André Luiz Sobreiro:  

“Spiritist Groups are not as dynamic as they should be” 

The Spiritist speaker and scholar says that many Spiritist
Centres he has visited along the years lack a sense
of direction and dynamism
 

	Our interviewee this week is André Luiz Iesi Sobreiro (photo), a Spiritist volunteer in Severínia, in Brazil’s south-eastern São Paulo state. He works as a Physical Education teacher. He is also an active member of the Spiritist Movement in the area, writing articles, delivering speeches and coordinating study groups. These are some of the subjects he addressed in this interview:
What are the main activities you carry out in the Spiritist Movement?

I attend the Portal de Luz Spiritist Centre, where I take part in a study group on the work of Allan Kardec. I am also a member of the mediumship group, I deliver a talk every Friday and I am take part in a study group on the work of the Spiritual Benefactor, Emmanuel, on Sundays. That is recorded and made available through the Internet, on Rede Amigo Espírita (www.redeamigoespirita.com.br) and in the blog www.portaldeluzseverinia.blogspot.com, where I also publish articles on Spiritism.

Tell us a bit more about the studies on the works of Emmanuel.

We began by studying two magnificent works by Emmanuel, who is a great educator: “A Caminho da Luz” (Pathway to Light) and “O Consolador” (The Consoler). Both works seem to merge at some point, taking some issues raised in one of the books further and expanding on them. They complement each other. In other points, they address different subjects. Our idea is to begin studying other books once we are done with these works.

What is your view on the many Spiritist Groups you visit as part of your activities as a public speaker?

I see a lack of direction. Allan Kardec seems to be, for the great majority of Spiritists, a stranger. There is a lack of deeper and systematic studies. I can see a lack of unity. Experiences are not shared. But what hurts the most is the lack of interest in the unification of Spiritism, a project launched by the great Bezerra de Menezes. But thankfully there is good news too! We are getting good media in Brazil. Mediumship and reincarnation are mentioned regularly in Brazilian soap operas and films. That brings attention from a wider public to Spiritism and brings more and more people to Spiritist Centres across the country. We, Spiritists, must study and be prepared to welcome to our Spiritist Centres the newcomers, eager for knowledge and information.

Is the Spiritist Movement in Brazil dynamic enough? Can you make any suggestions for improvement?

There is very little dynamism. Many personal views are hidden under the cover of theoretical purity. There is a lack of common sense to make the distinction. There is too much pride in many cases. Many directors remain in charge of their Spiritist Groups for decades… That is very sad. Experience must be valued but ideas and concepts must be renewed and freshened up.

You say many directors of Spiritist Groups refuse to stand down. But are there enough people willing to take on the responsibility and replace them?

The problem is more complicated than it looks. We need indeed to prepare new leaders. We cannot leave Spiritst Centres in the hands of adventurers, of people in tune with darker and irresponsible Spirits, who are engaged in all sorts of initiatives to undermine the Group. The problem is not so much to find someone interested, willing to take on the posts. The problem really is to find people capable of doing a good job. We will need to prepare them.

You said that Spiritism has enjoyed good media in Brazil recently. What can we do to make the most of these “favourable winds”?

We must study the core works of Allan Kardec! We must study them and go as deep as we can. The exposure of Spiritism in the media is certain to generate greater interest in the Teachings. Some will come moved by curiosity, others will envisage in the Teachings a possible solution to their illnesses and sorrows. If we really believe that “there is no salvation without charity” then we must make the most of these “favourable winds” to do good and help others.

To end this interview, can you suggest a few Spiritist books for us to read?

First and foremost, the Codification, by Allan Kardec. It is difficult to describe how wonderful these books are. Then, I recommend the work written in trance (or automatic writing) by Chico Xavier, which examines and clarifies the Gospel.