Spiritualism In Schools
Request for help from Minister Lynette Coulston
May I thank everyone who has so far completed my Spiritualism in Schools questionnaire. Please see my December 2007 update on progress so far. It has indeed been overwhelming and very pleasing to see that so many of you have taken the time to express your opinions in detail, and I have read and learned from your ideas.
To persuade Education Authorities that they should add Spiritualism to the religious education syllabus, we seek evidence of your wishes on this subject. So, I ask for more people to complete the questionnaire and allow me the pleasure of reading at least one thousand opinions whatever they may be. This invitation is extended to all readers of this website.
It may not be possible for me to acknowledge individual responses.
With thanks as we look to the future.
Lynette Coulston.
BRIGHT FUTURE IN THEIR HANDS
"The child is the repository of infinite possibilities"
"And a little child shall lead them"
All Spiritualists and Friends of Spiritualist Philosophy
Have you ever wished that you knew then what you know now? When you were young were you given the opportunity at school to talk about some of your strange experiences and your playmates or people you saw, whom no one else could see?
Today, there are children who might well feel the same way. Some of them may attend Spiritualist Lyceums, Spiritualist Churches, Spiritualist Healing clinics and already discuss these matters at home or with some of their peers. Some might be happier still to share aspects of Spiritualism with their teachers and classmates without embarrassment or fear of ridicule, in the same way as they are exposed to the knowledge of other religions.
To this end, and in an attempt to spread knowledge of man's dual nature, physical and spiritual, it would be appreciated if you could complete my questionnaire. I especially seek responses from those of you who are parents, grandparents or guardians of children and young adults of school age. This will assist me in researching the feasibility of introducing an understanding of Spiritualist teachings into schools, as a way of life for everyone, and the way forward for the Spiritualist Cause.
My Spiritualism in Schools information project started as a result of the last minute cancelling by a school whose pupils were to open a Spiritualist Aid event in November 2005. The decision to withdraw had been taken by the head teacher who felt he could not allow his pupils to attend until he had researched Spiritualism.
For this reason, amongst others, I feel it is important to find out if the nation's Spiritualists feel that a basic understanding of Spiritualist teachings, alongside other religions, is needed within schools. I have discussed with a few people who have knowledge of today's religious education syllabus in certain schools, and also with Minister Dennis Jones, the SNU's Public Relations Officer.
I am a member of the Coventry Interfaith Group and the local Multi-Faith Forum, and from my experience here, I suspect that these organisations could be influential in forging a way towards the inclusion of Spiritualist teachings in schools. As a Minister of the SNU and a retired professional teacher and lecturer with thirty-three years experience, I am well-equipped to work alongside a number of proficient Spiritualists in the preparation of graded schemes of work as may be required by those in authority, should Spiritualism succeed in penetrating the walls that surround it.
Minister Mrs Lynette Coulston