm – for which you will of counts course only need your membership (23 March, 2.30 p.m.) card – will be included in the Annual 4 Election of auditors Conference. This year it will deal with (24 March, 2.30 p.m.) important questions and decide on 5 Application to discharge the Exec- a number of motions submitted by utive Council (24 March, 2.30 p.m.) members. As a trial, the 2018 agm 6 Affirmation of Paul Mackay and will be guided through three steps of Bodo von Plato for another term conscious judgment-forming (with a in a separate and secret ballot (24 night between the individual stages): March, 2.30 p.m.) 7 Motions and concerns submitted 1 information (Thursday) to the 2018 agm, explanations (22 2 conversation and discussion (Friday) March, 5.15 p.m.), discussion (23 3 decision-making (Saturday) March 2.30 p.m.), decision-making (24 March, 2.30 p.m.). The agenda items will 8 The agm concludes be dealt with as follows (24 March, 6.30 p.m.)

agm part 1 If you have not received the pro- Information (22 March 2018, 5.15 to gramme of the Annual Conference 6.30 p.m.): Statements and financial by email: please let the Membership report Proposal for the subsequent Office at the Goetheanum (sekretari- confirmation of Executive Council [email protected]) have your email members Explanations and queries address so that future information regarding the motions and con- for members can be mailed to you. cerns submitted in writing You can unsubscribe any time. | The (first reading) Executive Council at the Goetheanum 6 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1–2/18 4

ó ■ Annual Anthroposophical General Meeting Society 2018

General Anthroposophical Society Matters lying within the sphere Motions and issues of Members’ rights of concern for the 2018 agm The following concern submitted by the Nordic Societies is very important for the further development of the Anthroposophical Society worldwide. It is also evident from various Dear members of the responses to the earlier emailed invitation to the Annual Conference that the members Anthroposophical Society, are seeking new forms of participating in the life of the Anthroposophical Society.

The impulse for renewal, born at the Goetheanum World Conference at Mich- aelmas 2016, will see its first practical Concern 1 manifestation in the restructuring of the Annual Conference and agm. More than Participation in the agm of members 30 Anthroposophical Societies worldwide who live further away The Executive Council hopes that first pro- will be represented and there will be The designation «Global Society» should posals can be discussed at the forthcoming opportunities to find out and have con- mean that it is made possible for members Conference of General Secretaries as well as versations about all the developments who live further away from the Goethea- at the meeting of the Councils and Treasurers, within the anthroposophical movement. num to vote on matters that concern the all of which will precede the agm, so that the A number of resolutions and motions are Society worldwide. first outcomes can be reported. waiting to be discussed and decided on Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark by the meeting. Please read the motions together have 3,600 members. Travelling and concerns with their statements of to the General Anthroposophical Society’s reasons carefully so that they can be as- agm in Switzerland is too far and too expen- Motion 1 sumed to be known at the agm. sive for most of our members. This means Proposal to affirm Paul Mackay and Bodo In accordance with the Statutes we that we do not have the same possibilities von Plato as members of the Executive would like to introduce the following dif- as the members in Central Europe when it Council for another term. ferentiation of concerns and motions: comes to having a say on matters of the Society worldwide or the situation at the See presentation on pages 4 and 5. | The 1 Matters lying within the sphere Goetheanum. We feel disadvantages by Executive Council at the Goetheanum of the members’ rights. this situation and find it undemocratic. 2 Requests and wishes to the Executive At a time when the whole world is inter- Council for the agm to vote on. linked the present way of voting seems rather outdated. Motion 2 Article 8 of the Statutes of the General Our concern is that the Executive Council Reversal of the resolution passed at the Anthroposophical Society specifies that at the Goetheanum should look for ways 1935 agm and reinstated of Ita Wegman «All matters lying within the sphere of of making it possible for all countries and and Elisabeth Vreede members' rights (e.g. amendments of the members to also be actively involved in Statutes, endorsement of the appoint- central matters of the Society worldwide. At the Annual General Meeting on 14 April ment of the president or other members The process as it is now gives us the 1935 the following resolution regarding Ita of the Executive Council, membership feeling that we have no influence at all Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede was passed fees, acceptance of the balance sheet) on what happens at the Goetheanum and with a great majority: are to be determined by the Annual this creates a distance between the Nor- Items 3 and 4 of the Agenda: Motion I. General Meeting. |Issues that concern dic countries and the Goetheanum; this The Annual General Meeting of the Gen- the Society’s spiritual goals and duties is the exact opposite of what the present eral Anthroposophical Society on 14 April will only be dealt with in open discussion. Executive Council strives to achieve with 1935 pronounces that the two members of They are not voted on. |The Annual Gen- its Goetheanum in Development project. the Executive Council, Dr Ita Wegman and eral Meeting is chaired by a member of We would welcome it if considerations in Dr Elisabeth Vreede, who expressed their the Executive Council or by a chairperson this direction could be started because we defiance of the will of the Society with ac- appointed by the Executive Council. | The think that the Societies in other countries tions amounting to self-exclusion, will no decisions of the Annual General Meeting have similar views. We are more than happy longer be recognized as members of the are recorded in the minutes which are to be involved in thinking about feasible Executive Council. In order to meet the legal published in the Society’s newsletter.» solutions. | Oslo (no), 20 January 2018: For requirements, the Annual General Meeting | The Executive Council at the Goethea- Norway: Ingrid Reistad decides that ‹Dr Ita Wegman and Dr Elisa- num: Paul Mackay, Bodo von Plato, Seija The Councils of Denmark, Sweden and - beth Vreede are dismissed from their posi- Zimmermann, Justus Wittich, Joan Sleigh, pending the next council meeting - Finland tions as members of the Executive Council Constanza Kaliks, Matt hias Girke have subscribed to this concern. of the General Anthroposophical Society’. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1–2/18 | 7 5

■ Anthroposophical Society ó Annual General Meeting 2018

The Annual General Meeting considers it Motion in support that we – aside from the necessary meth- impossible for the two persons named to ods of dealing with the ‹wrong decisions› conduct any further activities on behalf of Motion 2 of the past Annual General Meeting – try of the General Anthroposophical Society.» above all to understand the reasons why This motion was passed with 1691 votes 75 years after the deaths of Ita Wegman people could not work together then, so in favour (76 votes against, and 53 absten- and Eli sabeth Vreede, and in continuation that we can also understand where we tions). The reasons and declarations put of the concern raised at last year’s Annual are today in this respect. forward in order to induce the members General Meeting, the following leading per- said much about the cause of this – when to pass this motion were based on mis- sonalities of the General Anthroposophi- he tried to prevent World War I as well as understandings and untruths that were cal Society support the above Motion to after the fire and before his death. actively disseminated within the Society. reverse the resolutions of the 1935 Annual As a result of these decisions, not only the General Meeting. We ask the meeting to 1 The two Christian groups of the Catho- social standing, dignity and moral integ- vote in favour of Motion 2. lic Church and the Johannine Rosicrucian rity of Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede With this decision the Annual General School seem to have tried to become rec- were violated and called into question, Meeting pronounces the recognition and onciled since 1600. But in the course of but their efforts for the central impulses reinstated of the two members of the orig- 1924 it became ever more apparent that of anthroposophy within the General An- inal Executive Council from accusations this union could not be achieved on earth. throposophical Society and the School of wrongly raised against them in 1935. | The Rudolf Steiner hoped to achieve this at the Spiritual Science were prevented and both Executive Council of the General Anthro- end of the century with the help of the women were separated from the areas of posophical Society and the Goetheanum Alexander stream: think of the Christian work and Sections entrusted to them by Leadership: Oliver Conradt, Jean-Michel Flo- streams of Peter and Paul. Rudolf Steiner – with unforeseeable conse- rin, Matthias Girke, Gerald Häfner, Christiane As a help in this process Rudolf Steiner quences for the entire development of the Haid, Stefan Hasler, Ueli Hurter, Constanza gave the six subsidiary exercises as a mini- anthroposophical movement, the General Kaliks, Johannes Kühl, Paul Mackay, Florian mum effort for the meditative preparation Anthroposophical Society and beyond. Osswald, Bodo von Plato, Claus-Peter Röh, of the heart for the world situation. For The members present at the Annual Marianne Schubert, Joan Sleigh, Georg Sold- this he condensed the sevenfold Chakra General Meeting regret these past occur- ner, Justus Wittich, Seija Zimmermann. The exercise into the three Aristotelian spiritual rences. Having gained knowledge of these Conference of General Secretaries, which exercises of imagination, inspiration and in- past events through recent publications represents 18 Anthroposophical Societies in tuition (ga 16/17 as a continuation of ga 10). and wishing for a full reinstated, they feel the world, as decided on 9 November 2017 His entire philosophical and anthro- that the wrongly taken decision of the past posophical work between 1908 and 1922 should be reversed and the personalities of served this guiding of the East towards Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede fully and the centre and the path of the West. In expressly rehabilitated – particularly with Concern 2 the end he answered the questions of the regard to their activities and support of the students of the Hochschul-Verein, say- Ida-Marie Hoek, Amerongen (nl) anthroposophical movement. ing that philosophy should build on the In 2017 I tried in vain to defend, during the fundamentals of human threefoldness: Proposed decision: We ask the 2018 An- Annual General Meeting, my motion raised his corrected and extended philosophy of nual General Meeting to decide in favour of in connection with Thomas Heck’s Motion Goethe, Franz Brentano and Fichte (father reversing the resolution of the Annual Gen- 6 which had been sent off five days before and son). It is certain that Ita Wegman was eral Meeting of 14 April 1935 which led to in the as well as in . to learn all this in order to have real insight the exclusion of Ita Wegman and Elisabeth I agreed, however, to the prospect of a into and be able to support the First Class Vreede from the Executive Council. This de- deepened continuation of the reinstated as the path of deepening self-knowledge. cision would be an important contribution initiative. We can all read in Emanuel Zeylmans’ book toward the reinstated of these two mem- I do not wish to further interfere with the Strengthening the Heart (volume IV) how bers of the original Executive Council from legal processes regarding the new Motion she was introduced by Rudolf Steiner to the the false accusations raised against them. but am trying to contribute with my con- historical-philosophical development of the | Dornach (ch), 31 October 2017 (edited on cern to the ‹deepening› and understanding knowledge of the human being. We could 22 January 2018): Péter Barna, Pieter van of the real, though still unsuccessful, pro- therefore really try today to establish the Blom, Tatiana Garcia-Cuerva, Marion Fisch- cess of reconciliation between the two an- General Anthroposophical Section. bach, Lucius Hanhart, Marijcke van Has selt, throposophical groups that diverged in 1935, Thomas Heck, Eva Lohmann-Heck, Gerd- but that had failed even in 1925 to work to- 2 In Rudolf Steiner’s indications regard- Mari Savin, Angelika Schuster, Leonhard gether to administrate the Society without ing the threefold social institution of the Schuster, Ingrid Schleyer, Roland Tüscher. Rudolf Steiner’s mediating presence. This Medical Section he gave concrete karma The Council of the Anthroposophical So- could help us to be more successful – i.e. exercises so that the Section would get ciety in Switzerland: Marc Desaules, Clara more united – on the way toward our goal to know these spiritual streams. Unfortu- Steine mann, Johannes Greiner, Peter Selg. of 2023. What is most important for me is nately, the Goetheanum Leadership does 8 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1–2/18

