WSC April 18, 2026 Council recap

Hello, Sisters and Brothers,

I start with a thank you to our new Spanish interpreter, Lucrecia Reyes! We need interpreters to assure that all Council members can participate actively in our discussions.

Vincent Mount, Chair of Susila Dharma International, gave a report on the recent visit of SDIA, International Helpers, and others to the Democratic Republic of Congo to work with members on the development of land outside of the capital owned by Subud. The report and photos are attached.

Two Memorandums of Understanding (agreements with WSA) were passed:

• A collaboration between Subud Britain and WSA to establish a “WSA Archive Hub” in the U.K. They join with our other Archives in preserving and digitizing Subud materials as “one unified Subud Archive.”
• The formation of a Subud Historical Society, managed and funded by the Guerrand-Hermes Foundation for Peace. Their work will complement that of the WSA archivists, whose responsibility is preserving our precious materials. The Society will help make these materials available to members through articles, e-books and other means.

Our Safeguarding Working Group presented the revised WSA Code of Conduct, which was approved by the Council. They are commended for their diligence in moving this issue forward. Next steps include development of educational materials and the reporting and response protocols. A reporting team is in place at reporting.safeguarding@subud.org

Ricardo Alvares, zone 8 representative, reported on their project for youth financial assistance to attend the World Congress. Sebastian Wild of our Subud Youth International Association agreed we should “start fundraising sooner rather than later.” Zones and their countries who are able to consider fundraising are requested to start discussing how they might assist youth as well as Subud members from countries who will be underrepresented without our assistance.

The meeting wrapped up with a wide-ranging discussion on a proposed Council workshop on how or what might help Subud be more “findable” and welcoming and how to speak appropriately about Subud without persuasion and of course not changing the advice from Bapak and Ibu Rahayu and guidance from helpers. It is a good sign that all Council members feel they can openly express their opinions, and I value all of them. The conclusion was that instead of a pre-planned workshop, space would be made for a conversation about these issues at the July meeting.

Brief news:

• The World Congress Organizing Committee met by zoom this month. Almost all of the key teams have been filled and are making very good progress. The WCOT will meet in June at Fatima.
• Arifin Konrad is forming a team of those with A.I. experience to explore its use - and danger of misuse – in Subud.
• If you are planning on attending the July Council meeting in Rungan Sari (participants are welcome) please register: https://forms.gle/MLXUgL5GCixBQ2wo6

My love and best wishes to all, Rifka

Rifka Several, World Subud Association Chair