Part I. Preliminary
1. Nature of Appointments
2. Nature of Awards
3. General Conditions of Appointments and
Awards
Part II. Procedure and Qualifications for Appointments
4. Ministership in the United Kingdom
5. Overseas Ministership
6. Officiants
7. The Fellowship
8. Approved Celebrants under the
Marriages (Scotland) Act 1977
Part III. Procedure and Qualifications for Awards
9. Approved Teachers
10. Non-Healing Diplomas
11. Healing Diploma
12. Non-Healing Certificates of Recognition
13. Healing Certificate of Recognition
14. The Award of Merit
15. The Gold Service Award
16. The Long Service Award
17. Study Courses
Part IV. General
18. Interpretation
19. Education and Awards Procedures
Schedule 1 Education and Awards Procedures
Schedule 2 Code of Conduct for Holders of
SNU Appointments and Awards
PART I. PRELIMINARY
1. Nature of Appointments
The appointments listed below are made by the Union, subject to the
provisions of Part III of these Bye-laws:-
(a) Ministership
The Ministership of the Spiritualists' National Union is accorded to
those who have been selected as worthy to represent Spiritualism by
their bearing and example as Ministers of Religion. Ministers are
not appointed to specific districts or affiliated bodies.
(b) Officiant (OSNU)
The appointment of Officiant is granted to those who are considered
capable of conducting services such as marriages, funerals and namings.
(c) Fellowship (FSNU)
The appointment to the Fellowship is granted to those who have shown an
especially high standard of knowledge of the religion, philosophy or
science of Spiritualism.
2. Nature of Awards
The awards listed below are granted by the Union to its members, subject
to the provisions of Part IV of these Bye-laws:-
(a) Approved Teacher (TSNU)
The award of Approved Teacher is granted to those who have passed both
the theoretical and practical elements of the prescribed training
course.
(b) Diploma (DSNU)
The Diploma is awarded in a number of classes to candidates who have
satisfied the prescribed respective requirements and have given
satisfactory evidence of the practical application of their knowledge.
(c) Certificate of Recognition (CSNU)
The Certificate of Recognition is awarded in a number of classes to
candidates who are considered capable of worthily serving the movement
in the name of the Union.
(d) Award of Merit
The Award of Merit is granted to those who have given national
meritorious service to the Spiritualists' National Union.
(e) Gold Service Award (GSSNU)
The Gold Service Award is granted to those whose activities have been of
benefit to the Spiritualists' National Union for over fifty years.
(f) Long Service Award (LSSNU)
The Long Service Award is granted to those whose activities have been of
benefit to the Spiritualists' National Union for over twenty-five years.
3. General Conditions of
Appointments and Awards
(1) No person shall be eligible to apply or be
recommended for any appointment or award if he is a member of any
restricted body or holds any position in, or any award or appointment
of, such body.
(2) No person shall be eligible to apply for any
award unless, at the date of application, he is a Class B member of the
Union and has satisfied the prescribed requirements for such
application.
(3) All appointments and awards with the
exception of the Gold Service Award and the Long Service Award, which
are subject to the provisions of paragraphs 2(f) and 2(g) above, may be
made or granted to fully paid-up Class B members of the Union only.
(4) Every holder of an appointment or award is
expected to conduct himself at all times as a worthy representative of
the Spiritualists' National Union. In particular he must abide by
the Code of Conduct for Holders of SNU Appointments and Awards set out
in Schedule 2 of these Bye-laws.
(5) Any holder of an appointment or award may
upon the recommendation of the appropriate committee be designated by
the National Executive Committee as 'Retired' on the grounds of age or
infirmity.
(6) All appointments and awards with the
exception of the Gold Service Award and the Long Service Award shall
lapse automatically on the termination of the holder's Class B
membership.
(7) Any previous holder of an appointment or
award who has been re-accepted into Class B membership within a period
of not more than three years from the termination of his previous
membership may apply for restoration of any lapsed appointment or award
subject to such conditions as the National Executive Committee may from
time to time determine.