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not yet allow the Sections to be established might give the impression of arbitrariness. according to Rudolf Steiner’s intentions in Motion 4 What is needed instead are neutral proce- a threefold human-social way, with the dural minutes. Amendment to Article 8 of the Statutes, Executive Council as the heart, a core group It is therefore our concern that the Stat- last sentence: minutes should not only as the head and the members as the limbs. utes of the General Anthroposophical So- record decisions but procedures. One could, and should, try to establish this ciety be amended in this point or adapted today so that the spiritual knowledge ac- Proposed decision: We move to amend to the changed requirements and that, in quired by people could be included into the Article 8, sentence 5 of the Statutes of the future Annual General Meetings, proce- research and teaching. General Anthroposophical Society as fol- dural minutes are produced which reflect lows: «The course as well as the decisions the progress of the meeting. 3 Although it was possible as early as of Annual General Meetings are recorded Many members are interested not only in 1960 to unite the Societies of the various in procedural minutes which are published the results of the consultations, but also in countries again, the reunion of the Sections within two months in the Society’s news- the developments leading to these results. that had become divided in 1935 was not yet letter. The minutes need to be accepted Additionally, the minutes should report on achieved, because it relied on a deepened by a majority vote in the next Annual Gen- discussions that did not result in a deci- understanding of the task and possibili- eral Meeting.» | Heidrun Mathilde Scholze, sion, such as for instance the treatment ties of the School of Spiritual Science + the Unter föhring (de), sowie Jochen Baltzer, Her- of concerns raised by members. And there Michael School + the [Pflege Verein]. Thor- bert Braun, Birgit Breitfeld, Johannes Brink, is also the aspect that it is important for ough research should therefore first go into Al muth Buchleitner, Walter Christ, Moritz future generations to be able to follow, in how Rudolf Steiner gave study material Chri stoph, Anton Dembinsky, Helga Dör- outline, based on the agm minutes, the and spiritual (esoteric) courses to all the ries, El friede Ganter, Dietmar Ferger, Ingo development of the Society. Sections after the Christmas Conference. Hackel, Ulrich Hölder, Bronwen Imhoff, In order to provide an adequate picture | Ida-Marie Hoek, Amerongen (nl) Barbara Jan ka, Erika Kaiser, Manfred Klein, of the progress of meetings for present and Laurenz Kist ler, Florian Konnertz, Elisabeth future members, it seems appropriate to For reasons of clarity, the German original Krauß, Grisel dis Krauß, Salvatore Lavecchia, present the course of events unfiltered. The of the above text was slightly edited and Anneliese Lo renz, Mees Meeussen, Gerhard minutes should not – out of a questionable abridged by Justus Wittich. Meighörner, Cornelius Michael Oette, Kurt desire for harmony – be smoothed over Pistek, Uta Schulz-Matan, Béatrice Vianin, by subsequent changes or be presented Wessel von Loe, Elisabeth Wutte, Herbert one-sidedly. In order to keep our movement Zettel, Robert Zocoll strong and vibrant, the minutes also need Motion 3 to record failed motions. One should have Statement of reasons: It has become appar- the courage to make the strengths and Amendment to Section 12 of the Statutes: ent in recent years that the decision-based weaknesses of the meetings visible. Propos- introducing a qualified majority for affirma- minutes stipulated in the Statutes of the als for future work should be documented, tions of Executive Council members General Anthroposophical Society do not even if they do not lead to formal decisions. We move that two thirds of the votes sufficiently meet the members’ wishes and If there are working groups, their discus- must be in favour when a member is ap- needs for knowledge of and participation sions need to be minuted and included in pointed to the Executive Council or when in the progress of Annual General Meet- the overall minutes of the meeting. their membership is re-affirmed. Gottfried| ings. In fact, the minutes of the Annual While procedural minutes are more dif- Caspar, Ingrid Caspar, Dornach (ch) General Meetings have repeatedly deviated ficult to record and need more input, they from the stipulation of providing «minutes will make the members feel included in Statement of reasons: A fruitful working on decisions,» in order to give members the processes. They will stimulate a lively together for anthroposophy and its tasks who were unable to take part in these exchange that can result in diversified and will only be possible if the activities of each meetings access to important aspects. fruitful ways forward. Executive Council member are understood Such partial recordings – which actu- Under these conditions it is possible to and broadly supported by the membership. ally go against the Statutes – could elicit have the minutes, as is generally custom- This is a matter of course that will be made criticism from some members who were ary, confirmed by majority decision in the binding by this Motion. not present at the meetings, because they next meeting. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1–2/18 | 9

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Requests and wishes to the Executive Council in the form of motions for the Proposed decision: In order to avoid that Annual General Meeting to vote on the results of the renewed efforts will only become apparent when the play is per- The initiatives in the context of the «Goetheanum in Development» project have pro- formed in 202O and to make sure that there voked a number of queries from members as well as a need for information, especially is sufficient transparency for interested in relation to the further development and future possibilities of the Goetheanum Stage. members, the 2018 Annual General Meet- ing asks the Executive Council from, Rudolf Steiner’s explanations and Motion 5 indications for a Faust production. 1 to publish, by the end of September Even before the Members’ Day the deci- 2018, a detailed written concept of the Wishes regarding the Faust production sion was made to appoint Andrea Pfaehler future production (as regards direction, planned for 2020 as director for the future work on the speech, stage set, colour scheme, costumes, Faust production. Ms Pfaehler trained at description of the mythological figures and The Members’ Day on 3 November 2017 the Zurich Drama School and is – appar- scenes), and to organize a Members’ Day which focused on the Faust production ently – not familiar with the anthroposophi- on a Saturday in October 2018 that offers has uncovered considerable ambiguities cal artistic impulse. She is not trained in time enough for conversations with the and discrepancies regarding the ques- anthroposophical speech or acting nor artists in charge of the production and with tion as to how Rudolf Steiner’s artistic has she any experience with former Faust the Executive Council. A direct attempt on impulse – in this case in connection with productions. When asked at the Mem- the part of the members at influencing the the mystery arts of eurythmy, speech and bers’ Day, she was unable to say anything artists is expressly not intended. drama – is understood and implemented about her concept. Clearly, an appoint- at the Goetheanum. It has become appar- ment has again been made without suf- 2 To enable the Executive Council and ent on this occasion that, although it was ficiently clarifying what the intentions are interested members to gain insight into announced that the Executive Council regarding Rudolf Steiner’s artistic impulse. the progress of the production in good time, and the Goetheanum Leadership would More information on and evaluations of first performances of scenes and possibili- closely oversee the evolving Faust pro- the problems regarding the Faust produc- ties for discussion should be provided six duction, this never happened. This was tion can be found in Ein Nachrichtenblatt months at the latest after rehearsals begin, neither explained convincingly nor was issues 25/2016 (Analysis of the Faust pro- in the form of workshop presentations or anyone prepared to take the responsibility. duction), 24/2017 (The struggle between public rehearsals. In the Executive Council’s statements of art and taste), and 3/2018 (in-depth report September 2017, it was for the first time on the Members’ Day, also available on 3 The proposers of this motion, or mem- admitted that the material had not been www.gv-2018.com.) bers appointed by them, should be actively sufficiently penetrated artistically or spiri- The presentations of the Executive Coun- and in adequate ways involved in planning tually (Bodo von Plato). The first expressions cil, which is ultimately responsible for the and running the events proposed under 1 of concern from the membership regarding production, have failed to reveal how the and 2. | Dornach (ch), 26 January 2018: Péter the style of the production had reached obvious divergence from the anthropo- Barna, Gabriela Cieslinski, Christian von Es- the Executive Council as early as two years sophical artistic impulse can be overcome ebeck, Jan Fontein, Monika Gasser, Martina previously. Paul Mackay’s answer to the and how a spiritual-scientific penetration Geith, Thomas Heck, Monica Heredeu von question why the Executive Council had of the Faust production can be achieved. Allmen, Andrea Hitsch, Andrea Jeserich, Si- only now arrived at this insight was, «It Even if there have been noticeable posi- van Karnieli, Brigitte Kovarik, Eva Lohmann- has just taken us that long.» tive attempts since January 2017 at bringing Heck, Martin Georg Martens, Ursula Oster- The contradiction arising from Bodo von life to the speech and rhythms of the play, mai, Marja Reinhard, Luise Rendtorff, Katja Plato’s statement that it had never been this does not change the fact that the basic Rettich, Ingrid Schleyer, Angelika Schuster, decided not to include Rudolf Steiner’s intention behind the whole production Leon hard Schuster, Luise von Schwerin, Gerti indications, and the obvious fact that Ru- remains the same. The question remains Staffend, Angelika Strnad, Roland Tüscher, dolf Steiner’s speech impulse as well as his how a Faust production can be achieved Anna Wadström spiritual-scientific explanations and indica- that is appropriate for the Goetheanum tions regarding a production were almost in all respects, including direction, stage entirely ignored, could not be resolved. set, costumes and the suitable «artistic The planned foundation of a World Goethea- Equally unresolved was the incongruity presentation of evil and the realization of num Association is another important ini- that Christian Peter was appointed as direc- mythological, poetic and historical figures tiative within the Goetheanum in Devel- tor because he had more than 40 years of and contexts in Faust part II» (from the opment project that aims at making the experience with the Faust at the Goethea- Executive Council’s statement in Anthro- Goetheanum economically viable. Regarding num, although it was known that he did posophy Worldwide 11/2017), keeping in this initiative, the following wish has been not wish to include, but rather free himself mind the shortage of available funds. submitted as a motion. 10 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1–2/18

