An Introduction

Mary Stewart Adams

Included here are excerpts from the vision statement I submitted during the selection process for General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in the US on January 6, 2023. Sharing this allows me to reflect on the process we underwent, to say thank you to the team of Society members who took up the task of carrying the responsibility in this selection process—your thoroughness and care were essential—and to express my gratitude to the General Council and other candidates.

To begin, I share that my vision for the Anthroposophical Society is inspired by the many directives given by Rudolf Steiner at the 1923/24 Christmas Conference. Within this foundation for a healthy social organism, we are directed to remain awake to the deep responsibility we bear—not, primarily, towards each other, but first and foremost toward the spiritual world. This is a sacred task that we, the leaders and members of the Anthroposophical Society worldwide, are to carry together.

This directive is intensified by the fact that we are now within a decade of the seminal hundred-year rhythm following the date that Rudolf Steiner pointed to as marking the onset of the human capacity to experience the Christ Being in the etheric world (beginning in the 1930s). Given that we who find ourselves on the path of anthroposophy now are working within this rhythm of time, knowledge of and conscious engagement with this dawning mystery is essential.

Further, and to help paint a picture of my vision engendering the Christmas Conference directives now:

ASA Leaders: My vision of a team of leaders and administrators of anthroposophy is that it is most effective if it is not composed of like-minded followers. A team of those with living thinking who hold vibrant and perhaps even opposing views, acting with compassion and rigor in dealing with one another, has the prospect of keeping vi- tal the core, and of drawing toward itself those who carry initiative in their souls out of freedom and love.

Economic Sphere: By adhering to the Treasurers’ Guidelines of 2021, the Society ensures the health and vitality of the Goetheanum and the School of Spiritual Science, as specified at the Christmas Conference regarding membership dues, section funding, and targeted gifts. Our effectiveness in the economic sphere is not measured solely by driving up membership numbers in order to generate increased dues revenue, but in how thoroughly we understand and implement the principles of association in our management of financial resources. Healthy activity in this sphere can naturally lead to increased membership, because it strengthens the body of the Society.

Cultural Activities: To produce programming aimed at restoring the dignity and desirability of in-person events, where direct human encounter enlivens our community engagement—and to do so out of an awareness that being physically present with one another in the living stream of anthroposophy bears the prospect of ordering the otherwise chaotic karma of our time. In addition to major seasonal festivals, the inspiration for community programming is planned in accord with the abundant wisdom of the cosmos, which, in the words of Rudolf Steiner, brings greater peace and harmony to the earth.

Communications: Because healthy, participatory communications are vital to the life of the Anthroposophical Movement, I envision a publishing and social media presence, aware of the spirit of the age—that is, composed of articles by active section members regarding their research, branch news, and reports on community initiatives. Ideally, official Society communications become a place to disseminate thoughtful research on the issues human beings face today. Through lively discourse from varied perspectives, we can become aware of the karmic experiences we are undergoing together.

The nominating committee’s vision statement requirement of 500 words presented quite a challenge, and reflecting on this now—one day after the World Goetheanum Conference at Michaelmas 2023 has concluded—I find myself with a question: To whom do the fruits of