Theos-Talk Archives (July 2009 Message tt00552)

NATIONAL TSA DIRECTOR SLANDERS A LOCAL MEMBER.

It is a first attempt to censure Orlando Lodge for
its' strong and vocal support for Radha Burnier
vs: the "Infamous Quartet."

Our well designed and well articulated Orlando
Lodge website continues to recieve many compliments, and has had within
a one year peroid to date 12,861 visitors, and growing.
(Since June 2008)
http://www.tso-orlando.org

Why Do They Feel The Need to Slander & Censure Us?

Our Quarterly E-Newsletter is read by over 1250 recipients each quarter
and has had excellent reviews by many notable Theosophists.

Why Do They Feel The Need To Slander & Censure Us?

Anyone is always welcome to visit Orlando Lodge for our meetings and
fellowship. And those who have been here always remark
about a Good Feeling of genuine hospitality,
harmony and an evident sense of brotherly regard.

Why Do They Feel The Need To Slander & Censure Us?

It doesn't take any clairvoyance to see what is happening...You figure
it out.



A FIRST ATTEMPT TO CENSURE ORLANDO LODGE FOR ITS STRONG SUPPORT OF RADHA
BURNIER VS; THE "INFAMOUS QUARTET"


[ EDITORS NOTE:
The following letter was recieved via postal mail addressed to "William
Delahunt, President of the T.S. In Orlando." William Delahut is the
Lodge Secretary. It is from Mr.Jerome Michel, Eastern Director of the
TSA. The letter contains strong accusations based on heresay
and gossip impuning the character of Mr.Delahunt There is NO factual
proof of these
inflamatory accusations. Below Mr. Michels letter is a response from The
Executive Committee and Board of Directors of The Theosophical Society
in Orlando ( Orlando Lodge.) Mr. Michel has never been to Orlando Lodge
and does not know any of its members ]

------------------------

[TSA LETTERHEAD]

July 24, 2009

Dear William Delahunt,

This letter is to inform you of a TSA board action to remove the name of
the Orlando Lodge indefinitely from the TSA web page.

This action has been taken as a result of an ongoing pattern of
incidents in which persons expressing views contrary to yours have been
made to feel unwelcome, harassed for their views, removed from lodge
membership or been driven out or locked out of lodge meetings. Some have
reported psychological distress over the way in which they have been
treated.

These incidents taken together, constitute a pattern of behavior
extending over a number of years. Such behavior is inconsistent with the
nature of theosophy and the purpose of the Theosophical Soiety in
America.

It is unfortunate that this situation has been allowed to continue so
long in the name of the Theosophical Society in America. Our
investigations of complaints by those affected leave us no choice. We
hope that you and your board will recognize that these actions violate
both the Society's committment to our Freedom of Thought policy, and the
simple requirement of sympathy with the Society's first object as the
basis for accepting members.

Our hope for your contined spiritual evolution is unchanged

(Signed)
Jerome Michel
Eastern Director
Theosophical Society In America

--------------------------------------

Reply From Orlando Lodge Board of Directors.

[ Orlando Lodge Letterhead ]

July 30, 2009

Dear Jerome Michel;

This is a reply to your letter to William Delahunt of July 24, 2009.

William Delahunt is the Secretary of Orlando Lodge, not the President.
We are greatly disturbed by the accusatory tone of your letter.

If you have documented affidavits of the accusations you make, please
provide us a copy of them. We have a right to see such evidence.

If not, we insist that you cease & desist this unfounded attempt at
character assassination of William Delahunt, and provided an apology.

William Delahunt is a valued member of Orlando Lodge, a member for the
past 40 years, and a tireless worker for Theosophy. It is mainly due to
his efforts that Orlando Lodge remains a vibrant vital Theosophical
Spiritual center in Central Florida.

We have NEVER violated any Theosophical policy, and have ALWAYS played
by the rules.

The ONLY requirement for membership in the Theosophical Society is the
assent to the ideal of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity. To join a
Lodge or Branch the policy has always been that the applicant must be
sponsored by a current member in good standing and have the positive
vote of the membership.

It has long been a Theosophical ethos based upon the teachings of Madame
Blavatsky that we do NOT teach or engage in Spiritualistic practices
such as Mediumship, Astral Projection, Psychic Development, Seances,
Ouija board, Communication with the deceased and other such activities.
There are those who in the past have made strong attempts to include
these things in our agenda.

When we explain that these are NOT congruent with our perspective &
teachings they develop a strong animus against us. So what are we to do?

We refuse to let you make William Delahunt the scapegoat for the animus
of these dis-gruntled seekers. The Membership of Orlando Lodge and the
Board of Directors stand fully behind and have Full Confidence in
William Delahunt.

We find this un-warranted slander of Mr.Delahunt highly Un-Theosophical.
This arbitrary action to promote aome private agenda , without prior
notice or a hearing with the parties involved also violates "due
process"
and the Resolutions of the General Council of the Theosophical Society.

You don't even really know Mr. Delahunt. In fact your do not know any of
the members of Orlando Lodge, you have never been here.
If you did, you would realize how inane and ludicrous your accusations
really are.

William Delahunt is greatly respected in the Central Florida Community
for his many years of work and advocacy on behalf of the homeless,
prison reform and for interfaith education and dialogue. He is a warm
and personable human being, and has spent a lifetime devoted to
Theosophical education.

It is unfortunate that you come to your conclusions based upon
incomplete information, biased hearsay & gossip and the animus of
someone with a private agenda.

We trust that in the spirit of TRUTH and of FAIR PLAY  you will attempt
to be objective, revise your hasty decision, and issue an aplogy.

Cordially & Fraternally;

For the Board of Directors & The Executive Committee;


(signed)
CARL METZGER, PRESIDENT
The Theosophical Society In Orlando

(signed)
VICTOR BROWN  VICE-PRESIDENT
The Theosophical Society In Orlando


---------------------------------------------------
The Theosophical Society In Orlando
Theosophist@webtv.net
http://www.tso-orlando.org
--------------------------------------------------


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A PROJECT OF HEALING

1. Set aside 10 minutes a day wherever you are,at whatever time or place
that is convenient for you.

2. Take a few minutes to "Center," "Enter The Silence." however best you
do it. Going to that
place deep within you where Truth abides in Fullness. It is from this
center that You Will KNOW The Truth of things.

3. You may want to visualize the T.S. Seal. Quietly recite to yourself
The Invocation To Unity.

The Invocation To Unity


O Hidden Life, Vibrant In Every Atom;
O Hidden Light, Shining In Every Creature; O Hidden Love, Embracing All
In Oneness; May Each Who Feels Himself As One With Thee; Know He Is
Therefore One With Every Other.


Ponder these Truths awhile in The Silence.
When your time is up...

4. See a Golden Rose Brilliant Light spreading out and enveloping ALL
Theosophists all over the world. KNOW that you have set Powerful Healing
Forces to work for the Good.


5. Resume your normal daily activities.