Recap of the World Subud Council meeting, march 22, 2026

The day before our Council meeting, the Area 3 International Helpers gathered us together (using zoom protocols) for latihan and testing of two questions:

• Please feel through your latihan what are the blessings that you receive when you work for Subud?
• Please receive how these blessings you receive when working for Subud are reflected in your daily life?

A sharing session followed. I felt that the many challenges of my Subud role are actually part of the blessings, testing my ability to balance outer and inner guidance. And working for Subud is part of refining my life here on Earth. Also, that “Subud work” is everything from leadership positions, testing with members, making the tea after latihan, contacting someone who is going through difficulties, or taking care of the Center garden! It is all work for Subud.

We started the meeting wishing Ibu Rahayu a very blessed 98th birthday (thanks to whoever posted this drawing).

And I wish all who participated in Ramadan and Lent the blessings of these holy observations.

After questions were addressed, the 2026 World Subud Association (WSA) Budget was passed unanimously. Thanks to our Treasurer, Marzuki Muhammad and accountant Elwyn Waugh for the work that went into this document.

Safeguarding Policies

Farah Czwiertnia, who leads the Safeguarding working group, presented the final version of the WSA Safeguarding Policy which had been reviewed at previous meetings. It was adopted by a unanimous vote (copy attached). The Council Code of Conduct document content was approved, but the working group was asked to refine who would be signing this. It will be on the April agenda. We realize there is ongoing work to be accomplished in this area: keeping records confidential and secure, incorporating cultural sensitivities, and developing educational materials for committees, helpers and members.

Mhd Subuh Foundation (MSF) Trustee Confirmation Process

MSF wrote to the International Helpers (IH) requesting amendments to the in person testing of candidate trustees at the July 2026 in person Council meeting. They responded adding an additional location of Salobrena, Spain on April 25 as they will be meeting there. Also, the deadline for applications for testing at Rungan Sari has been extended to April 31. For more information please contact MSF (rosario.moir@msubuhfoundation.org). The IH amendment to the trustee process was approved by the MSF board, and also at our Council meeting .

Harissa Deligianni, zone 3 representative, was added to the MSF nominating committee by unanimous vote.

Starting to Collectively Build the July In Person Council Agenda

Rifka presented the feedback from last year’s meeting in Fatima, and from a recent meeting with the International Helpers in the program areas of kejiwaan, meetings, reporting, and discussion topics. Council members provided new ideas, and adjusted some that were on the list, including:

• Discussing and testing about the Subud Youth Association International structure (requested by them)
• Reporting from zones, affiliates and other entities be more “conversational” as detailed and formal reports can be submitted ahead of time
• Addressing large topics with space for testing, such as how the council can work together, and what is it to be a “spiritual organization”

A framework for the agenda will be developed and presented at upcoming Council meetings for further input.

Appointment Process for MSF Trustees, and Other Positions in WSA

Arifin Konrad, International Subud Committee Chair, clearly explained WSA needing an outline of this process as it is not in the Bylaws or Guidelines. We will look at any blockages for candidates and how these might be addressed. We have received legal advice and of course want to balance organizational needs and kejiwaan content, achieving consensus moving forward. The Council approved a working group of initial members (Arifin, Muftiah McCartin, Lucian Parshall and Halinah Rizzo-Busack). They will outline issues to be addressed and make a first report at the April meeting.

World Congress Organizing Team (WCOT)

Hamid DaSilva shared progress for the latihan structures site at the SDivine Hotel, and the in person WCOT team meeting being held in June, 2026 on site.

Congress communications progress was reported by team member Fatimah Bustillo:

• Logo competition deadline is April 15, we need more submissions. For information, go to https://subud.com/posts/call-for-the-17th-subud-world-congress-2028-logo-competition.
• The latest information will be on the WSA website (www.subud.org) and later this fall the Congress website will launch.
• Information is also posted in the WSA Connect newsletter, and on Instagram (@worldsubudassociation) and WhatsApp.
• Congress TV, YouTube and live streaming is being researched to include our “at home” members to be informed and enjoy events as much as possible.

The Loretta Parshall Scholarship

A scholarship in honor of Lucian Parshall’s mother, Loretta, has been established with MSF. Susila Dharma International Association (SDIA) agreed to provide the review team for applications to support the education of young children through college age students of Subud members. SDIA will be distributing information on this program.

International Subud Committee Updates

• Please see the refreshed WSA Website, thanks to Luthfi Bustillo and his team! Now we will work on reviewing and updating the contents.
• If you are planning on attending the July 17-25 Council meeting in Rungan Sari please register so planning can commence: https://forms.gle/MLXUgL5GCixBQ2wo6 Remember that observers are welcome, and are actually active participants as was tested at last year’s meeting in Fatima.
• Guidelines need to be developed on the WSA use of AI (Artificial Intelligence), a working group will be formed. Arifin and Humphrey will develop a description for the scope of this group and this will be on the April agenda.

International Helper Rusdi Bustillo ended the meeting with a prayer and moment of quiet for us to remain close to God and pray for peace.

My sincere thanks to the dedicated Council members who so actively participate in our many items of business, many which are quite complex. It is a long zoom meeting, but we achieve so much … in the spirit of harmony and consensus.

Love to all, Rifka

Rifka Several, World Subud Association Chair