(8) Any appointment or award may at any time be
withdrawn, cancelled or suspended by resolution of the National
Executive Committee, which shall not be obliged to state its reasons for
such action. Such resolution shall be effective only if supported
by three-fourths of the number of members present.
(9) Any complaint preferred against the holder
of an appointment or award alleging his unsuitability to hold such
appointment or award shall be dealt with in accordance with Bye-laws F.
During such investigation the appointment or award may temporarily be
suspended by resolution of the National Executive Committee.
PART II. PROCEDURE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENTS
4. Ministership in the United Kingdom
(1) The appointment of Ministers is by
invitation of the National Executive Committee from among candidates who
have satisfactorily completed the prescribed training and assessment.
Applications from members desirous of appointment will not be
entertained.
(2) Candidates for training for the Ministership
may be proposed by:-
(a) District Councils;
(b) Branches of the Union;
(c) Churches;
(d) Ministers;
(e) such other bodies as the National Executive
Committee may think appropriate;
and such proposals shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Ministers
Administration Committee. Except in the case of (a) above the
proposals shall be reported by the Ministers Administration Committee to
the appropriate District Council and its observations sought thereon.
(3) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that at the date of proposal each person considered for
training for the Ministership:-
(a) has been for the preceding seven years a
Class B member;
(b) has been for the preceding seven years a
full member of an SNU affiliated body;
(c) has, for a period of not less than two
years, which may be aggregated, have been a serving member of a
Committee or Council within the SNU;
(d) is a holder of a Certificate of Recognition
as a Speaker;
(e) has been for the preceding year an
Officiant;
(4) The Ministers Administration Committee shall
submit to the National Executive Committee for prior approval the names
of all persons recommended for training for the Ministership.
(5) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that at the date of recommendation each person considered
for appointment as a Minister:-
(a) has been for the preceding ten years a Class
B member;
(b) has been for the preceding ten years a full
member of an SNU affiliated body;
(c) has, for a period of not less than three
years, which may be aggregated, have been a serving member of a
Committee or Council within the SNU;
(d) is a holder of a Speaker's Diploma;
(e) has successfully taken:-
(i) the Union Administration Course (G3);
and
(ii) the Basic Administration Course (G1) or the
Church Administration Course (G2).
(6) Before being invited to become a Minister
the candidate shall appear before a Ministers Assessment Panel appointed
by the National Executive Committee. The Panel shall submit a
recommendation to the Ministers Administration Committee, which shall in
turn submit a recommendation to the National Executive Committee.
(7) The panel must satisfy itself that each
member proposed for appointment as a Minister:-
(a) has a personality suitable and competent to
be able to act sympathetically towards those to whom he may be called
upon to minister;
(b) has the ability to conduct a Spiritualist
service, including the giving of an address;
(c) is available to conduct, and is capable of
conducting with proper decorum, special services such as namings,
marriages and funerals;
(d) is able to carry out with dignity and a due
sense of proportion and responsibility the duties and powers accorded by
law to Ministers of religion.
(8) The Ministership shall not become effective
until the member concerned has signified in writing his acceptance of
the invitation of the National Executive Committee to such appointment
and has been ordained by the President of the Union or a Minister to
whom the duty is delegated by the President.
(9) The names and addresses of all Ministers
resident in the United Kingdom shall be notified from time to time to
the appropriate governmental bodies by the General Secretary of the
Union.
5. Overseas Ministership
(1) The appointment of Overseas Ministers is by
invitation of the National Executive Committee from among candidates who
have satisfactorily completed the prescribed training and assessment.
Applications from members desirous of appointment will not be
entertained.
