Introduction to Spiritualism

Religion & Philosophy
Spiritualism is an officially recognized religion. The Spiritualists’ National Union has a ministry recognized by H.M. Government.   Spiritualism has no fixed creed or dogma but the basis of membership is acceptance of Seven Principles:  

Church services are conducted with reverence. An Address is given on the philosophy of Spiritualism and is normally followed by a demonstration of mediumship to prove the reality of survival.

The main difference between Spiritualism and other religions is that Spiritualism is founded on the demonstrated evidence that there is life after death, and that there is a path of eternal progression for all mankind, with an acceptance of personal responsibility for all one’s own actions.

We are all spirit here and now, and part of a plan involving the whole Universe. Spiritualism teaches that we should live harmoniously, doing to others as we would have others do to us. Spiritualism is a universal religion which recognizes such leaders as Buddha, Mohammed, Moses and well as Jesus. We consider them all as great teachers and healers.

 History & Pioneers
Modern Spiritualism began in March 1948 at Hydesville , New York State in the USA,   when the Fox family were disturbed by rappings and other phenomena. The young Fox sisters Kate and Margaret were able to establish a link of communication asking for a specified number of raps in response to their various questions. It was later found that the communicator was a Charles B. Rosna, a pedlar who had been murdered by a previous occupant of the cottage in which the Fox sisters lived.   Following these humble beginnings, the first public demonstrations of mediumship were held. Mrs Hayden was the first medium to demonstrate in Great Britain in 1852 and in the following year the first Spiritualist Church was opened in Keighley, West Yorkshire . Many Churches and societies were formed throughout the country and a National Federation was formed in 1890 to organise the Spiritualist movement under the leadership of Emma Hardinge Britten, who over course of time had propounded the basis of the “Seven Principles”.  The Federation had no legal status so, to remedy this, the Spiritualists’ National Union was incorporated and in 1902 it took over the property, rights and obligations of the Federation.   Prominent figures who pioneered Spiritualism include Andrew Jackson Davies (USA), who foretold the coming of Modern Spiritualism, developed a Lyceum to attract all ages, and wrote many books whilst in the trance state. Alfred Kitson (GB) who devoted himself to the establishment of Lyceums and was responsible, together with Mrs Kersey and Mrs Britten, for the English Lyceum Manuel.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir William Crookes, Sir Oliver Lodge, Lord Hugh Dowding and Hannen Swaffer all played prominent parts in the promotion of Spiritualism, together with gifted mediums who included R.J. Lees, Florence Cook, David Dunglas. Home and Gladys Osborne Leonard.

In 1940 the Spiritualists’ National Union achieved full Government recognition and in 1951 Parliament passed the Fraudulent Mediums Act to help the cause of Spiritualism ( This was repealed on 26th May 2008 by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 - SI No. 1277)

 Mediumship
 Spiritualist mediums are highly sensitive people who have developed their psychic awareness and are able to communicate with those in the Spirit World who may still wish to communicate with us, just as they would if they had moved to another part of this world.

There are two forms of mediumship, mental and physical, the former being the type normally witnessed in the Church. The spirit entity works through the medium’s mind and he or she is able to see spirit forms  (clairvoyance), hear spirit voices (clairaudience) or sense their presence (clairsentience). Physical mediumship includes materialization or direct voice when spirit present themselves in visible form or speak directly to those they wish to contact.  Some mediums occasionally work in a trance or controlled state. This ranges from a simple passive condition to a deep unconscious one. The entranced medium is used by a spirit to deliver an address or pass on certain ideas which are often far in advance of the medium’s own knowledge.

Spiritual mediumship in no way involves fortune telling. The work of a medium is to provide evidence of the reality of survival after so-called death and to pass on practical help and understanding when needed. Spiritualism is concerned with the way we live here and now, and the advice given should add meaning and a deeper sense of purpose to life.

Spiritual Healing
 Spiritual healing is practised in our churches and centres. A definition is: “The beneficial effect which healers are believed to have on patients when, motivated by their own beliefs and following their normal practices, they administer contact healing through the hands, or at a distance by thought (or prayer) transference.”

Healers aim to complement treatment given by doctors but healing can sometimes successfully cure illness which fails to respond to other forms of treatment. It is not faith healing since the patient need not have any belief.  Absent healing or distant healing through thoughts and prayers can be offered to those who are unable to travel or attend a healing session and this can be as effective as contact healing. Healing is freely offered to all people who consent to the application, without regard to personal belief.

Requests for home visits or absent healing should be directed to the Church Secretary or Healing Leaders.  

Investigate for Yourself

Read books on the subject.  Attend discussion groups and lectures where you can ask questions of knowledgeable people.  So give Spiritualism a chance. Do not dismiss it because of one or two unsatisfactory meetings.

If you are satisfied with the movement’s authenticity and think you can accept the Seven Principles, you may wish to apply for Associate Membership of the Church, leading to Full Membership.

You may wish to become a full subscribing Class B Member of the SNU, which has a full range of educational courses to study.

     “Spiritualism is the greatest revelation the world has ever known.”  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

     “Spiritualism explains life here and hereafter. It does not fall back on ancient tradition. It does not rest on faith and its assertions can be proved and vouched for here and now.” Arthur Findlay, M.B.E.

      “Reason is the supreme faculty. It is not the sole avenue to the truth, but the test to which all facts should be put before they are accepted as the truth.” Plato  

The Church is registered to undertake Marriages, Namings and Funerals. It is run by an elected Committee headed by the President. The Church has charitable status and is funded through membership subscriptions, collections, entrance fees at meetings, and donations.

 
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