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tions and the status of the Goetheanum 3 In the same working paper – albeit not Motion 6 Association initiative and to publish this in Anthroposophy Worldwide – mention is information in Anthroposophy Worldwide. also made of a Communications project Wish for information about the | Dor nach, 26 January 2018, Thomas Heck that is meant to contribute to «conveying World Goetheanum Association a new image of the (worldwide) Goethea- ………………………………………… In Anthroposophy Worldwide 12/2017 it was num». For this, «the present situation from reported that «On this day [28 September The project on Communications and the the point of view of the public [is to be] ana- 2017] more than 20 enterprises, representa- weekly journal Das Goetheanum is also part lyzed with the help of external experts» and tives of anthroposophical institutions and of the Goetheanum in Development initia- the «need for change internally assessed country societies met the existing Goethea- tive. Extensive changes are to be expected (by the Members).» On the basis of this, num Association project group in Dornach. in this aera in 2019. Three wishes to the «realistic guidelines» are to be developed The basic idea behind this initiative is to Executive Council on this topic have been «for the period between 2018 and 2020». create a real partnership between what is submitted in the form of motions. What does developing a new image of the estimated at more than 30,000 institutions Goetheanum imply? Why does it need ex- and establishments which have anthro- ternal consultants to assess or develop the posophy at their source (including farms situation and the need for change in the and doctors' practices), and the School of Motion 7 relationship between the Goetheanum and Spiritual Science.» Because this notice was the Members? Why are we Members not Wish for clarification of the relationship not very enlightening, the proposers asked informed of this? And why are the Mem- between the members and the Executive for further information and received the bers not actively involved in this question? Council/ Goetheanum Leadership brief answer that, «The project is still being Further questions arise, such as for in- developed and we will report on it in detail The following statements have elicited stance how the Leadership of the Society once it has taken shape.» questions regarding the relationship that and the School of Spiritual Science sees its It is certainly right and legitimate to de- Executive Council and Goetheanum Leader- relationship with the Members. Usually, the velop ideas without including the public. ship have with the Society: members form the Society and the Coun- But as soon as they become projects and cil is given the role of presiding over the are beginning to be realized, it cannot be 1 At the Annual Conference of the an- membership whilst being committed to the right that the public is not informed or throposophical movement in 2017 Claus- goals of the Society and accountable to the even rebuffed when asking questions. In Peter Röh said repeatedly that the General Members. However, the above quotations the anthroposophical context the term Anthroposophical Society should become give the impression that the Society’s Lead- «association» is closely connected with an less of a Society of members and more a ership sees itself as an autonomous and economic approach described by Rudolf Society that facilitates initiatives. What independent entrepreneur, the members as Steiner. This approach is characterized by does this mean? Why should the Society the workforce of the enterprise «Goethea- the fact that all those included in the eco- no longer be a society based on member- num» or «Society», and it accordingly seeks nomic processes, including the consumers, ship? Is the Society to be transformed into to shape and optimize its relationship with are actively involved in them. The use of the a foundation? this workforce with the help of external term in a context from which an essential consultants. The workforce may just about part of the Society – i.e. the Members – is 2 In the – presumably internal – «Goethe- be informed of future developments, but not only excluded but not even informed, anum in Development» working paper of it is not included in them. can be experienced as misleading and in- October 2017, which was clearly the basis Proposed decision: If the General Meeting appropriate. of the eponymous article in Anthroposo- agrees that there are important questions In recent years the idea of a membership phy Worldwide 12/2017, it is said that «A regarding the view of the Society and re- for institutions was seen by a majority of major goal of all the projects mentioned garding the relationship between the Mem- people as not appropriate for the General is to make the Goetheanum economically bers and the Society’s Leadership, it may Anthroposophical Society and as incompat- viable within three years. The basis for this decide that the Executive Council be asked ible with Rudolf Steiner’s original intentions. is trust in the Goetheanum and its develop- to give, in regard to the above questions, a In 2011 the members also rejected the idea ment. An important impulse in this context clear and in-depth written explanation of of a Goetheanum Foundation. The question is the initiative to strengthen and foster how it sees itself as the leadership organ of is therefore whether this Goetheanum As- the relationship with the members. For the General Anthroposophical Society and sociation is a similar project, of which the the membership contributions continue consequently its relationship with the Mem- members are, however, only meant to hear to be an important financial foundation.» bers, and to comment and answer questions more once «it has taken shape»? (The last sentence was missing from the on this at a Members’ Day. To make it pos- article in Anthroposophy Worldwide). This sible for as many Members as possible to Proposed decision: The Annual General «initiative to strengthen and foster the re- attend such a Members’ Day it should be Meeting may decide to demand that the lationship with the members» is evidently held on a Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 Executive Council informs the membership more interested in the membership fees p.m. in September or October 2018. | Dor- immediately and in detail about the inten- than in the members. nach (ch), 26 January 2018: Tho mas Heck Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1–2/18 | 11

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their views even though, compared to to- the weekly journal Das Goetheanum. Here Motion 8 day, a much greater number of member- are two examples: ship contributions was published before Wish for balanced reporting in 2011 in the Members’ News [Mitteilungen 1 «Benjamin Kolass from the German An- the Society’s organs für Mitglieder]. throposophical Society said of the group’s The problem of one-sided and partly biased Particularly in recent months, the report- organ of publication [Ein Nachrichtenblatt] reporting in the newsletter for members ing has been experienced as very one-sided. [he was referring to the proposers], that founded by Rudolf Steiner is part of the Here are only a few examples, which cannot it was hardly in accordance with the an- General Anthroposophical Society’s his- be fully presented here. More information throposophical culture to call for resigna- tory. There are numerous examples in the can be found in the sources mentioned or tions in the Christmas edition.» There is no history of the Society that confirm the fact online at www.gv-2018.com. Christmas edition of Ein Nachrichtenblatt, that this problem has been around, more in which a «call for resignations» was pub- or less pronouncedly, since 1925, and that it Example 1 lished. Instead, there was a call for resig- has become part of our Society’s habit body. Steven Usher, when criticizing the uncom- nation in September 2016 in connection One clear symptom of this are the «al- mented publication of a Zander quotation with an appeal to Bodo von Plato to take ternative» newssheets that have appeared in the prospectus [for the exhibition] ‹Im- responsibility for the publication of the over time, such as the AVS News (of the ages of Rudolf Steiner’, asked if the Goethe- discrediting Zander quotation mentioned Swiss Anthroposophical Association), which anum was still in accord with its mission above. Wolfgang Held quoted Benjamin were rooted in the 1946 conflict about Ru- when publishing this. The Goetheanum Kolass without making sure that the state- dolf Steiner’s legacy and were published up Leadership’s response to his criticism was ment in question was correct. until Michaelmas 2017. A current example to criticize the step he [Usher] took without Although the error was pointed out orally is Ein Nachrichtenblatt, which has been addressing the question raised by him. Their and in writing, it has not been corrected, published since 2011, when the Newssheet answer was that Helmut Zander’s distorting and the statement was recorded in the founded by Rudolf Steiner was all but giv- and discrediting statement spoke for itself minutes of the Annual General Meeting en up by the Society’s Leadership (it was and printing it uncommented was a «more without any indication as to its incorrect- reduced from coming out weekly to ten effective correction» than not mentioning ness. There has not been a correction to yearly issues in 2011). This means that the it. It was alleged that Stephen Usher had this day. Members have hardly any possibility now of interpreted the context of the quotation becoming actively involved in publications based on motives that were «very different 2 In Das Goetheanum 17/2017 Wolfgang that concern Society questions. from» the intentions of the organizers of Held summarized Peter Selg’s contribution One-sided reporting has time and again the exhibition, and that he had deliberately to the Motion to reverse the 1935 exclu- led to preventing Members from having held back his «indignation» (as Justus Wit- sions from the Executive Council as follows: access to information needed to come tich called it, Stephen Usher himself wrote «This [the reinstated of Ita Wegman and to an informed judgement, for instance that he was «shocked») in the conversations Elisabeth Vreede] has long happened.» Fol- in connection with the conflict that cul- he had at the Goetheanum, only to spread lowing this totally distorted presentation minated in the exclusions of 1935. In the his alleged «indignation» later by email and of Peter Selg’s contribution, Justus Wittich 1940s and 1950s, important information in Ein Nachrichtenblatt. It was obvious that was given, on 24 April 2017, a written ac- could not be published in the Members’ this way of presenting things was incorrect, count of what Peter Selg actually said. No newsletter because of the conflict about because Stephen Usher wrote, «At the end correction followed. Peter Selg had to inter- Rudolf Steiner’s estate, and this informa- of a pleasant visit […]» vene in person so that the original minutes tion could only be found in the AVS news, It was therefore apparent from Stephen were replaced by a more precise summary among others. The views regarding the Usher’s contribution that he had not seen of his contribution (as Paul Mackay, Jus - Society’s constitution, which emerged in the Prospectus yet when he had the con- tus Wittich and Oliver Conradt called it) the 1960s and did not conform to the views versations mentioned. And yet, he was pil- in Anthroposophy Worldwide 6/2017. (For of the Leadership could only be published in loried 20,000-fold via the German edition a more detailed comparison of the texts the official newsletter from the late 1990s. of Anthroposophy Worldwide with this visit www.gv-2018.com.) One needs to consider that these views, allegation, in front of a membership that which have by now been proven right in was unable to judge for itself. Although Ste- Example 3 their essential points, and have also been phen Usher’s response was published later, Das Goetheanum 52–53/2017 published acknowledged as correct by the Society, an active correction or apology was never an article by Wolfgang Held about the could only be published outside the Soci- provided. (For more information about the reinstated of Ita Wegman and Elisabeth ety’s organs for members. incident see the article «Erwartungen» [ex- Vreede, where he writes, «At the 2017 An- To this day it has remained impossible to pectations] on www.gv-2018.com) nual General Meeting this effort [Gerald gain, from the Society’s publications alone, Häfner’s concern] – in addition to a motion an objective view on the examples men- Example 2 submitted by members – led to an initiative tioned. There have always been authors Following the Annual General Meeting vari- of the Goetheanum Leadership, which was who were denied the possibility to publish ous incorrect accounts were published in accepted by a great majority, to declare the 12 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1–2/18

