We are people from different nations, cultures and faiths. People from Switzerland, Germany, France, America, Austria and many other nations are a part of the fellowship. Many of us live and work together in Linden as members of the cooperative Methernitha. Within our community we are all equals; we have no superior or subordinate members. We are all students here on Earth.
“One always remains a pupil in the school of life."
Christina of Sweden (1626-1689)
Queen from 1632-1654
Even the smallest of help is of great value in our community, and for this reason our older members, in so far as they wish to work and as their health permits, work along side of our younger members. Our members who are in need of long-term care are cared for with great thanks and appreciation until their death.
All of our members are aware of their own responsibility within the social sphere.
Each person is guided by his own conscience in every decision and action.
Each member has his own private sphere. However, living in community is also important to us because we can thereby learn much about ourselves. In a residential and working community one quickly encounters the limits and weaknesses of one’s character, which consequently requires one to take a closer look at oneself. For this reason, living within a community is not always easy.
Ignoring the faults and failings of others and focusing one’s attention on one’s own progress toward betterment is quite challenge and requires a certain degree of self-discipline and human greatness.
In Methernitha, we live according to the wise Rule of Saint Benedict: "pray and work". In our community we work 40 hours per week; that is to say that each member, if his health permits, works 8 hours per day. The allocation of work can vary from person to person. Some people have several different part-time jobs, depending upon demand.
Due to the establishment of our unique economic structure, many tasks, which would otherwise be performed in one’s leisure time, are taken care of by various departments within the community, thereby leaving each person with more time to devote to inner concerns.