(2) Candidates for training for the Overseas
Ministership may be proposed by:-
(a) Overseas Regional Councils;
(b) such other bodies as the National Executive
Committee may think appropriate.
and such proposals shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Ministers
Administration Committee. In the case of (b) the proposals shall
be reported by the Ministers Administration Committee to the appropriate
Overseas Regional Council and its observations sought thereon.
(3) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that at the date of proposal each person considered for
training for the Overseas Ministership has been for the preceding five
years a Class B member.
(4) The Ministers Administration Committee shall
submit to the National Executive Committee for prior approval the names
of all persons recommended for training for the Overseas Ministership.
(5) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that at the date of recommendation each person considered
for appointment as an Overseas Minister:-
(a) has been for the preceding seven years a
Class B member;
(b) has been for the preceding year a holder of
a Diploma;
(c) has successfully taken and passed at Grade B
or higher the Officiants' Course (O1) and:-
either (i) the
Basic Administration Course (G1);
or (ii)
the Union Administration Course (G3) and the Church Administration
Course (G2).
(6) Before being invited to become an Overseas
Minister the candidate shall undergo an assessment conducted by or on
behalf of the Ministers Administration Committee, which shall submit a
recommendation to the National Executive Committee.
(7) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that each member proposed for appointment as an Overseas
Minister:-
(a) has a personality suitable and competent to
be able to act sympathetically towards those to whom he may be called
upon to minister;
(b) has the ability to conduct a Spiritualist
service, including the giving of an address;
(c) is available to conduct, and is capable of
conducting with proper decorum, special services such as namings,
marriages and funerals;
(d) is able to carry out with dignity and a due
sense of proportion and responsibility the duties and powers accorded by
law to Ministers of religion.
(8) The Overseas Ministership shall not become
effective until the member concerned has signified in writing his
acceptance of the invitation of the National Executive Committee to such
appointment and has been ordained by the President of the Union or a
Minister to whom the duty is delegated by the President.
(9) An Overseas Minister resident in the United
Kingdom who is desirous of being appointed as a Minister in the United
Kingdom will be required to fulfil the following requirements:-
(a) have been for the preceding ten years a
Class B member;
(b) hold the Speaker's Diploma;
(c) have satisfactorily completed the approved
training;
(d) appear before a Ministers Assessment Panel
appointed by the National Executive Committee, which shall submit a
recommendation to the Ministers Administration Committee, which shall in
turn submit a recommendation to the National Executive Committee.
6. Officiants
(1) The appointment of Officiants is by
invitation of the National Executive Committee from among candidates who
have satisfactorily completed the prescribed training and assessment.
Applications from members desirous of appointment will not be
entertained.
(2) Candidates for training for the position of
Officiant may be proposed by:-
(a) District Councils;
(b) Branches of the Union;
(c) Churches;
(d) such other bodies as the National Executive
Committee may think appropriate;
and such proposals shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Ministers
Administration Committee. In the case of (b) and (c) the proposals
shall be reported by the Ministers Administration Committee to the
appropriate District Council and its observations sought thereon.
(3) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that at the date of proposal each person considered for
training for the position of Officiant:-
(a) has been for the preceding three years a
Class B member;
(b) has been for the preceding four years a full
member of an SNU affiliated body.
(4) The Ministers Administration Committee shall
submit to the National Executive Committee for prior approval the names
of all persons recommended for training for the position of Officiant.
(5) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that at the date of recommendation to the National
Executive Committee each person considered for appointment as an
Officiant:-
(a) has been for the preceding five years a
Class B member;
(b) has been for the preceding five years a full
member of an SNU affiliated body;
(c) prior to attendance at an Area Board has
passed at Grade B or higher the Basic Administration Course (G1);
(d) prior to attendance at an Area Board has
passed at Grade B or higher the Guide to Official Services Course (O1);
(e) prior to attendance at an Area Board has
satisfactorily completed practical training;
(f) has been for the preceding year a holder of
a Speaker's Certificate.