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Example 5 resolution of 1935 to be «untenable and wrong from today’s point of view.» An article entitled Criticism Should Be Or- Motion 9 To the background of Gerald Häfner’s ganic appeared in Anthroposophy World- The wish to include texts by Rudolf Steiner initiative: In 2016, Gerald Häfner proposed wide 6/2017, written by Wolfgang Held as in the Goetheanum weekly as a way of several times to the Goetheanum Leader- the ‹Goetheanum spokesperson›, on behalf disseminating anthroposophy ship, to commemorate the various injus- and in the name of the Executive Council tices done in the history of the Society in and the Goetheanum Leadership. It starts Proposed decision: The agm grants to the a special act. This impulse was not taken as follows, «The Goetheanum is facing Executive Council of the General Anthro- up by the Goetheanum Leadership at that accusations and allegations which were posophical Society the competence and time. The «concern» submitted by Ger- also aired at the Annual General Meeting. responsibility to see to it that the editors ald Häfner, which is presented here as an Wolfgang Held explains the circumstances of Das Goetheanum, the weekly journal for «initiative of the Goetheanum Leadership» and calls for a kind of criticism that can anthroposophy, perform their task which originated – according to Häfner – in the facilitate conversation.» is to use the weekly journal to spread an- night before the 2017 Annual General Meet- The subsequent «description of circum- throposophy, i.e. Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual ing. It was an attempt at mediation after stances» consists of incorrect allegations science, in the world. This should be done Jaap Sijmons and other functionaries had, made by Wolfgang Held, as has been es- by devoting a minimum of one page in each just before, expressed their concern about tablished by Leonhard Schuster in his cor- issue to words by Rudolf Steiner from his the motion. Gerald Häfner had therefore rection based on his own research. This extensive anthroposophical/spiritual-scien- seen no cause for submitting a «concern» correction was not published, not even af- tific work, on a chosen theme and possibly as late as a week before the agm. ter repeated requests. It has by now been with comments. | Eckhart Dönges, Bern (ch) Things were consequently the other way published in Ein Nachrichtenblatt 12/2017. around: In addition to the motion submit- The proposer has also investigated the ac- Statement of reasons: Although the jour- ted by members, Gerald Häfner submitted tual circumstances and can therefore con- nal’s subtitle (Wochenschrift für Anthro- his concern only at the agm (Documenta- firm Leonhard Schuster’s account. Details posophy) clearly designates it as a «weekly tion of the 2017 agm at www.gv-2018.com) regarding Wolfgang Held’s criticism of per- journal for Anthroposophy» we have hardly ceived critics on behalf of the Goetheanum seen any articles from the extensive anthro- Example 4 - which was entirely inappropriate consider- posophical spiritual science in recent years. The one-sided reporting and selecting ing the actual facts - cannot be provided Disseminating his spiritual scientific of letters to the editor were particularly here, but can be found on www.gv-2018. insights among humanity was Rudolf noticeable in connection with the current com, under the heading ‹Erwartungen›. Steiner’s foremost concern. As we know, Faust production. Critical letters were not Proposed decision: The Annual General he described the effect of the suprasen- published nor were they mentioned in the Meeting may decide that the Executive sible world in and on the physical world, for articles about the production, although Council, as the body responsible for the So- instance through the hierarchies, through concerned and critical messages arrived ciety’s organs of publication (Das Goethea- Ahriman-Lucifer, through the constituent at the Goetheanum very early on. Instead num and Anthroposophy Worldwide) and parts of the human being, in nature, in the much was made of the audience’s enthu- its information, and as the editor, should arts; the effect of the event of Golgotha on siasm, and reports of audience members make sure that the General Anthroposophi- all of evolution and that of the elementary were published that were positive, above cal Society’s organs of communication pro- beings on each process in nature; topics all, about personal preferences, the joy vide balanced and truthful reporting, par- that relate to Rudolf Steiner’s impulses of the performers and the extraordinary ticularly when it comes to the reports of the and research into the natural and social achievement of the ensemble. Critics of Leadership, the editors, and the co-workers sciences and so on. the production were denigrated as detrac- of the Society themselves, but also when it What we find in the weekly journal are tors (see below). Letters and reports refer- comes to selecting external contributions, mainly interviews, conference reports, and ring to spiritual-scientific aspects or to the especially letters to the editor; and that the current political and philosophical mat- content were hardly at all published in Das staff members involved with the editing are ters, often without any anthroposophical Goetheanum and Anthroposophy World- committed to this approach. | Dornach (ch), light being cast on them, book reviews wide. There were no statements by the 26 January 2018: Thomas Heck etc. – many topics that one can find in any Goetheanum Leadership on those critical ordinary journal. It seems that the editors voices. Instead one heard views like, «The can hardly find anyone who writes about production has been badmouthed inter- the topics mentioned for the «weekly jour- nally as well as externally by those opposed nal for Anthroposophy.» to the artistic realization – what a shame!» I therefore move that Rudolf Steiner be (Anthroposophy Worldwide 9/2017.) allowed to speak for himself. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 1–2/18 | 13

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Further wishes to the Executive Council Motion 11 Wish to set up an online Members’ Forum Collated by Justus Wittich

Proposed decision: The membership com- missions the Executive Council to set up a Motion 10 members’ area on the Goetheanum web- site to enable an exchange among members Wish to hold a conference on the ques- worldwide. Every contribution will be pub- tion of science or pseudo-science lished; the member in question has responsi- bility for the content of his/her contribution. Proposed decision: The Executive Council of the General Anthroposophical Society Statement of reasons: The forum is meant may, as soon as possible, organize a confer- as a pin board for members, for readers’ ence on the topic «Is Rudolf Steiner’s spiri- letters, for sharing and for finding out what tual science a science or a pseudo-science?» lives in the Anthroposophical Society; for sharing what lives in our souls. Or, as Rudolf Statement of reasons: The relationship of Steiner put it at the Christmas Conference, spiritual science with the natural sciences «to simply write what one feels inside» was one of Rudolf Steiner’s most central (ga 260, 30 December 1923). Even before concerns. He saw his spiritual science, or his the Christmas Conference he said, «There science of initiation, as the continuation of really needs to be something so that one natural science in the realm of the supersen- can find out about all that is happening. sible (cf. Majorek 2011). In the eyes of his cur- There is so much happening in the Anthro- rent critics, on the other hand, it is a pseu- posophical Society, but individuals have do-science or even a form of mythical think- no way of knowing about these things. ing. One cannot simply ignore these voices. […] there should not merely be an outer, Rudolf Steiner saw natural science as formal manifestation of an International a central force in the spiritual life of his Anthroposophical Society, but what hap- (and even more of our) time, and he was pens in it should be organically circulated. convinced that, if spiritual science was to Just imagine: once we will have an Inter- have an influence on public life, it would national Anthroposophical Society in this have to be able to stand up to natural sci- form, countless difficulties we have today ence. He provided numerous indications will simply disappear.» (ga 259, 18 Novem- on how one should understand and rep- ber 1923) | Basel (ch), 15 January 2018: Karin resent the relationship of spiritual science Lanz, Frank Spaan and Moritz Christoph to natural science. There is evidence that Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual science is equal to the challenges modern natural science is facing today (cf., for instance, Heusser and Motion 12 Weinzierl: ‹Rudolf Steiner. Seine Bedeutung Wish to project the Representative of für Wissenschaft und Leben heute› [Rudolf Humanity on to the stage during an Steiner. His significance for today’s science interval at the 2018 agm and life], 2014; Majorek: ‹Rudolf Steiners Geisteswissenschaft [Rudolf Steiner’s spiri- Statement of reasons: Perceiving and ex- tual science], 2015. However, this question periencing the Representative of Humanity. that is so essential for the effect anthro- What effect does it have on the stage, from posophy has on the public seems to have a distance? How does it interact with the disappeared not only from the public con- design of the Main Auditorium? What feel- sciousness, but also from the consciousness ings are elicited by this sight? of the General Anthroposophical Society. It A first projection was done during an would be the task of the conference, which ‹Open Working Group for the Representa- we are asking for, to bring this question tive of Humanity» within the Visual Arts back to the heart of the anthroposophical Section and can easily be done. | Basel (ch), striving. | Marek B. Majorek, Latterbach (ch), 15 January 2018: Karin Lanz, Frank Spaan and and 14 other members Moritz Christoph 12

