The Organisation

The Spiritualists National Union

There are several national organisations within the Spiritualist Movement, but so far as we know, the only one with legal recognition is the Spiritualists' National Union (SNU), and can offer the enquirer a wide variety of educational courses.

The SNU has other sections dealing with specific areas of responsibility. It has individual membership (class B) and group membership Churches, Societies, etc. (class A). It is these people who can attend and speak at the SNU Annual General Meetings and at their local District Council General Meetings. They can put forward ideas, suggestions and motions, to alter, amend or introduce new policies in their area.

Democracy is a very important issue in the SNU for nothing is imposed by a hierarchy. The leaders of the organisation are those who have been nominated by its members; some are elected, and some are appointed from nominations. These leaders are not paid a salary, but are dedicated volunteers, using a small, paid administrative staff. Both the President then appoints a Treasurer, and a small group of people, usually five in number, to act a Chairman of various Committees, each of which has an area of specific responsibility.

Standing Committees

Education Committee
Training and Awards Committee
Healing Committee
Publicity & Public Relations

The Officers of the Union, that is the President, Vice President, Treasurer along with the Executive Committee (NEC). These people are jointly responsible for the administrative and executive decisions of the Union, and are, effectively the Board of Directors.

Alongside the NEC is a larger group of people. This is the Council of the Union, which is a policy making body, with representatives from various geographical areas throughout the length and breadth of the country. These areas are called the District Councils, and each one has its own elected Executive Committee. The Council of the Union also has representatives from the Guild of Spiritualist Healers, the Lyceum Union, and the class B members. All of these people join together with the Officers to the Union to formulate its policies.

In many towns, there are groups of people who have come together to form themselves into Churches, Societies, Associations etc. It is through these that most people have their first contact with organised Spiritualism. These groups have regular services, discussions, social activities and healing services. These groups regulate their own affairs, subject to their terms of affiliation to the SNU.

At all these levels, local, district and national, the individual can, if he is a member of that organisation, voice his opinion, and suggest ideas to deal with matters such as finance, elections, policy and so on. So it can be seen that the individual can have a great deal of influence within the organisation, at all of the various levels. The organisation is merely the vehicle for putting forward the ideas and principles of its members.