Dennis Medeiros Henriques (photo) is the current president of the Spiritist Association in his home city of Campina Grande, in the Brazilian state of Paraíba. Dennis has degrees in Literature and Law. As a young man, he reflects here about the role that young people play in the Spiritist Movement and the challenges faced by today’s youth. 

As someone who was brought up in a Spiritist family, what was the main lesson you learned?

I have plenty of reasons to be grateful in this life. But being immersed in the Spiritist Teachings from birth was, without a doubt, a very special gift. My family founded, 56 years ago, the Discípulos de Jesus (Disciples of Jesus) Spiritist Group. And it was there that I’ve learned, among many other lessons, to value family, Jesus and Spiritism. 

As a young man, how do you see the ongoing clash of generations as the young are gradually expected to take over from the older generation in Spiritist Centres?

As an active member of the Spiritist Movement in Campina Grande and the state of Paraíba, I can certainly notice the lack of young people in positions of command. Many people are surprised when they realise that I am the current president of an institution that coordinates 33 Spiritist Centres and is responsible for an event that gathers more than 1,000 people every year during Carnival (-- MIEP, an event to integrate Spiritists from across the state). But that represents a big responsibility, rather than a privilege. I think the young in the Spiritist Movement must show more commitment, in the same way that those who are more experienced should be more welcoming and less attached to their positions of command. In our region, that has been happening, gradually. But it’s very important to avoid clashes and misunderstandings, establishing, instead, respectful dialogue. We must be open to new ideas, without turning our backs to the wisdom of those who have more experience. And we must continue to abide by the principles of Spiritism and the Gospel of Jesus. 

Can you really see signs of progress? Are young people really being integrated in Spiritist Centres?

Yes, and I’m living proof of that. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that came from more experienced directors who believed (and continue to believe) in my potential and have worked along with the Spiritual Benefactors to help me. I believe, however, that’s more the exception than the rule. There are people who are still attached to their titles and who unfortunately continue to believe that young people are not capable or mature enough to occupy positions of responsibility in Spiritist Centres. 

What are the main factors preventing a full integration of younger people in Spiritist Centres?

I believe it’s a case of shared responsibility. You can’t blame only the older generation. They need, indeed, to delegate more jobs and tasks to the young, giving them, of course, adequate support. But the young need to show more commitment, dedication and persistence. The main challenge, from both sides, is to be humble. And we must remind all of those involved that this is not about them, it’s about Jesus. 

What would you say about the problems faced by your generation and those who are even younger, who are facing the challenges of drug addiction and high suicide rates?

We live in challenging times. The doors are now wide open and young people receive all sorts of invitations, which have diverted many from the real meaning of life. Joanna de Ângelis says that we are always an example to someone, even if we’re not aware of it. All we can do, within our limitations, is to introduce the Gospel of Christ and the Spiritist Teachings to those who are in need of a helping hand, so that they can return to the right , which will lead them into the narrow door. We must convey those principles mainly through our behaviour and our way of speaking and treating other people as well as ourselves. 

And tell us about your involvement with the “Consolando Corações” (Comforting Hearts) project?