Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00313)

On the subject of T.S. in Canada being excommunicated in 1991, there has been much speculation, but the real story has yet to be told.

Joy Mills was present at the Meeting of the General Council which voted to excommunicate T.S. in Canada. Perhaps she could supply more information. The question of changes to the By-Laws of T.S. in Canada was a minor technicality which was used against Canadian Section, and which could have been discussed but no attempt was ever made to do so.  There is more to this excommunication than has been stated to date, (which the international organization noted as a ‘dissociation’ on the part of T.S. in Canada).  Adyar likely had other reasons for wanting to expel Canadian Section.  Following HPB’s death there have been two factions in the theosophical movement, those who followed Besant and those who followed WQ Judge.  The answer perhaps lies in the promotion of one over the other.  Since the 1920's there have been two theosophical organizations in Canada: Canadian Federation and T.S. in Canada.  It was mentioned that Canada was split into a french section and an english section; t!
his is not necessarily true.  Both Canadian Section and Canadian Federation have had lodges in Quebec -- language was not the issue.

Jerry Hejia-Ekins’ observations and synopsis are correct, and Ramadoss puts forth some very good questions.  What was the real reason Adyar threw Canadian Section out? What was it about TS in Canada that led Adyar to sever all connections?  It was no secret that Canadian Section was the ‘grit in the oyster’ that caused irritation.  Adyar has a history of spewing out organizations that don’t conform.  This attitude has been prevalent since the days of Olcott when he wanted to rule with an iron fist (via official notices, etc.) and the ongoing differences between himself and  Judge.  There appears to have always been a greater concern with the survival of the organization than the Teachings as presented by HPB.

Ernest