(6) Before being invited to become an Officiant
the candidate shall appear before a Ministers Assessment Panel appointed
by the National Executive Committee. The Panel shall submit a
recommendation to the Ministers Administration Committee, which shall in
turn submit a recommendation to the National Executive Committee.
(7) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that each member proposed for appointment as an Officiant
is available to conduct, and is capable of conducting with proper
decorum, special services such as namings, marriages and funerals.
(8) The position of Officiant shall not become
effective until the member concerned has signified in writing his
acceptance of the invitation of the National Executive Committee to such
appointment and his Service of Acceptance has been conducted by the
President of the Union or a Minister to whom the duty is delegated by
the President.
7. The Fellowship
(1) The Fellowship is granted by the National
Executive Committee only to a holder of a Diploma on the basis of an
individual thesis by him on some subject connected with Spiritualism.
(2) The thesis should normally be of at least
10,000 words and be suitable for publication. Only a thesis of
exceptional standard will be accepted. Only in exceptional
circumstances will the Fellowship be granted retrospectively for work
already completed before the date of application for the Fellowship,
which shall not include work commissioned by the Union or done in the
course of SNU Committee duties.
(3) Applications for the Fellowship must be made
to the Secretary of the Education Committee, accompanied by the
prescribed fee and such other information as the Education Committee may
from time to time require.
(4) The National Executive Committee require as
a condition of appointment to the Fellowship that the copyright in the
thesis be assigned to the Union on such terms as the National Executive
Committee consider fair.
8. Approved Celebrants under the
Marriages (Scotland) Act 1977
(1) The nomination of Officiants in Scotland as
Approved Celebrants is by invitation from the National Executive
Committee from among candidates who have satisfactorily completed the
prescribed training and assessment. Applications from members desirous
of appointment will not be entertained.
(2) Candidates for training for the position of
Approved Celebrant may be proposed by:-
(a) the Scottish & Irish District Council;
(b) the Ministers Administration Committee.
In the case of (a) such proposals shall be submitted to the Ministers
Administration Committee and in the case of (b) the proposals shall be
reported to the Scottish & Irish District Council and its observations
sought thereon.
(3) The Ministers Administration Committee shall
submit to the National Executive Committee for prior approval the names
of all persons recommended for training for the position of Approved
Celebrant.
(4) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that at the date of recommendation to the National
Executive Committee each person considered for nomination as an Approved
Celebrant has satisfactorily completed practical training prior to
attendance at the Area Board.
(5) Before being invited to accept nomination as
an Approved Celebrant the candidate shall appear before a Ministers
Assessment Panel appointed by the National Executive Committee.
The Panel shall submit a recommendation to the Ministers Administration
Committee, which shall in turn submit a recommendation to the National
Executive Committee.
(6) The Ministers Administration Committee must
satisfy itself that each member proposed for nomination as an Approved
Celebrant is available to conduct, and is capable of conducting with
proper decorum, special services such as namings, marriages and
funerals.
PART III. PROCEDURE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR AWARDS
9. Approved Teachers
(1) The award of Approved Teacher is granted by
the Training & Awards Committee to holders of a Diploma in Speaking,
Demonstrating, Administration or Healing and a Certificate of
Recognition as a Tutor who have satisfactorily completed the prescribed
training and assessment.
(2) Applications for the award must be made on
the prescribed form to the Secretary of the Training & Awards Committee,
accompanied by the prescribed fee and such other information as the
Training & Awards Committee may from time to time require.
10. Non-Healing Diplomas
(1) The Diploma is awarded in various classes by
the Training & Awards Committee.
(2) Applications for the Diploma must be made on
the prescribed form to the Secretary of the Training & Awards Committee,
accompanied by the prescribed fee and such other information as the
Training & Awards Committee may from time to time require.
(3) Every applicant for the Diploma shall appear
before an Area Board of the Training & Awards Committee, which shall
submit a recommendation to the Training & Awards Committee. At
least one member of the Area Board shall hold the same class of Diploma
as the applicant.
