A religious organisation with just 30 active members in south London could open a centre in Tooting, after proposals were approved.
Planning permission was given for a vacant shop in Eardley Road, Furzedown, to be turned into a centre for the religion Eckankar.
Originating in Chanhassen, Minnesota, Eckankar claims to have members in more than 100 countries around the world.
Eckankar
Described as the "Religion of the Light and Sound of God", Eckankar's world headquarters are in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Although its teachings are said to have ancient roots, it was introduced as a modern-day religion by Paul Twitchell in 1965.
Since 1981, the spiritual leader has been Sri Harold Klemp. He also goes by the title of the Mahanta, the living Eck Master.
The Holy Spirit is known as the Eck. Members are Eckists, and its scriptures are the Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad.
Eckists believe in karma and reincarnation.
One of the basic teachings is that God is Love.
One of the basic tenets is that soul can leave the body in full consciousness and travel freely in other planes of reality.
Various spiritual exercises are promoted by the organisation.
Chanting, contemplation, meditation, singing, trance work and visualisation techniques are used to achieve soul travel.
Eckankar considers abortion, divorce, sexual orientation, and a decision to terminate life to be personal matters.
Eckists discourage the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Eckankar claims an active membership base in more than 100 countries throughout the world, with anything from 50,000 to 500,000 members.
The religion is not known for attempting to aggressively convert people, but it does advertise its presence and distribute literature to interested people.
After Islam and Christianity, it is the third largest religion in Nigeria.
Despite being a non-profit organisation, it has attracted some criticism from former members, and there are internet sites which brand it a "fraudulent new age cult".
Agent for the application, Igho Tabor said: "I know people have had problems with it in the past, as with any religion. Nobody's ever stopped from leaving.
"People will always find something negative to say. The only way to find out is to come in there for yourself. Deciding whether it's a cult is a personal thing."
She said the centre would be the only one in the country, as previous sites in Deptford and Kensington have closed.
To open five days a week, the centre would allow members of the public to find out more about the religion, attend study classes and services.
Five residents objected to the proposals, with some worried the site was inappropriate for use as a place of worship.
But planning committee chairman Leslie McDonnell reassured the Wandsworth Borough News that noise and disturbance would be minimal.
"If you're going to have a religion as your neighbour, you'd want it be this one," he said.
Mrs Tabor insisted that the religion's practices were tranquil.
"We always need places that are really quiet in able to function. We hardly ever use microphones," she said.
She stressed that her views were her own personal opinion as a member of the religion.
President of the UK's Eckankar Trust, Steven Mallett, declined to comment at this stage as the plans have not yet been submitted to Eckankar.
Posted by: Robert Ilechuku, Southend on Sea on 7:39am Sat 22 Mar 08
This is a fantastic development.
In no way does ECKANKAR pose a threat to the peace and tranquility of any neighbourhood. For years centres, such as the proposed one, have existed in Nigeria without any complaints from anyone in the locality. And I have visited ECKANKAR centres in both the East and West of the country.
This is a fantastic development.
In no way does ECKANKAR pose a threat to the peace and tranquility of any neighbourhood. For years centres, such as the proposed one, have existed in Nigeria without any complaints from anyone in the locality. And I have visited ECKANKAR centres in both the East and West of the country.
Posted by: Kathy Snell, Essex on 10:19am Sat 22 Mar 08
Eckankar is indeed the "neighbour" you`d love to have. Quiet chanting, and silent meditation is as loud as it gets, the whole ethos is respecting others, their way of life, and their beliefs - no door-knocking, or coersion, it`s spread by literature and word of mouth. I hope all goes well for them.
Eckankar is indeed the "neighbour" you`d love to have. Quiet chanting, and silent meditation is as loud as it gets, the whole ethos is respecting others, their way of life, and their beliefs - no door-knocking, or coersion, it`s spread by literature and word of mouth. I hope all goes well for them.
Posted by: Ejiro Obakponovwe, Brixton on 10:51am Fri 28 Mar 08
This is great. Thank you Diane for such a clean, honest and open article. I am a memeber of Eckankar and an ECK Centre in South London would be just great. The active members in South London are definitely more than 30 and we are generally loving people.
This is great. Thank you Diane for such a clean, honest and open article. I am a memeber of Eckankar and an ECK Centre in South London would be just great. The active members in South London are definitely more than 30 and we are generally loving people.
Posted by: Eze Nwankwo, Homerton, London on 5:41am Sat 29 Mar 08
This is a welcome development not only for present members of Eckankar but for all seekers of truth in the region.
If only you know the blessings that come with having such a centre in your neighbourhood, you will ask for more of the same.
This is a welcome development not only for present members of Eckankar but for all seekers of truth in the region.
If only you know the blessings that come with having such a centre in your neighbourhood, you will ask for more of the same.
Posted by: Patience Baptiste, Hackney London on 7:05pm Sat 29 Mar 08
It's wonderful news to have an Eckankar centre where we can invite and share the teachings of Eckankar with other spiritual seekers. The teachings of Eckankar will awaken the knowledge and love for the divine things that are already in your heart.
It's wonderful news to have an Eckankar centre where we can invite and share the teachings of Eckankar with other spiritual seekers. The teachings of Eckankar will awaken the knowledge and love for the divine things that are already in your heart.
Posted by: Patience Don-Willies, Streatham on 10:32pm Sat 29 Mar 08
I think this is a wonderful beginning for Eckankar to flourish in a big city like London.From a personal and spiritual point of view the the tooting locality is lucky to have Eckankar in their neighbourhood.
I think this is a wonderful beginning for Eckankar to flourish in a big city like London.From a personal and spiritual point of view the the tooting locality is lucky to have Eckankar in their neighbourhood.
Posted by: Jean-Baptiste, Birmingham on 1:24am Fri 11 Apr 08
Nice to hear that the centre will be open 5 days a week. Which means there will be more activities and less restriction of time for anybody who wants to attend or discover.
Nice to hear that the centre will be open 5 days a week. Which means there will be more activities and less restriction of time for anybody who wants to attend or discover.
I find Eckankar the freest religion I have ever encounted. This is what attracted me to it as I am a free thinker and very independent. There are recognized criterion for cults:
1 - the leader demands worship in some fashion
2 - they strip you of funds
3 - you are not free to leave
4 - they control all your thoughts
Eckankar fails every test!
I find Eckankar the freest religion I have ever encounted. This is what attracted me to it as I am a free thinker and very independent. There are recognized criterion for cults:
1 - the leader demands worship in some fashion
2 - they strip you of funds
3 - you are not free to leave
4 - they control all your thoughts
Eckankar fails every test!
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