The thought above is from Cláudio Emanuel Abdala (photo), our interviewee today. He is from the Brazilian city of Salvador, in the state of Bahia, where he works as a physiotherapist and teacher. He’s very active in the Spiritist Movement, travelling around the Salvador region giving talks and helping disseminate Spiritism. In this interview he speaks about the Spiritist Movement and Campo da Paz (Field of Peace), the Spiritist organisation he directs and helped found.

How did you find Spiritism?

It was on August 25th, 1982, two days before my 16th birthday. I received then the biggest and best present in this life, Spiritism. My brother, who was already a Spiritist, finally persuaded me to go to a Spiritist Centre, Luz e Caridade, in Salvador. I still recall every detail of that memorable night and the talk given by Rui Maia Diamantino about reincarnation. As I heard it, I knew I already believed in everything that was being said. It was a unique and unforgettable moment.

Tell us a bit more about the Spiritist Movement in the state of Bahia.

Spiritism is a science with moral (religious) and philosophical implications and, as such, it doesn’t have a hierarchy as other religions do. No one is at the base or at the top of the pyramid and each Spiritist institution is totally independent and autonomous. Naturally, they tend to spend considerable attention to their internal matters and often lose the wider, collective perspective. The Spiritist Federation of Bahia has been carrying out important work to unite all Groups and to unify the Spiritist Movement. But of course the Spiritist Movement is made of fallible men and women, who reflect the moral standards of our planet, still going through the lower stages of development. But I think that slowly but surely we are moving forward.   

We are going through a phase of polarisation and intolerance in Brazil. How can Spiritism help to build better, or at least respectful, relations?

Spiritism is Christianity Reborn, encouraging us to put into practice the Teachings of Our Master Jesus, like the Christians of the first century did. We need to overcome the social and moral diseases of our times. Spiritists should deal with the problems of our society both outside and inside Spiritist Centres. But I think that we often avoid dealing, inside Spiritist Centres, with issues like racism, homophobia, violence against women, religious intolerance, abortion and suicide. Charity is not only about handing out food. It is also about meeting the demands and the problems that affect our communities. We need not only to study and debate those issues, but also to create action plans and make sure Spiritism is able to give its unique contribution.

Tell us about the Campo da Paz.

It’s a Spiritist organisation in Salvador. It first came as a dream in 1985 and it was finally opened in 2009. In a green area of 2,305 square metres we have an orphanage for disabled children. This year we will start building a home for disadvantaged elderly people. And we have a plan for a project to integrate the homeless and give them better prospects in life.

What happened in the 24 years between the dream and the inauguration?

I think my perseverance was being tested. Different groups to plan the new Spiritist Centre were formed and later abandoned. There was a period when I began to drive around with a friend, Hildebrando, looking for a plot of land to buy. But people said we were crazy because we didn’t have any money. Until one day, in October 2004, I lived an amazing experience. I was going out to see a client when I heard a voice in my ear: “Go back in and get the Campo da Paz project”. I did that. When I arrived at the area where my client was, I saw a man watering the garden. My client’s wife said he was a musician. The voice in my year then said: “Go and talk to him.”. I did. I showed him the drawings for the Spiritist Centre and asked if he could help in any way. He had a look at it and that was it. I went to see my patient without many expectations, after banging on so many doors. Much to my surprise, when I was leaving the building I heard him shouting: “My wife loved the project. We have a plot of land of 2,305 square metres. Do you want it?” Can you believe it? That’s how it began.

How can people help the institution?

Spiritually, with prayers and good vibrations. They can also make donations through our bank account: Bradesco – agência 3012, conta-corrente 105199-7 - Campo da Paz - CNPJ nº 07.582.231/0001-08.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Do believe in the power of love. We are in this world for one sole purpose: to become better people. Jesus, our Master and our Lord, has become the pathway we need to follow. Let’s continue to believe in human beings. Jesus believed in us and continues to do so. We are the children of God. Let’s start building through Spiritism the world that Jesus proposes. Mother Theresa says that “the hands that help are more blessed than the mouth that prays,” as helping other people according to their needs is the most beautiful form of prayer. Believe, love, help. Peace and goodness.