The spiritist unification movement, the efforts undertaken for this initiative – despite the obstacles always encountered, as a result of our natural human difficulties – and, of course, the legacy of examples and incentives from harvest workers, notably focused in this direction, is well known. Leopoldo Machado (1891-1957) and Bezerra de Menezes (1831-1900) stand out, without forgetting many other unforgettable historical names.

Leopoldo was a journalist, writer, poet, composer and lecturer, biographer of Cairbar Schutel and tireless spiritist promoter. Bezerra, who became known as the Doctor of the Poor, was also a writer and lecturer, as well as a great humanist. Both are very dear to the history of the spiritist movement and their lives are recorded by several biographers. About the first one, we had the opportunity to interview the writer Marcus de Mario in a recording that can be found by searching Leopoldo Machado – Marcus de Mario – Series Vultos Historicos (Historical Figures), where you can find very valuable information about the life of the great harvest worker. About Bezerra, I also interviewed the Ceara historian Luciano Klein (author of specific works on the biography), who’s content can also be found by searching Bezerra de Menezes – Luciano Klein. In fact, there are several videos available.

We started our approach with these two characters, both for their historical significance and for the commitment with which they dedicated themselves to the unification movement. We even suggest to the reader and managers that they know the contents mentioned above.

The union of spiritists for the common objective of strengthening spiritist centers – thus forming the spiritist movement, in the integration of institutions – is a vital measure, especially for the detail of the exchange of experiences and even more for the criterion of respect for the freedom of the institutions, offering and providing possible guidance that may be sought or simply providing incentives for common work at Seara Espirita.

It is known that the combined experience of several groups results in actions that individually may not be able to be achieved - either due to the size of the initiative or even the angles of vision that are beneficially expanded when several can suggest and contribute - and that together it is easier to implement.

So, the importance of the unifying body (in other words, a stimulator, a guide without interference, aggregating ideas and efforts) for the Spiritist Center is something that deserves wide attention. If before the pandemic this role already had visible results in decades of history, now with the adjustments caused by the pandemic - which changed the reality of the previously used standard - these dialogues become even more essential. Whether in the didactics of study and dissemination activities (including the different age groups, themes, training and recycling of new task workers), whether in the practices of material or spiritual assistance or even in the desired integration of adolescents and young people in their activities, The Spiritist Center will be strengthened by the experiences gathered from other houses (and will even offer its experience), also integrating in the joint actions.

The presence of the USE

In the state of São Paulo, the unifying body is our USE – Union of Spiritist Societies of the State of São Paulo, a direct daughter of the efforts of leaders that positively influenced spiritist actions, including the two aforementioned characters. In the case of Bezerra, even with a lot of encouragement after his own disincarnating, since his presence is always constant in favor of the unified movement of the spiritists.

The institution reaches its 75th anniversary. It is mature, it is an institution that has faced and faces challenges like any other, as naturally occurs. It continues, however, its march, aware of the role that it has. Its importance for the Spiritist Center is in the reference it represents of the union of experiences and, better, that can be sought for use, since it is available.

This is a built-in reference. It emerged to add experiences, which opens paths and windows, perspectives or actions, which individually cannot be observed. But in the sum of what each one does, the distances and habits, customs and initiatives in different regions and cities, it forms a collection that stimulates, that thrills. We began to understand the strength of the movement, which can act both in a small institution, in a tiny country town, as well as in large urban centers and in the same way in a state action. And, better yet, taking and collecting actions from other federations, since it is part of the National Federative Council, the well-known CFN – which brings together all federative and other representations.

How to discard this? How not to integrate? The invitation is, therefore, of union, integration, unification. Affiliate your institution, if you haven't already, and enjoy this collection.

Unification is not standardization, imposition. It is rather, encouragement, planning, guidance when requested, and especially joint efforts.

But even so, basing the approach, let's look in Kardec, the always clear source to expand these considerations.

Fundamentals of union

Kardec's clarity is remarkable. His arguments, the moral foundation he uses in his comments and his fidelity to the guiding principles of Spiritism are, without a doubt, his great personal mark, added to his great intelligence and dedication to the cause that signal the greatness of his mission.

In a speech at the renewal of the social year, given on April 1, 1862, at the headquarters of the Parisian Society of Spiritist Studies, and published in the Revista Espirita (Spiritist Magazine), June 1862 edition, among valuable and timely considerations, we stop at the appreciation of the Authority of Experience.

Before any comments, we copy a partial excerpt from the speech:

“(...) an important observation naturally arises about the nature of the relations that exist between the Paris Society and the meetings, or societies, which are founded under its auspices, and which would wrongly be considered as branches. The Paris Society has no authority over them other than that of experience; but, as I have said on another occasion, she does not meddle in its affairs; its role is limited to unofficial advice when requested. The bond that unites them is, therefore, a purely moral bond, founded on the sympathy and similarity of ideas; there is, between them, no filiation, no material solidarity; a single watchword is what must unite all men: charity and love of neighbor, a watchword that could not lead to mistrust. (...)”

What an example! What consistency! What fidelity to the Spiritist Doctrine itself!

Let us note the detail of a certain passage: informal advice, when requested. This is the principle of democracy, of respect for the freedom of others and even the spirit of unification, so defended and necessary in our movement.

The example came from the Codifier himself, when referring to the Society he founded. Authority only from the experience of the oldest institution, let's say. Ties founded on the sympathy of views, purely moral. Without any other official affiliations. Just the basic principle guiding relationships and exchanges: charity and love for others.

Let us see that the difficulties of the movement originate from the attempt to impose ideas, a practice totally inconsistent with the nature of Spiritism, in itself respectful of the individuality and freedom of anyone, including institutions founded and maintained under its own inspiration.

This is the foundation for the union of spiritists and societies inspired by Spiritism. As for the other aspects, all are adapted to the circumstances, to the time, to the reality of each institution and of all, together. Even the term filiation used there becomes a necessity of the very criterion of strengthening. Let's just think independently. What is really sought is to unite to produce more. Congratulations to USE! Our embrace of the efforts of friends and institutions in our São Paulo territory.