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The Executive Council at the Goetheanum Allocation of tasks within the Executive Council Reaffirmation of Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato Whilst preparing for the reaffirmation, It was decided in 2011 that Executive Council members are no longer appointed for the Executive Council has worked with the life. Every seven years their position needs to be reconfirmed by the Annual General Goetheanum Leadership and the General Meeting. In 2018 this moment has come for the two longest serving Executive Council Secretaries on fundamental aspects of the members: Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato. anthroposophical work, the School of Spi- ritual Science and the Anthroposophical he Executive Council of the General An- Society; in December 2017 it proposed the throposophical Society and the Section • Seija Zimmermann since 2006, will step following new allocation of tasks for the TLeaders together form the Goetheanum down at the 2018 agm next years: Leadership and are together responsible • Justus Wittich since 2012 Paul Mackay is the longest-serving for the School of Spiritual Science, which • Joan Sleigh since 2013 member on the Executive Council. He has was founded by Rudolf Steiner as the «soul • Constanza Kaliks since 2015, also leader of so far been responsible for Human Resour- of the Anthroposophical Society». For it to the Youth Section ces and the Building Administration and fulfill this task its constitution is decided • Matthias Girke since 2017, also leader of has also been a management member. He through cooptation after consultation the Medical Section is president of the board of directors at with the section leaders and the general and as such involved with the im- secretaries, with a view to the required The 2018 agm has been preceded by an minent steps in Weleda’s future develop- skills and experience, and the given con- intensive decision-making process regar- ment. In January 2018 he took over from stellation of individuals. ding the reaffirmation of Paul Mackay and Virginia Sease as the person responsible At the same time the Executive Council Bodo von Plato. This process started in June for the class holders and new admissions is, as a body of initiative, responsible for the 2017 within the Executive Council, before to the School of Spiritual Science. If reaffir- development of the Anthroposophical So- continuing in several meetings of the Goe- med he will be co-leader, with Joan Sleigh ciety all over the world and for the Goe- theanum Leadership, and then, in Novem- and Bodo von Plato, of the General Anthro- theanum in Dornach. It represents the An- ber, in the Conference of General Secreta- posophical Section. It is intended that Paul throposophical Society in public and is the ries. (General Secretaries are sent by An- Mackay will gradually withdraw from the port of call for concerns of the members throposophical Societies that have more management part of his duties at the Goe- and of the Societies in the various coun- than 500 members; they are listed here ac- theanum and devote himself increasingly tries. Its individual members are confirmed cording to membership numbers: Germany, to the School of Spiritual Science and the by the Annual General Meeting of the as- Switzerland, the Netherlands, usa, Sweden, formation of a faculty within the General sociation, which is registered in Switzer- Italy, Great Britain, France, Brazil, Australia, Anthroposophical Section. He also conti- land. Norway, Finland, Austria, Denmark, Bel- nues to be a faculty member of the Section gium, New Zealand, Canada and Japan. for Social Sciences at the Goetheanum. Composition and orientation In these consultations the question of Bodo von Plato is co-responsible for Stu- Since the Statutes were amended in age and length of membership in the Exe- dies and Further Training, as well as for the 2011, following a proposal by the Executive cutive Council was discussed frankly and Goetheanum’s Communication and Docu- Council that was passed by the Annual Ge- extensively (experience and continuity mentation Departments (Archives, Library neral Meeting, the members of the Execu- versus emphasis), since both have worked and Art Collection). If reaffirmed he will tive Council are no longer appointed for at the Goetheanum for many years. The lead the General Anthroposophical Sec- life, but need to be affirmed by the agm differing views regarding the future route tion with Joan Sleigh and Paul Mackay. He after a period of seven years. This gua- of anthroposophy are reflected in the que- has recently described the new tasks that rantees a regular inner and outer examina- stion of new appointment versus reaffir- need doing in the context of this develop- tion of the Executive Council’s compositi- mation. It was also discussed whether cer- ment in a contribution to a book about the on and orientation as a collegium in which tain skills and experience would be mis- Goetheanum, the School of Spiritual Sci- the skills of the individual members com- sing from the Executive Council in future. ence and the history and research of the plement each other. Any proposals of new As a result of these consultations and Sections. (Goetheanum – Freie Hochschule appointments or affirmations are first with a view to the given constellation of für Geisteswissenschaft. Geschichte und discussed and confirmed within the Execu- individuals, the Executive Council, suppor- Forschung der Sektionen. Goetheanum tive Council, then in the Goetheanum Lea- ted by the Goetheanum Leadership and Press 2017). He has also been instrumental dership and finally in the Conference of the Conference of General Secretaries, pro- in the Goetheanum’s Meditation Worldwi- General Secretaries, before they are sub- poses to reaffirm Paul Mackay and Bodo de initiative and the Cultural Impulses Re- mitted to the Annual General Meeting for von Plato for another term. The proposal search Institute at the Goetheanum. affirmation. At the 2018 agm the council also has to do with the Goetheanum in De- In addition, he is very active travelling as members will be velopment process that started with the a lecturer and seminar leader, bearing par- Goetheanum World Conference at Mi- ticular responsibility for the francophone • Paul Mackay since 1996, chaelmas 2016. The two personalities in countries. re-affirmed in 2011 question have been instrumental in this Joan Sleigh has been co-leader, with • Bodo von Plato since 2001, process and should be there to lead it into Bodo von Plato and Paul Mackay, of the Ge- re-affirmed in 2011 the future. neral Anthroposophical Section of the 13

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School of Spiritual Science since January 2018; her main area is the English-speaking world and the fostering of contacts with the class leaders there. She oversees the English Studies in the Goetheanum’s de- partment of Studies and Further Training, as well as the English-speaking Societies worldwide. In April 2018 she will succeed Seija Zimmermann as head of the Mem- bership Office. She travels extensively in Africa, Asia and the English-speaking coun- tries. Joan Sleigh is a faculty member of the Section for Social Sciences and co-in- itiator of the World Social Initiative Forum. Constanza Kaliks is the leader of the Youth Section within the School of Spiritu- al Science. She is also responsible for the Anthroposophical Studies in Spanish and Portuguese and for questions of further training at the Goetheanum. In addition, she is in charge of the Spanish- and Por- tuguese-speaking countries and for the first conference of Romance languages that will take place at the Goetheanum in 2018. Constanza Kaliks is a faculty member of the General Anthroposophical Section and travels widely as a lecturer and semi- nar leader. Matthias Girke became leader of the Medical Section (with Georg Soldner) in 2016 and has joined the Executive Council in March 2017. He has been instrumental in restructuring the Annual Conference and the 2018 agm, in a way that will make more apparent how the whole Society is fertili- zed by the School of Spiritual Science. He is a faculty member of the General Anthro- posophical Section. Justus Wittich has been treasurer of the General Anthroposophical Society and the School of Spiritual Science since 2012. He is a member of the Goetheanum manage- ment and oversees the Finance and edp departments. He represents the editor of the weekly journal Das Goetheanum and of Anthroposophy Worldwide. In addition, he is a faculty member of both the General Anthroposophical Section and the Section for Social Sciences. The Executive Council and Goetheanum Leadership ask the Annual General Mee- ting to agree to the reaffirmation of Paul Mackay and Bodo von Plato as members of the constellation described above and as instrumental contributors to the Goethea- num in Development project. | Justus Wit- tich for the Executive Council at the Goethe- anum 14

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Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede the first, slow and reluctant, efforts were made to reverse or heal the events of 1935. Towards reinstated However, the resolutions leading to the ex- At the 2018 agm a motion will be voted on that intends to heal a sore clusions were not rescinded during the cor- spot in the Anthroposophical Society’s history: the exclusion, in 1935, responding discussions, for instance at the of Ita Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede from the Executive Council. Jus- agm of 1948. In 1960 the excluded Dutch tus Wittich is sketching some stages in the developments from Rudolf and British Societies decided to return to Steiner’s death to the present. the Goetheanum and to the Anthroposo- phical Society – «because this is what we want» (according to the then Dutch gene- ral secretary Willem Zeylmans van Emmi- irectly after Rudolf Steiner’s death in The exclusion choven.) D1925 the history of the Anthroposophi- In the end the only way out of this In the 1980s and 90s various individu- cal Society took a tragic turn in the way quandary seemed to be separation and als – among them Executive Council mem- people worked together, a circumstance exclusion. This step became legally effec- bers Jörgen Smit and Manfred Schmidt- that has hardly been mentioned for almost tive in 1935, after a first attempt in 1934 Brabant – tried to establish a more objecti- three generations. With all the outer suc- had failed due to formalities. During the ve picture of the five members of the 1923 cesses that were achieved, such as the buil- annual general meeting of 14 March, for Executive Council but chose not to dwell ding of the second Goetheanum (1928), the which 1820 members came together in on the conflicts and quarrels. The existing staging of Goethe’s entire Faust (1938), ar- the still unfinished second Goetheanum, archives were difficult to access, and the tistic highlights and a growing member- a group of members, supported by the re- Goetheanum Archives were kept firmly ship, life within the Anthroposophical So- maining members of the Executive Coun- under lock and key. When Emanuel Zeyl- ciety has been riddled with conflicts, frag- cil, moved that Ita Wegman and Elisabeth mans, the son of the former Dutch general mentation, quarrels and legal illusions. It is Vreede be excluded from the Executive secretary and a Christian Community almost a miracle that, despite all this dar- Council and divested of all duties, inclu- priest, started his research into Ita kness and thanks to the work of the same ding their section leaderships. The motion Wegman’s biography in 1980, he continual- individuals, anthroposophy could grow had been preceded by a «memorandum» ly met with obstacles and refusals. His ef- and become effective in civilization, and published and disseminated by the mem- forts were not at all supported by the Exe- that the Anthroposophical movement and bership which aimed to support the moti- cutive Council. › Society have gradually begun to heal tog- on in question and contained false and In 1986, a first overview was published ether again over the last twenty or thirty defamatory accusations. The movers also by Bodo von Plato (‹On the History of the years. demanded the exclusion of various lea- Anthroposophical Society›) – at that time ding members from Great Britain, the still a daring step to take for the Goethea- Growing tension and hostility Netherlands and Germany, as well as the num. But the archives remained closed be- The new Executive Council that was pro- exclusion of the British and Dutch Anthro- cause it had only just become possible to posed by Rudolf Steiner and confirmed by posophical Societies and other groups take the first small and slow steps towards the members at the Christmas Conference that had come together in an association bridging the deep gulf that had been of 1923/1924 consisted of , of independent anthroposophical groups. caused by all the violations, conflicts and Marie Steiner, Elisabeth Vreede, Guenther Ita Wegman, and particularly Elisabeth legal disputes between the different fac- Wachsmuth, Ita Wegman, and himself as Vreede, were not able to continue their tions, and to find new trust. president. After Rudolf Steiner’s death in work for the Society and their Sections April 1925, the individuals left on the Coun- and were left with nothing. The decision Necessary groundwork cil were understandably not equal to the effectively split the Anthroposophical So- It was not until 1990, however, that situation they found themselves in. They ciety in half. Emanuel Zeylmans, based on his painsta- could not see a way of working together or The dismissals and exclusions did, ho- king research, though still unable to access agree on how to continue the immense wever, not resolve the conflicts within the the Goetheanum Archives, traced Ita work left behind by Rudolf Steiner, or on Anthroposophical Society. It was not long Wegman’s life and work as well as the con- how to take the Anthroposophical Society before they raised their head again in diffe- flicts surrounding her in a two-volume bio- into the future. rent ways, involving other people. With the graphy, followed by a documentation in The growing tension, hostility and for- ban and persecution of the Anthroposo- which he collated all the documents avai- ming of factions and groups, which culmi- phical Society in Germany and the Second lable on the conflicts and exclusion of 1935, nated in 1934–35, made the work of the World War almost all the anthroposophi- which were therefore also relevant to Eli- Executive Council impossible. The initiati- cal work came soon to a standstill. sabeth Vreede (a fourth volume followed ves and actions of Elisabeth Vreede and Ita later). Thanks to this historical research Wegman were not understood, or misin- Seeking clarification with all its obstacles – which the writer of terpreted as opposition, from the moment Seventy-five years ago, in 1943, both Ita this article, an occasional visitor in Reutlin- Rudolf Steiner died. Both women were Wegman and Elisabeth Vreede crossed the gen, was able to witness in passionate more and more isolated in Dornach and threshold: Ita Wegman died on 4 March in discussions – the first necessary ground- not consulted in any decision making pro- (ch), at the age of 67, and Elisa- work was laid for Ita Wegman’s (and Elisa- cesses. beth Vreede on 31 August in Ascona (ch), beth Vreede’s) spiritual and moral reinsta- aged 64. After the disastrous World War ted. 15

