Theos-Talk Archives (November 2009 Message tt00082)

A clear statement from Horseâs Mouth

Controversy and disputes within TS has been around since the early days of
TS. From time to time, many have a misperception of the role of the
International President in the affairs of the Sections. Even in the early
days, one can find repeated mention of the autonomy of the lodges and
non-interference of Olcott in the mattes of lodges.

I was happy to find Besantâs very clear cut reaffirmation of the autonomy of
the sections and the non-interference of the President in the matters of the
sections. In the Theosophist 1915 she stated:

+++

I should like to make clear; and that, as a matter of fact, I decline to
give any advice on disputed TS matters, unless some great conflict of
principle arises, as in the present War, and then I give it publicly.

She continued:

As President, I have no right to advise on Sectional disputes, which should
be settled by the local workers.

A section is autonomous, and autonomy would be a farce if a President should
throw his weight on one side or the other in a contested election.

+++

The bottom line is simple. The sections are autonomous and are free to carry
on their activities so long as they do not violate any of the Rules of the
TS. Thus it follows that it is up to the sections to do what they think is
needed to spur activity in their sections and the sections are either to be
congratulated or blamed for the results.

MKR


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]