The History of the Union ---------------------

Most of the various forms of psychic phenomena associated with the Spiritualist movement are as old as man himself. Throughout the ages human beings have been aware of the existence of discarnate beings. In early days, when man lived close to nature, ancestor-worship became a form of religion; primitive man had no doubt that his ancestors had survived death and that they had powers to affect the living for good or ill. Therefore due reverence was shown to them in order to incur favor. The wise men of the tribe, who were possessed of psychic powers, the equivalent of modern mediums, would testify to the presence of the spirits and forms of communication were established with them.

 

The Greeks consulted oracles and the Assyrians and Romans practiced divination by augury to obtain guidance from the gods. Even today some cultures have their witch-doctors, who invoke the powers of the spirit for healing. It can be seen, therefore, that there is nothing new in the concept of a spiritual world inhabited by discarnate beings or in the use of psychic power to achieve spirit communication.

 

The early Christian Church was founded on the basis of mediumship, Jesus of Nazareth being considered to have been an exceptionally gifted psychic and medium, as illustrated in the reports of his healing powers, inspired teachings, and so-called 'miracles'. After the Crucifixion it is recorded that Jesus was seen and heard by Paul and others and it is clear that mediumship played an important part in the work of the Apostles in the spreading of this new religion and its presentation in Church services. The Bible in both the Old and New Testaments has many references to psychic abilities, inspirational speech, speaking in other languages, physical mediumship, healing and so on.

 

However, the 4th-century Council of Nicaea brought to an end the use of mediums and held that divine guidance, through the Holy Spirit, should be sought only from the priesthood: 'false prophets' were held to be servants of the devil, and sorcerers, heretics and mediums were all targets for persecution as a result of 'witch-mania'. This accelerated in the Middle Ages, when religious sanction for this persecution was given in 1484 by a papal bull and by the publication of the Malleus Maleficarum or 'Hammer of the Witches'. During this long period of persecution anyone suspected of using psychic gifts for whatever purpose was in danger of torture, trial and burning, and hundreds of thousands of psychics were put to death by organized 'witch-hunters'.

 

In the 18th century a Swedish scientist and astronomer, Emmanuel Swedenborg, had become well-known for his philosophical writings, received from spirit teachers. He died in 1772 but was able to resume his work prior to the Hydesville phenomena through the mediumship of another young American, Andrew Jackson Davis. Knockings had also occurred in the 18th century in England at the Epworth Rectory, home of the Wesley family.

 

The Modern Movement 
Modern Spiritualism is generally considered to date from the events which occurred at Hydesville, New York State, U.S.A., on March 31st 1848, when two sisters, Margaretta and Catherine Fox, established intelligent communication with a spirit entity which had been responsible for noisy rapping in the house. The publicity which this aroused and the numerous investigations carried out at the time allowed mediumship to come out into the open once more and many home circles sprang up for the purpose of further communication. In a short space of time many societies of Spiritualists were formed in America, based not merely upon the psychic phenomena produced but also upon the religious implications which lay behind the teachings received from spirit through the new revelation.

 

Both the phenomena and the teachings attracted the attention of eminent scientists and intellectuals in America and (from 1852) Britain, to which Spiritualism was brought by Mrs Hayden, who was both persecuted and insulted by the press and the pulpit. In spite of this her mediumship was defended by many public figures, including Robert Owen, Socialist and one of the founders of the Co-operative Movement, who embraced Spiritualism after sittings with her, and many adherents were attracted to the cause. In 1853 the first Spiritualist Church was established in the British Isles by David Richmond at Keighley in Yorkshire, and the first Spiritualist newspaper in Britain, The Yorkshire Spiritual Telegraph, was published in 1855, also at Keighley. By the 1870s there were numerous Spiritualist societies and churches throughout the country.

 

In 1869 a Committee appointed by the Dialectical Society investigated Spiritualism and published the most favorable report on the movement up to that time by any investigating body. Two years later Sir William Crookes reported on Spiritualism to the Royal Society and published his findings in the Quarterly Journal of Science. The British National Association of Spiritualists (renamed in 1884 as the London Spiritualist Alliance and now known as the College of Psychic Science) was founded in London in 1873, followed by the Society for Psychical Research in 1882. Five years later the Two Worlds Spiritualist weekly newspaper was founded by Mrs Emma Hardinge Britten, through whose mediumship in 1871 Robert Owen had communicated the basis of the Seven Principles of Spiritualism, which were later to be adopted by the Spiritualists' National Union as the basis of its religious philosophy.

 

In the early days of the movement the most important necessity had been the complete freedom to develop and promote through multiple channels of communication the reception of the new spiritual inspiration without recourse to the establishment of a central organization or administration. Some twenty years after the introduction of the movement to Britain it was now becoming apparent that there was a need to unite the many scattered churches and societies into some kind of federation in order to present a common front against persecution, win religious recognition and freedom of worship for its adherents and exponents, achieve a greater unanimity of opinion concerning the fundamental basis of Spiritualist beliefs, and give a new impetus and direction to the movement through co-ordination and co-operation. This task fell to Mrs Britten, a gifted orator and writer, who had launched the Two Worlds in 1887 and was the joint composer of the Lyceum Manual published in the same year.