ó Annual General Meeting 2018

Later, the Anthroposophical Society in tive response, but there were also those coming Annual Conference and agm from Switzerland devoted several years to accu- who thought that the resolutions had be- 22 to 25 March 2018, an evening will be de- mulating material on the individual mem- come historical fact and it was therefore voted to each of the two women. bers of the original Executive Council; va- illusionary to think one could overrule The Executive Council had moreover rious biographies appeared over time, and them decades later. These reservations promised to investigate the legal situation, in the minds of the third generation of were unfortunately not expressed until and whether and under what conditions anthroposophists the formerly excluded just before the agm, which meant that a the resolution made at the 1935 agm could Executive Council members Ita Wegman public discussion was no longer possible. be reversed. The relevant results were avai- and Elisabeth Vreede lived on as unble- On the day before the agm, however, a hea- lable in December 2016 and were confir- mished participants in the foundation and ted debate on the question arose during med by a legal investigation conducted by further development of the Society. the conference of the 32 general secreta- the Anthroposophical Society in Switzer- A significant moment arrived when Pe- ries and representatives. A simple resoluti- land. According to this research a former ter Selg – just before the Wegman archives on was not enough, said – among resolution made by the general meeting of were about to be lost to direct anthroposo- others – the Dutch General Secretary Jaap an association can be rescinded in Switzer- phical research – was able to incorporate Sijmons, considering the very serious con- land but would only be effective from the these archives (and other legacies) into the sequences the exclusions had for the desti- date of the new resolution. When the Goe- Ita Wegman Institute for Basic Anthropo- ny of those involved. Concerned that these theanum Leadership and the General Se- sophical Research, which was founded in differing views on the importance of such cretaries’ Conference met in early Novem- 2002. Since then much more research has an overruling of resolutions would «divi- ber 2017, they therefore agreed to make, at been done, above all within the Institute, de» the agm, Gerald Häfner, who had the forthcoming agm, a decision regarding that casts light on the historical context looked into these questions before, drafted the reinstated that was as comprehensive and details of the human relationships at a motion overnight, which he submitted to as possible, and thereby respond to the the time of the conflicts. One of these the agm as a concern (Anthroposophy 2017 motion and the subsequent concern works is a comprehensive biography of Eli- Worldwide 5/2017, p. 11). In his letter, he de- that had been supported by the general sabeth Vreede which came out in 2009. scribed the resolutions as regrettable and meeting. Over the last decade the Medical Sec- wrong, honoured both Ita Wegman and In the meantime, the proposers of the tion, helped by Peter Selg and others, has Elisabeth Vreede, and proposed further motion have founded (last summer) an in- been able to establish a diverse and objec- steps toward their reinstated. itiative for the reinstated of Ita Wegman tive picture of Ita Wegman’s work during The motion, as well as Gerald Häfner’s and Elisabeth Vreede (www.wegman-vree- the Section’s major annual conferences initiative, was discussed by numerous de.com; Anthroposophy Worldwide 12/2017, at the Goetheanum. speakers, including Peter Selg, and other p. 21) and have collected more than 1200 considerations were brought up, such as signatures online. Further steps legal questions regarding the conse- On 14 December 2017 and on 11 January Although these formerly excluded Exe- quences of such a rescindment. A majority 2018 discussions took place on the motion cutive Council members have arrived in of members proposed to wait with voting for reinstated in the premises of the An- the twenty-first century unblemished in on the decision to revise the historical re- throposophical Society in Switzerland, the minds of most members today, they solutions that was suggested by the moti- with representatives of the proposers of have never been officially rehabilitated. on in question. Because the situation was the motion, of the Goetheanum Leader- During preparations for the 2016 Goe- so unclear, however, the proposers with- ship and the Council of the Swiss Anthro- theanum World Conference Gerald Häfner drew their motion, and the agm supported, posophical Society. The result of these talks repeatedly asked to commemorate the with great majority (in a show of hands) was that the Swiss Council, the Goethea- Society’s history and the various injustices and only a few votes agains, the concern num Leadership and the Conference of Ge- committed and to begin working through formulated by Gerald Häfner and read out neral Secretaries will support the motion them and to also instigate legal steps. The to the meeting. at the 2018 agm (p. 6).| Justus Wittich, Goet- impulse was, however, not taken up by the heanum Executive Council Goetheanum Leadership at that time. What has happened since the 2017 agm Despite all this, the resolutions of 1935 After the Annual General Meeting the were never rescinded. During studies he Ita Wegman Institute took on the task of conducted into the history of the Anthro- compiling a documentation for Ita posophical Society in 2016, Thomas Heck Wegman’s reinstated, which will be pu- became aware of this situation and deci- blished in the spring of 2018. The Section ded, together with other members, to pre- for Mathematics and Astronomy at the pare a motion for the 2017 agm (Motion 6, Goetheanum is looking into providing a Anthroposophy Worldwide 3/2017, p. 6) in complete edition of Elisabeth Vreede’s order to rectify the omissions of 1948, be- works and letters, and people in the cause both the members and leadership of Netherlands intend to have her written the Society thought that the resolutions work translated and published. The newly had long been revised. (Uwe Werner, Nach- (re-)purchased house of the Anthroposo- richtenblatt 51–42/2002, p. 375). phical Society in Riouwstraat 1 in The This motion met generally – and among Hague (nl) was inaugurated on 20 January the Goetheanum Leadership – with a posi- 2018 as «Vreede House». During the forth- 16

ó Annual General Meeting 2018

General Anthroposophical Society: from annual theme to annual motif pride of place. The macrocosmic verses of the second part bring us close to the cos- Foundation Stone for the future mic rhythms, the Christ being and the spi- It has long become a tradition that the Executive Council publishes an annual theme as a ritual beings of the second hierarchy. proposal for the anthroposophical branches and groups worldwide to work on. This pro- We invite you warmly to tell us about posal has also always extended to a recommendation of texts or lectures that were suit- your attempts and experiences or to send able for joint studies. A new approach has now been decided on. us any work on the Foundation Stone Me- ditation you have found particularly inspi- or some time now we have been trying, work on this Meditation in their various rational. Within the Conference of General together with the Conference of Gene- locations and groups. People have had so Secretaries, Ingrid Reistad (no), Sue Simp- Fral Secretaries, to choose themes that meet many different traditions and experiences son (nz), Arie van Ameringen (ca) and Jaap with as broad an interest as possible in the with it – in the Netherlands, for instance, it Sijmons (nl) have offered to commit them- various countries and on the various conti- has a tradition that has been cultivated by selves to this process, and in the Goethea- nents. Since the Goetheanum Leadership many people and groups for decades; in num Leadership, Christiane Haid and my- was formed in 2012, we have endeavoured New Zealand it might not be known to self have been given the task to give parti- to look more at the needs, interests, and some members of the Society – but where- cular consideration to the development of questions of the various areas where an- ver people are, they can discover and deve- an annual motif. throposophy is applied in practice, and of lop new ways of finding something in this We hope that this proposal will meet the different Sections within the School of wonderful meditation that will connect with a lively response and that we can, in Spiritual Science. It is, after all, important them. this way, contribute to strengthening the that the whole anthroposophical move- And this is the essence of what we anthroposophical work. | Bodo von Plato for the Goetheanum Leadership ment has the possibility to join into crea- would like to propose this year with regard ting a deepening and inner orientation for to the annual theme: Can you – individual- our time that extends beyond the diffe- ly or in your group, at home or at work – con- rences between the global regions sider ways of reflecting on the Foundation and professional domains. Stone Meditation together. We will therefore not provide a particu- Strengthening what unites us spiritually lar theme but rather invite you to work There will probably not be one particular with us on finding ways of connecting Ru- spiritual-scientific theme that will interest dolf Steiner’s gift to, and the intentions as- all anthroposophically inspired people in sociated with it, with our particular situati- the world to the same extent. Anthroposo- on at this moment in time. Could this work, phy in itself could be such a theme, of in the coming years, grow into a motif with course – but that would be too compre- which as many people as possible will ac- hensive and multi-layered a task, and there tively seek to unite themselves? Can we would still be a need for identifying a focus inspire people – be it in anthroposophical or motif on the basis of which a stronger institutions and other professional con- spiritual community could grow. texts, branches, study groups or Sec- With the Goetheanum World Confe- tions – to feel they wish to share this pro- rence at Michaelmas 2016 we have made found anthroposophical substance with the Foundation Stone Meditation a central us? And can we tell each other about our theme. In its form and content, this medi- experiences? tation comprises everything that is essen- tial for the structure and development of Sharing attempts and experiences the Anthroposophical Society and the We hope that the annual theme we School of Spiritual Science. Over and above have had so far can become a motif that that, it can yield a wealth of inspirations for will enable greater awareness, inner cohe- joint and individual study. The Foundation sion and warmth for the anthroposophi- Stone Meditation has been translated into cally inspired work across the world and many languages and can help us to prepa- across the diverse spheres of activity. re ourselves, whilst connecting What we focus on within this general with its origin, for the centenary of the motif can change from year to year. Follo- Christmas Conference of 1923–24. wing the Meditation’s inherent structure, we began in 2017–18 with the first part Considering local circumstances that speaks of practising Spirit Recalling. For We therefore decided in November 2017 2018–19 we would like to suggest that we at the Conference of General Secretaries to concentrate on part two, in which the make the Foundation Stone Meditation, up heart, time, the practice of Spirit Contem- until 2023-24, the centre of our joint an- plation, the connection of one’s own ‹I› throposophical work. However, we will not, with the cosmic ‹I›, and the feeling take and cannot, prescribe how people are to 17

