My grateful thanks to the 207 persons who have taken the time to respond to the Spiritualist Teachings in Schools  Questionnaire.

It has been a pleasure and delight to read each reply, and to learn that only two persons have reservations about introducing Spiritualist Teachings into the Religious Education Syllabus in schools.  Indeed the comments of the latter have been treated with appreciation and respect.

Having given consideration to the height of the hurdle facing Spiritualism, I feel that a more acceptable approach to Education Authorities might be a request to introduce Spiritualist Teachings wherever appropriate and feasible, BUT at some Key Stage in the Schools Curriculum.   For example, I recently spoke to a teacher who told me that there had been an Open Forum at her school, entitled 'Why Christians believe in Life after Death' !  This could have presented a good opportunity for input on Spiritualism.  I am at present working on this.    At this point, I must clarify that it has never been intended to say to Education Authorities,  "Here we are, Spiritualism is yet another religion for you to add to your list."  What is being emphasised is, that a number of Spiritualists and others feel how imperative it is, that children and young people be exposed to the teachings of a legally recognised religious philosophy which is an acceptable way of life for many;  in the same way as are the religious beliefs and faiths of the masses of British society.     Foremost, since Spiritualist teachings acknowledge Life in its entirety as an eternal conscious energy wherein lies the essence of all things animate and inanimate and their relationship to each other, regardless of stage of existence, religious conviction, class, race, gender or ability, then this philosophy is an expression of the human comprehension of Universality - Science Itself  which has been tested, tried and demonstrated with evidence, as Fact.

Regarding the progress report, as a result of talks, Coventry has allowed Spiritualism to raise its 'leading leg' in approaching the hurdle, by way of placing our details on the Religious Education Faiths Directory.   This directory invites schools to make contact if they so wish.    I am aware that this is already the case in certain areas of the country; but in order to make further progress, I appeal to the readership of this website to respond to the questionnaire in hand, and encourage others to do the same, in the hope that sooner rather than later, proof in significant numbers of those wishing to give Spiritualism for Today its rightful place, would carry some weight.

I have read with interest all of the responses. They have been helpful and obviously carefully considered and I daresay that at least one-third were received from non-members of the Spiritualists' National Union.

With many thanks again for your co-operation.

Lynette Coulston.