Holy ghosts

Near to where I work, only a few hundred yards apart, are two National Spiritualist Churches, one large, one small. Astonishingly, these are part of a network of almost 350 such places of worship in the UK, all based around the principle that, not only is there eternal life after death, but, in the right circumstances and with the right people, you can chat to those that have gone on ahead whenever you like.

The movement was founded in 1901 but, for obvious reasons, expanded rapidly during the terrible years of The Great War. A typical service will include prayers, hymns, a sermon and a display of either mediumship or spirit guided healing. Services are usually open to all, although a small fee or contribution is sometimes expected.

















































The National Spiritualist Union see Spiritualism as a stand alone religion (there is a separate group that see it as a component of denominational Christianity), and adhere to the following nine point declaration of beliefs:

l. We believe in Infinite Intelligence;

2. We believe that the phenomena of Nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Infinite Intelligence;

3. We affirm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance therewith constitute true religion;

4. We affirm that the existence and personal identity of the individual continue after the change called death;

5. We affirm that communication with the so-called dead is a fact, scientifically proven by the phenomena of Spiritualism;

6. We believe that the highest morality is contained in the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

7. We affirm the moral responsibility of the individual, and that we make our own happiness or unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature's physical and spiritual laws;

8. We affirm that the doorway to reformation is never closed against any soul here or hereafter;

9. We affirm that the precept of Prophecy and Healing are Divine attributes proven through Mediumship.

Their motto? Light - Nature - Truth.