ó Annual General Meeting 2018

General Anthroposophical Society: financial report Addressing the structural deficit provements and increased enthusiasm, the That the Goetheanum is going through a decisive and, in the near future, also Faust production had to be given up for the existential developmental phase is apparent from this year’s financial statement! time being and can only be resumed again in The question is whether the plans to make the Goetheanum economically viable 2020, under the direction of Andrea Pfaehler. can be realized within a three-year period. The income from events did therefore not amount to the 200,000 chf budgeted, but According to the estimate of my advisory lowed by a deficit of 200,000 chf in 2019. left a deficit of 400,000 (see tables, note 3), group of treasurers, an additional amount In 2020 at the latest, economic viability of which 302,000 chf were due to insufficient of 1.8 million Swiss Francs – a so-called and balanced accounts must have been ticket sales for the Faust cycles and the Mys- transformational budget – will be needed achieved for the Goetheanum. tery Drama performances at Christmas 2017. for the most difficult part of this journey. This economic recovery of the Goethea- The present dilemma is that the Goethea- This amount could be raised from hidden num after years of structural annual defi- num Stage offers state of the art technology assets, by remortgaging real estate in Dor- cits – often bridged by legacies – is abso- and high artistic standards – but there is no nach (ch) or through loans and donations lutely necessary. It is an important compo- audience to pay for it. In 2017, the Goethea- from friends of the Goetheanum. As the nent of the ‹Goetheanum in Development› num Leadership and the advisory treasur- Anthroposophical Society we aim to make initiative that is spread across three years. ers’ group therefore found themselves in the Goetheanum – as a venue, stage, gesa- This structural change constitutes an enor- the difficult position of having to decide mtkunstwerk, with its School of Spiritual mous challenge for the staff and leadership whether the whole stage, technology and Science, its specialist sections, artistic im- of the Goetheanum – and 2018 will be a eurythmy ensemble included, should be pulses and networks – so relevant for the testing time that will reveal whether or greatly reduced and partially closed down. global anthroposophical movement and for not the envisaged plans and goals can be the present and future burning questions of achieved. It would be enormously helpful if Investment rather than cuts humanity that its viability will be reflected you could support this long-term recovery The consultations carried out in June 2017 even in its financial situation. The social of the Goetheanum finances with contri- yielded a different recommendation: no context, in which this development needs butions, donations or even a time loan. cuts for 2017, but investment and sup- to unfold, is the Anthroposophical Society. port for an innovative solution for the What we have achieved so far stage and the eurythmy ensemble after Long-standing structural deficit It might be a good idea to look back, at the end of Margrethe Solstad’s appoint- For the first year of this journey – the fi- this point, over the developments of the ment: a kind of global eurythmy faculty nancial year 2017 which has just come to an recent past. Between 2013 and 2016 we that will involve the artists around the end – this meant saying yes to the develop- were able to renovate the Goetheanum’s Goetheanum in a different way. The new ment of the Goetheanum Stage. In concrete façade and the stage. We gained an or- eurythmy faculty and ensemble will be- terms it means three more performances, chestra pit and a new meeting room and gin in the autumn of 2018, and in 2019 after implementing some changes, of the the ground floor was restructured. These preparations will start for the Faust revival. Faust cycle, and retaining the Goetheanum developments were financed with a sum Additionally, a management committee Eurythmy Ensemble beyond the year 2018. of 15 million chf covered by additional help has been appointed in January 2018 (con- It also meant that no employments were from many members, own assets and, to sisting of Paul Mackay, Stefan Hasler and ended for financial reasons in 2017. Over a lesser degree, endowments and public Justus Wittich) which, initially on a trial ba- and above that, we have worked intensively money for monument protection. Around sis, will try to keep all the developments at up until June 2017 to prepare a much re- 12 million chf have been paid, and 3.1 million the Goetheanum in line with the common duced budget for 2018: we need to work chf are being bridged with interest-free goal. These endeavours are in parallel with with a million Swiss Francs less than in 2017, loans from members and groups. the Goetheanum in Development initiative, and with 1.9 million Francs less than in 2016. After the problems caused by currency which also aims to promote the progress This first year on this journey is the most fluctuations between Swiss Franc and Euro, of important questions and future images. expensive of the transformation phase and the next and much more difficult phase has a shortfall of 960,000 chf. While the followed from 2015 to 2017, which saw the Details of current finances ordinary income is one million chf higher revival of Rudolf Steiner’s Mystery Dramas An important development is owed to the than in 2016, the shortfall still amounts and the daring new production of Faust 1 initiative of the international treasurers’ to two million chf. The budget that had and 2, as a message from the Goetheanum group (see note 1). Despite sinking mem- been decided for 2018 – the second year of to the present time. Despite the enormous bership numbers and the difficult situa- our journey – will now need to be critically efforts and achievements of the artists and tion faced by some countries this group revised after looking at the actual figures the stage department this venture did not managed, through good communication, for 2017. It has emerged that, as matters turn out to be as successful in 2016 as ex- to almost reach the envisaged amount of stand, we might have to expect a shortfall pected, for all kinds of reasons. While the 3.8 million chf in members’ contributions of 600,000 chf in 2018, presumably fol- changes made in 2017 resulted in clear im- (90 chf per member and country on average). 18

■ antroposophical society ó Annual General Meeting 2018

General Anthroposophical Society Result 2016 Result 2017 Budget 2018 in 1.000 chf revenues expenses net revenues expenses net revenues expenses net members‹ contributions 3.385 -1 3.384 1 3.726 0 3.726 3.490 0 3.490 annual conferences 178 -191 -13 125 -125 -0 70 -40 30 membership office 9 -149 -140 0 -140 -140 10 -120 -110 Executive Council and offices (50 %) 48 -541 -493 42 -571 -529 60 -490 -430 staff housing, ealr estate 1.570 -771 799 1.700 -760 940 1.600 -730 870 legacies 1.004 -13 991 396 -26 370 0 Total 6.195 -1.666 4.529 5.988 -1.622 4.366 5.230 -1.380 3.850 support for School of Spiritual Science 4.529 4 4.366 3.850

School of Spiritual Science Result 2016 Result 2017 Budget 2018 support General Anthroposophical Society 4.529 4 4.366 3.850 donations 806 806 2 1.642 -4 1.638 850 850 donations and contributions from institutions 1.644 1.644 1.821 1.821 2.000 2.000 General Anthroposophical Section 626 -707 -81 576 -729 -153 220 -280 -60 (of that studies and professional development) 438 -490 -52 263 -346 -83 91 -152 -61 Youth Section 156 -248 -92 185 -340 -156 236 -326 -90 Mathematical-Astronomical Section 30 -225 -195 37 -182 -145 100 -150 -50 Medical Section 2.560 -2.711 -151 2.179 -2.287 -108 1.530 -1.650 -120 Natural Science Section 516 -825 -309 645 -949 -304 500 -700 -200 Education Section 895 -906 -11 575 -667 -93 450 -570 -120 Visual Arts Section 76 -202 -126 85 -196 -112 90 -190 -100 Section for Agriculture 710 -828 -118 829 -923 -94 400 -520 -120 Performing Arts Section 220 -440 -220 251 -453 -202 220 -420 -200 Humanities Section 111 -237 -126 172 -299 -127 120 -220 -100 Social Science Section 71 -189 -118 160 -295 -136 130 -250 -120 Executive Council and offices 50% 48 -541 -493 42 -571 -529 60 -490 -430 Communication and Documentation 1.008 -1.705 -697 926 -1.900 -974 855 -1.572 -717 of that pr 3 -116 -113 8 -181 -173 -230 -230 of that Documentaion 48 -461 -413 31 -545 -514 15 -392 -377 of that weekly journal 957 -1.128 -171 887 -1.174 -287 840 -950 -110 Goetheanum Stage 831 -2.648 -1.817 939 -2.918 -1.980 222 -1.860 -1.638 Faust 1 + 2 1.722 -2.163 -441 585 -796 -211 0 Goetheanum Building Administration 1.576 -3.866 -2.290 1.367 -3.668 -2.301 1.200 -3.120 -1.920 Reception and Event management 96 -865 -769 124 -856 -732 90 -720 -630 Human resources 18 -240 -222 24 -246 -222 20 -212 -192 Finance Department 2 -337 -335 16 -360 -344 5 -300 -295 financel revenues and expenses 217 -174 43 5 1.549 -428 1.121 0 50 50 edp 47 -398 -351 69 -399 -329 40 -318 -278 support for retired staff members 20 -247 -227 14 -283 -269 20 -280 -260 extraordinary revenues and expenses 165 -208 -43 23 -5 18 000 Goetheanum renovation 11.194 -10.476 718 2 188 -592 -404 90 0 90 reserves 2.083 -890 1.193 819 -819 0 200 0 200 33.645 -33.941 -296 21.828 -22.789 -960 14.878 -15.478 -600 19

ó Annual General Meeting 2018 all amounts in chf 2016 2017 Budget 2017 Revenues notes membership contributions 3.384.623 1 3.725.532 3.870.000 contributions fr institutions, non-designated 1.644.256 1.821.499 2.100.000 Profit and Loss non-designated donations 806.042 2 1.637.979 1.000.000 2017 compared designated donations 3.178.717 3.287.978 3.300.000 with budget Contributions and donations 9.013.638 10.472.988 10.270.000 events, studies, prof. development 3.542.282 3 2.192.103 3.200.000 General Anthroposophical publications, weekly journal 927.821 773.193 940.000 Society services 946.615 947.887 1.000.000 financial revenues 218.101 5 1.256.792 50.000 Operational revenues 5.634.819 5.169.975 5.190.000 Total Evenues 14.648.457 15.642.963 15.460.000

Expenses expenses events and studies -3.268.892 -2.589.930 -3.000.000 expenses services -2.550.275 -2.391.787 -2.400.000 maintenance buildings, grounds, inventory -1.008.261 -1.042.728 -1.000.000 financial expenses -177.299 -134.753 0 Total Expenses -7.004.727 -6.159.198 -6.400.000 gross result 7.643.730 9.483.765 9.060.000

staff salaries incl. social security benefits -10.955.890 -10.606.587 -10.400.000 Ordinary result -3.312.160 -1.122.822 -1.340.000

extraordinary result staff housing, real estate revenues 1.376.141 1.362.822 1.420.000 expenditure -576.958 -602.926 -670.000 result 799.183 759.896 750.000 pension schemes retired staff members -227.693 -269.304 -210.000 events from other accounting periods revenues 227.744 515.804 100.000 expenditure -316.348 -952.201 -160.000 result -88.604 -436.397 -60.000 reserves releases 12.126.359 566.805 500.000 deposits -684.794 -828.044 -200.000 result 11.441.565 -261.239 300.000 Goetheanum renovation donations Goetheanum renovation 555.590 0 200.000

revenues from sale of real estate for Goeth renov 20.000 0

depreciation on buildings -10.475.691 0 -140.000 result -9.900.101 0 60.000 legacies, non-designated 991.421 369.683 500.000 extraordinary result 3.015.771 162.639 1.340.000 ordinary result -3.312.160 -1.122.822 -1.340.000 extraordinary result 3.015.771 162.639 1.340.000 result -296.389 -960.183 0 20