 

Formation

A number of National Conferences had been held in the early years in Darlington, Newcastle, Liverpool and London, all with the intention of establishing a national organization, but these had proved unsuccessful. The idea of a National Federation of Spiritualist Churches had been the subject of several articles written by Mrs Britten in Two Worlds in late 1889 and early 1890, and at her instance a meeting of interested Spiritualists was convened on 1st April 1891 in Manchester with a view to discussing plans for the formation of an organization which would unite the Spiritualist churches throughout the country. Following a favourable response from these to a circular the Inaugural Conference of the Spiritualists' National Federation was held on the first Sunday in July 1890 in the Co-operative Hall, Ardwick, Manchester.

 

At first the Federation was little more than a movable annual conference at which delegates from Spiritualist societies and individual Spiritualists could discuss problems of common interest. As a result of these conferences it became clear that the field of co-operation could be widened if the Federation obtained the legal status of a corporation which could hold real property. Accordingly, in October 1901 the Spiritualists' National Union Limited was incorporated under the Companies Acts as a company not for profit and limited by guarantee, and in July 1902 it succeeded to, and took over the property, rights and obligations of, the Spiritualists' National Federation.

Seven Principles

For the purpose of providing a definition of Spiritualism and Spiritualist for incorporation in the Memorandum of Association of the new company the framers of the Union's constitution in 1901 adapted the Principles given through Mrs Britten's mediumship and so established the following unalterable Seven Principles of Spiritualism as the basis of the religion and religious philosophy of the Spiritualists' National Union:-

1. The Fatherhood of God.

2. The Brotherhood of Man.

3. The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels.

4. The continuous existence of the human soul.

5. Personal responsibility.

6. Compensation and retribution hereafter for all the good and evil deeds done on earth.

7. Eternal progress open to every human soul.

 

The SNU's Principles explained.

The Fatherhood of God

By the study of Nature - that is, by trying to understand the Laws of Cause & Effect which govern all that is happening around us - we recognize that there is a creative force in the universe. This force, or energy, not only created the whole universe, but also life itself in its many forms and is continuing to create today. The effects of this eternal creation can be seen around us and this leads us to the evidence that 'God' - 'The Creative Force' - manifests directly, or indirectly, in all things. We know this power as God and as we are part of the Life created by God, we acknowledge God as our Father.

The Brotherhood of Man

Because we all come from the same universal life source we are, in effect, one large family, small individual offshoot from the whole. This means that all mankind is part of a brotherhood. A brotherhood is a community for mutual support and comfort. We are all members of the same divine family. We need to share our joys as well as our burdens; we need to understand the needs of other individuals in order to assist them as part of our service to each other. As we learn to give so must we also learn to receive thereby achieving the necessary balance for our life. We must look not only to the material necessities of our fellow creatures but also to their spiritual needs and help those in need to become strong and worthy of their relationship in the Family of God.

Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels (This is the key Principle to our Religion)

All religions believe in life after death but only Spiritualism shows that it is true by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can and does take place. Spiritualist Churches provide one of the venues where communication, through mediumship, is possible and many loved relatives and friends take advantage of this opportunity to continue to take an interest in our welfare. There are also spirit people/teachers who are dedicated to the welfare and service of mankind. Some (e.g. Silver Birch) bring inspiration and teachings whilst others work within the healing ministry.

Continuous Existence of the Human Soul

It is scientifically proven that matter (being part of the creative force, or energy) cannot be destroyed; it merely changes its form. Spirit, as part of the Creative Force is, therefore, indestructible. On the death of the physical body, the spirit continues as an integral part of a world, which interpenetrates our world but in a different dimension. This world is referred to as the SpiritWorld. In spirit life we have a spirit body, which until we progress far enough, is a replica of our earthly body. We are the same individuals in every way with the same personalities and characteristics and we change only by progression, or otherwise, as a result of our own efforts. Our personal responsibilities do not stop at death.

Personal Responsibility

This principle is the one which places responsibility for wrongful thoughts and deeds where it belongs - with the individual. It is the acceptance of responsibility for every aspect of our lives and the use to which we place our lives depends entirely upon ourselves. It is not possible for any other person, or outside influence, to interfere with our spiritual development, unless we are willing to allow this. No one can put right the wrongdoing except the offender. As we are given freedom of choice (freewill) so also are we given the ability to recognize what is right from what is wrong. We are totally, as well as personally, responsible.

Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth

As with all the other Principles, the natural laws apply and this one echoes the law of Cause and Effect (as you sow, so shall you reap). One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and popularity in return. It must be understood that the compensatory or retributive effects of this law operate now - on earth - they do not wait until we begin to live in the Spirit World.

Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul

In every heart there exists the desire for progress and to every human spirit belongs the power to progress in wisdom and love. All who desire to tread the path that leads to perfection are able to pursue it. The rate of progress is directly proportional to the desire for mental and spiritual understanding. If we do our best in earth life to follow our inward prompting or intuitions; we shall find progress very easy, on earth as in spirit; if not, every step in advancement will follow a struggle against imperfections, which we ourselves will have worked into our natures. Within the Family of God, with all the advantages that our realization of that state can give us, we are all given the opportunity to be responsible for our own eternal progress.

 

As a final note to these principles, Spiritualism, through an intelligent and thorough investigation of its Seven Principles, reveals the understanding, the deepest significance of service to others and transforms life from selfishness to unselfishness, from individualism to social co-operation. Only on such a foundation can love and truth and all other spiritual values have any practical meaning.

 

Objects

The primary object of the Spiritualists' National Union is to promote the advancement and diffusion of a knowledge of the religion and religious philosophy of Spiritualism on the basis of the Seven Principles. It aims to unite Spiritualist societies and churches into a Spiritualist brotherhood and to secure for them full recognition as religious bodies. Other objects specified in the Memorandum of Association include the encouragement of Spiritualist research, the certification and appointment of Ministers, lecturers, exponents and teachers, the publication and distribution of Spiritualist literature and the promotion of mission work. The Union has taken a leading part in the foundation of the International Spiritualist Federation, which unites Spiritualists of many countries.

 

Honorary Officers Persons of distinction who are Spiritualists or in sympathy with the work of the Union have from time to time been invited to become honorary officers or honorary members of the Union.

The present Honorary Officers of the Union are as follows:-

Hon. Presidents-in-Spirit: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, G.M. Higginson.

Hon. President: E. Hatton MSNU.

Hon. Vice-President: T. Horton MSNU, Mrs D. Hudson MSNU.

© SNU Publications 1998-2000 Updated July 2000

 

The Union Today ------------------------------------------

Status

The Spiritualists' National Union is the recognized national body in the United Kingdom for Spiritualism as based upon the Seven Principles. It is a non-profit-making company incorporated under the Companies Acts with a liability limited by guarantee and not having a capital divided into shares and it is registered as a religious charity with the Charity Commission.

 

Its Rules for Churches are accepted by the Inland Revenue as a charitable instrument providing exemption for its affiliated bodies from liability to pay income tax. It has been legally recognized by the Home Office since 1939 as an appointing body for Spiritualist Ministers and since 1940 it has held a Certificate from the Lord Chancellor to act as a trust corporation and a License from the Board of Trade extending the Union's power to hold land beyond that normally given to companies formed for non-commercial purposes. Composition and Membership

 

The Union is principally made up of affiliated Churches (represented where appropriate by delegates known as Class A members) and individual subscribing members (known as Class B members), together with a number of Mission Churches, Kindred Bodies (represented where appropriate by Class C members), Associated Bodies, honorary officers, honorary members and junior associates, all distributed principally through fourteen district councils.

 

As at the end of 1999 the Union had 368 fully affiliated churches (with a total membership of 16,614 persons), 2,153 full Class B members, 256 provisional Class B members, 1096 Class D members, 3 Mission Churches, 9 Kindred Bodies, 12 Associated Bodies, 3 honorary officers, 2 honorary members, 1 Branch and 14 district councils.

 

General Structure

In 1975 changes were made in the Union's Articles and Bye-laws in order to introduce a three-tier system of organization, represented by the National Executive Committee, the Council and the district councils/Branches: this system underwent a further review in 1991 and motions to implement the recommended changes were passed in 1992.

 

Under the revised system the Council acts as an advisory body to the National Executive Committee, which administers the direction of the affairs of the Union; local affairs are delegated to fourteen administrative branches known as district councils, the executive committees of which are directly elected by the members of the district councils themselves.

At the third-tier level the Union has in addition one Branch, the Spiritualists' Lyceum Union, the executive committee of which is partly elected and partly appointed.

 

The National Executive Committee

The National Executive Committee are the directors of the Spiritualists' National Union, being responsible for the direction of the affairs of the Union and meeting some seven times a year for this purpose. It consists of three Officers, five Chairmen of Standing Committees, a member of the Council and up to three Ordinary Members.

 

The Council 

The Council acts as an advisory body to the National Executive Committee and meets regularly twice a year for this purpose. It consists of the three Officers of the Union, a District Representative elected by and from each district council, a Branch representative appointed by the Spiritualists' Lyceum Union and a representative elected by and from Class B members.

The District Councils Local affairs are delegated to fourteen administrative branches of the Union known as district councils, whose objects are to further the objects of the Union within their areas and in particular to promote the advancement and diffusion within their areas of a knowledge of Spiritualism on the basis of the Seven Principles.

The affairs of each district council are administered by an executive committee, directly elected for the most part by the affiliated bodies and Class B members allocated to the district council.

©SNU 1998-2000 Updated July 2000