Walkiria Ank:

“This is the appropriate moment for the growth of Spiritism in
the United States”

A member of the Spiritist Society Renovação (Renovation), in the American state of Georgia, the fellow Spiritist from Minas Gerais
 state talks about her work in the Spiritist Movement in
the US in the last seven years

	Walkiria Claudia Mendes Silva Ank (photo) found Spiritism aged 17 in her home city of Belo Horizonte and has adopted it as a philosophy for her life. She is a teacher and moved to Georgia seven years ago. She works as a volunteer at the Renovação group in Carrollton. Walkiria, who has a beautiful smile and amazing charisma, talked to us
about her work as a healer and Spiritist public speaker.  Tell us about the beginning of your work in the US.

I did an Internet search when I came here and joined the Christian Spiritist Community of Atlanta (CECA), in the city of Mableton, some 40 minutes from home. It is an area with many Brazilians and I was with them for three years. But then I was invited to give a talk at the Renovation Spiritist in Atlanta (SER), where they had a more advanced study group and I have stayed. 

How is Spiritism viewed in the United States?

Many here link it to Spiritualism and esoteric, or New Age, religions. But I have noticed that those who come to us are not usually the people with some interest in Spirituality, but instead the sceptic, those who have lost faith in traditional religions, who can no longer find comfort in their empty answers. 

Tell us about the Sociedade Espírita Renovação.

It was founded on 17 January 2007, with the aim of disseminating the study and practice of Spiritism and to serve humankind. We have a focus on studying the Teachings and their applications to our daily lives. 

Do you have open talks here? How is your study programme structured?

Our talks take place on Sundays, as most Americans cannot conceive the idea of making contact in God any time other than Sunday mornings. We have two simultaneous talks on Sunday morning: one in Portuguese and the other one in English. We also have groups for children and healing for all. The study groups in Portuguese meet on Saturdays. 

Are there American people taking part in the group?

Three Americans have finished all studies and work regularly as volunteers. There are two other Americans currently doing our courses and a couple of Latinos and two Americans attending our meetings on a regular basis. 

What is their view of the Teachings?

The Americans who join our group are introduced to Spiritism by Brazilian friends or relatives. We are still in the beginning of this process with the American people. But our project is ambitious. We have new facilities and have built an ample room for talks in Portuguese and English, which will be filmed and will be available in our website, www.atlantaespirita.com. There are only three Spiritist Groups in Atlanta, but in other parts of the US many Americans have joined Spiritism. I would mention New Jersey, Boston, San Francisco and mainly Florida, where Latinos and Brazilians have opened many Spiritist groups. 

What do you do to raise funds?

We have a board of directors with five members, with a two-year mandate. The members of the Spiritist Group pay a small amount every month to help us cover the expenses. Some donate more. And every two months we have a special lunch, where we meet in a friendly atmosphere and raise funds for the group. We also organise balls, dinners etc. Some 150 people come to those events. And that is how we have managed to raise funds to buy the group’s new house. 

Do you have Spiritist books available to sell?

Yes, our study and work is based in the codification of Spiritism by Allan Kardec and other works. Our main problem is how to get the books. We use every opportunity, asking friends who go to Brazil to bring books in their luggage, or buy in websites. There is a small book distributor in Boston, which helps us. But I believe the main problem is the lack of Spiritist titles translated into English. 

How many people attend your meetings every week?

On average, 40 people in the public meetings and 25 in the study groups. And on Fridays we gather to work solely on spiritual treatments, through magnetic healing, healing water, fraternal assistance (counselling) and, when necessary, healing through our Spiritual Benefactors. 

Tell us about the prospects for Spiritism in the US and the rest of the world.

There are two viewpoints concerning the prospects for Spiritism in the US. Some say the most effective work will be done by our children, as we are foreigners and do not have a perfect command of the English language. Others say that we should not wait. We have the foundations set and the tools to carry on with the work. I believe both viewpoints complement each other. Perhaps a palpable growth will only come with our children, when they are in charge of the Spiritist Movement. But we have a very important task to do, including educating and preparing our children. 

In your opinion, will Spiritism grow in the United States?

Yes. I believe the rational principles of Spiritism and the consolation it provides will gradually find room in the heart of the American people, and also in the hearts of all people, who have been more and more looking for answers to their sufferings and questions. 

Thanks for your participation and please share with us your final thoughts.

I believe this is the appropriate moment for the growth of Spiritism in the United States, but we do not have the pretension of claiming to be the great pioneers of Spiritism in the country. We are simply sowing the seeds, doing the job given to us by our Celestial Father through our Governor, Jesus. We are setting the foundations and building the bridges so these Spirits, currently incarnated as Americans, are able to receive the invaluable message and contribute to the development of our planet.