ó Annual General Meeting 2018

all amounts in chf 12/31/2016 12/31/2017 Assets note current assets cash, banks 1.147.513 678.012 shortterm liabilities 1.425.914 1.229.807 Balance as of financial assets 31 December 2017 loans, securities and investments 3.803.951 5 4.645.024 fixed assets compared to 2016 Goetheanum buildings, grounds, inventory 1 1 General Main Auditorium 1.612.200 1.534.147 Anthroposophical Goetheanum renovation 3.661.149 3.355.661 Society staff housing, real estate 7.218.071 7.217.440 Total Assets 18.868.799 18.660.092 Liabilities short-term liabilities creditors and other liabilities 1.735.913 1.876.493 long-term liabilities gifts with rights of withdrawal 2.675.639 2.602.227 Goetheanum loans 1.809.492 1.737.059 construction loans and Main Auditorium loans 1.897.229 1.763.131 consruction loans and loan Goetheanum renovation 2.875.320 2.865.320 loans staff housing 6.673.000 7.462.000 Equity diverse reserves Sections and Departments 1.340.562 1.452.401 reserves Goetheanum renovation Free equity 1.1.2016 / 1.1.2017 158.033 138.356 result 2016/2017 -296.389 -960.183 free equity 31.12.2016/31.12.2017 -138.356 6 -138.356 Total Liabilities 18.868.799 18.660.092

A special arrangement has been made for School of Spiritual Science. Expenses for the Frieder Sprich’s succession: Oliver Conradt, Executive Council and its office are equally This was, however, a one-off initiative and head of Mathematics and Astronomy at the divided between the Society and the School. cannot be expected to remain at the same Goetheanum, will, after a working in period Changes have been made in the balance level in 2018 – unless the members contin- of several months, take on being head of the as regards grading: while the Weleda shares ue to commit locally and regionally to work- finance department as well in April 2018, and have for many years, as a matter of prin- ing together to achieve the same reliable will work closely with the treasurer. While ciple, been marked at nominal value, the level of members’ fees. We are pleased to Oliver Conradt’s aptitude for this task is one possession of non-voting share certificates announce that, in addition to Switzerland of the reasons for this appointment, it is has been changed to market-value. and Germany, Italy has also achieved the also one of many ways of reducing expenses. full amount of 125 chf per member per year After several years of preparation, we Special thank you for and is committed to keeping this up. will change this year from a less informa- your Christmas donation Other than that, the Goetheanum’s in- tive Profit and Loss format to a statement Oliver Conradt, who, in his new role, took come – particularly the income based on divided into «General Anthroposophical So- note of the Christmas donations, was donations (2) – has benefitted from a sur- ciety» and «School of Spiritual Science», the much impressed that a simple letter to prising major gift. latter with a detailed presentation of the the German- and French-speaking mem- After completing this year’s financial Goetheanum’s individual sections and de- bers, supported by a presentation of the statement Frieder Sprich, the head of the partments. The Anthroposophical Society’s Goetheanum in Development initiative, Goetheanum’s finance department, will income and expenses are balanced and the and an article in Anthroposophy Worldwide retire. We thank him, as well as his col- entire surplus (5) used for the tasks of the have led to 410,000 chf in donations in leagues Sylvia Stürchler and Stephan Frei, School of Spiritual Sciences. This amount four weeks. A special thank you for this most warmly for the accurate and reliable appears again in the second table as the Christmas gift which, we know, has come accounting and supervision of the many School of Spiritual Science’s basic income. from a special place in your heart and financial processes at the Goetheanum, In keeping with the Goetheanum’s goals, is received and appreciated accordingly. as well as their high level of commitment. infrastructure expenses are assigned to the | Justus Wittich, treasurer 21

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‚Mitarbeiter-Kurz-Führungen‘ bei der GV AAG Fr. 23.3., Sa. 24.3. 13.45 - 14.15 Uhr Treffpunkt mit Schild und Namen des Mitarbeitenden im Foyer, ausser: Haus Duldeck: direkt am Haus Duldeck Listen zum Eintragen liegen auf

Besucherführende aus der Themengebiet: Mögliche Sprache: Mitarbeiterschaft: Teilnehmer zahl Wochenschrift: Sebastian Jüngel 30 DE, EN Was mir am Goetheanum fehlt… Mit der Gründung des Goetheanum ist eine grosse Aufgabe gestellt – unerfüllte Erwartungen können gemäss erstem anthroposophischem Leitsatz wie Hunger und Durst empfunden werden. Sebastian Jüngel bietet die Gelegenheit das, was einem am Goetheanum fehlt, auszusprechen. In einem weiteren Schritt kann überlegt werden, wie dieser Mangel beseitigt werden kann. Louis Défèche: Eine Wochenschrift für Anthroposophie produzieren. The production of a weekly journal for Anthroposophy 30 DE, EN, FR Produire un hebdomadaire pour l’anthroposophie Bühne 23.4.Nils Frischknecht 20 DE/EN 24.4. und Mitarbeitende 20 Gärtnerei 23.3. Benno Otter 20 DE/EN Allgemeine Gartenpark Führung 24.3. Benno Otter Führung: 20 Das Felsi in der Landschaft und im Gartenpark Speisehaus 23.3. Thomas Didden, 20 DE/EN 24.3. Lucas Didden 20

Mitgliedersekretariat 23.3., 24.3. Angelika Pauletto 10 DE Jugendsektion 23.3., 24.3. Mitarbeitende 20 DE/ EN Dokumentation/Bibliothek 23.3. Johannes Nilo 20 DE/ EN Archiv, Bibliothek, Kunstsammlung. Die Goetheanum Dokumentation stellt sich vor 24.3. 10 DE Dino Wendtland Wie kommt ein Kunstwerk in die Kunstsammlung? Haustechnik 23.3., 24.3. Arik Katchaturyan 15 DE Offene Tür in der Haustechnik/ Schlosserei Betriebsdienst 23., 24.3. Steven Thomas 10 DE, EN Offene Tür im Betriebsdienst EDV Fr. 23.3. Pascal Häring 10 DE Offene Tür in der EDV Naturwissenschaftliche 23.3. Johannes Kühl 20 DE/ EN Sektion, Glashaus 24.3. Matthias Rang Rundgang durch das Glashaus mit kurzen 20 Erläuterungen zum Haus und zu den Arbeitsbereichen Personalbteilung 23.3., 24.3. Caroline Doehn 15 DE, SP Offene Tür in der Personalabteilung Rudolf Steiner Archiv 23.3. Führung im Rudolf Steiner Archiv. Treffpunkt am Haus 20 DE Duldeck! 24.3. Guided tour in Rudolf Steiner Archiv. Meeting point at 20 EN House Duldeck! Fensterführung 23.3., 24.3. Esther Gerster 30 DE Guided tour to the 23.3. Ronald Templeton, Red to the Green windows. coloured glass windows 24.3. Blue to Pink windows 30 EN

Opening Hours Ausstellungen Information Desk in the Foyer The information desk is open on Thursday, 22 March, from noon 22.03. – 31.07.2018 to 3 p.m., during every coffee break and half an hour before the beginning of the programme, during the midday and evening Movement, Feeling, Character breaks. Original Eurythmy Figures Membership Office (1st floor) By and Rudolf Steiner Goetheanum, Dornach Thu 22 March 9 a.m.–noon / 2–5 p.m. Mon - Son, 10.00 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fri 23 March 9 a.m.–noon / 2–5 p.m. Rudolf Steiner Archiv, Dornach Sat 24 March 2–2:30 p.m. Mon - Fri 3.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. Reception Daily 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. (ticket sales 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m.) 01.11.2017 – 01.08.2018 Caféteria Thu 22 March 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Marble Sculptures by Margrit Rotzler, Glass Fri 23 March 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Windows by Monika Wächter-Kagermeier, Sat 24 March 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Bronze Sculptures (Bronzeplastiken) by Ger- Sun 25 March 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. hard Helmers, Granite Sculptures by Duilio A. Martins, Eurythmy Figures by Anna Köhl. Speisehaus (Restaurant) Exhibition in the Bookstore Warm dishes from noon–2 p.m. Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Vital-Laden (Shop) Son 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thu 22 March 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Fri 23 March 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Sat 24 March 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 01.02.2018 – 30.04.2018 Sun 25 March 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Fairy Tale Pictures Library Exhibition from Gabriela de Carvalho. Fri 23 March 2–6 p.m. Exhibition in the Bookstore Bookstore Mon– Fri 9 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. Thu 22 March 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fri 23 March 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Son 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Sat 24 March 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun 25 March 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 14.11.2017 – 06.04.2018 Exhibition Room Thu 22 March 2:30–3:30 p.m. /7 –7:45 p.m. The Night Fri 23 March 2 –4 p.m. /7 –7:45 p.m. Selected works from the Goetheanum art coll- Sat 24 March 10 a.m.–noon / 2 –4 p.m. /7 –7:45 p.m. ection. Works by Ernst Aisenpreis, Walter Be- steher, Hilde Boos-Hamburger, Hans Kühn, Ru- Model of First Goetheanum (Exhibition Room) dolf Michalik, Otto Rietmann, Philipp Tok, Karl Thu 22 March 2:30 –3:30 p.m. /7 –7:45 p.m. Thylmann. Fri 23 March 2 –4 p.m. /7 –7:45 p.m. Exhibition in the Library Sat 24 March 10 a.m.–noon / 2 –4 p.m. /7 –7:45 p.m. Fri 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Rudolf Steiner Atelier Thu 22 March 7 –7:45 p.m. 18.02.2018 – 11.05.2018 Fri 23 March 2 –3 p.m. /7 –7:45 p.m. Sat 24 March 7 –7:45 p.m. „20 Years of Goetheanum-Hall Renovations Thorwald Thiersch. Grosser Saal (Main Auditorium) South Gallery, Conference Room Daily 1:30–2 p.m. Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.