Theosophists Meet For Annual Conference

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30945, 29 December 1965, Page 12

Theosophists Meet For Annual Conference

Prayers of seven of the world’s major religions were recited at the opening of the sixty-eighth annual convention of the New Zealand section of the Theosophical Society in Christchurch yesterday morning. Christian, Hebrew, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Mohommedan prayers were read by society members, about 60 of whom have come from throughout New Zealand for the convention. The theme of this year’s convention is “That the highest ideal in life is to serve,” with special reference to the three objects of the society.

These are: to form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or colour; to encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science; and to investigate the unexplained

laws of nature and the powers latent in man.

The guest speaker at the convention, which will end next Sunday, is Mr G. Hodson, who has recently toured New Zealand lecturing for the society, and is a world traveller and author. Public lectures will also be given by members from various centres.

Panel discussions, talks, and social activities are also included in the programme. At yesterday’s meeting, Mr B. Dunningham, of Auckland, was elected general secretary, replacing Miss B. Darroch, who is retiring after many years of service to the society. Other officers elected were: assistant general secretary, Mrs B. Thornton; treasurer, Mr E. Edgar; section librarian, Mrs A. Pel low; editor of “Theosophy in New Zealand,” Mrs R. Dunningham.