(4) Every applicant for the Diploma as a Speaker
or Demonstrator shall have his practical ability assessed on the basis
of reports from assessors appointed by the District Council on
engagements as a speaker or demonstrator. Such assessors shall
hold the same type of Diploma as the applicant, except that in the case
of an applicant for the Diploma as a Demonstrator an assessor may be a
Minister who holds the Certificate of Recognition as a Demonstrator.
(5) Every applicant for the Administration
Diploma must satisfy the Training & Awards Committee that he has had
within the last seven years at least three years' practical experience
of work on any committee within the Union.
(6) In the case of a candidate who has failed an
Area Board:-
(a) no application to resit an Area Board may be
made less than six months after the date of such failure;
(b) any such resitting shall take place within
three years of the date of the original failure, failing which any
further application shall be dealt with as a new application.
(7) In the case of a candidate who has failed
for a second time to gain the Diploma the Training & Awards Committee
shall have power to fix the minimum interval, not exceeding three years,
before he may make a further application for the award.
11. Healing Diploma
(1) The Diploma is awarded in various classes by
the Healing Committee.
(2) Applications for the Diploma must be made on
the prescribed form to the Secretary of the Healing Committee,
accompanied by the prescribed fee and such other information as the
Healing Committee may from time to time require.
(3) Every applicant for the Diploma shall appear
before an Area Board of the Healing Committee, which shall submit a
recommendation to the Healing Committee. All members of the Area
Board shall hold the Diploma in Spiritual Healing.
(4) Every applicant for the Diploma must satisfy
the Healing Committee that he has the power of healing. For this
purpose he must submit records of not less than six cases treated by
him, together with signed statements from the patients concerned (or
their next of kin or other suitable persons) containing as a minimum the
particulars provided for in the Union's Healing Case sheets.
(5) It shall be a condition of acceptance of
every application for the Diploma, and a condition of every award of
this Diploma, that the applicant or holder will:-
(a) do everything in his power to foster good
relations with the medical profession;
(b) ensure that detailed records are maintained
of all healing activities undertaken by him, whether or not on the
premises of a Church;
(c) furnish to the Union such information about
these activities as the Union may from time to time require;
(d) make the records available for inspection at
all reasonable times by the Union's accredited representatives;
(e) permit the Union's accredited
representatives to be present during healing activities.
(6) In the case of a candidate who has failed an
Area Board:-
(a) no application to resit an Area Board may be
made less than six months after the date of such failure;
(b) any such resitting shall take place within
three years of the date of the original failure, failing which any
further application shall be dealt with as a new application.
(7) In the case of a candidate who has failed
for a second time to gain the Diploma the Healing Committee shall have
power to fix the minimum interval, not exceeding three years, before he
may make a further application for the award.
12. Non-Healing Certificates of Recognition
(1) The Certificate of Recognition is awarded by
the Training & Awards Committee.
(2) Application for the Certificate of
Recognition must be made on the prescribed form to the secretary of the
Training & Awards Committee, accompanied by the prescribed fee and such
other information as the Training & Awards Committee may from time to
time require.
(3) Every applicant for the Certificate of
Recognition shall appear before an Area Board of the Training & Awards
Committee, which shall submit a recommendation to the Training & Awards
Committee. At least one member of the Area Board shall hold an
award of the same class as the applicant, at an equivalent or higher
level.
(4) Every applicant for the Certificate of
Recognition as a Speaker or Demonstrator shall have his practical
ability assessed on the basis of reports from assessors appointed by the
District Council on engagements as a speaker or demonstrator. Such
assessors shall either be a Minister of the Union or hold an award of
the same type as the applicant, at an equivalent or higher level.
(5) Every applicant for the Certificate of
Recognition in Administration must satisfy the Training & Awards
Committee that he has had within the last three years at least one
year's practical experience of work on any committee within the Union.
(6) In the case of a candidate who has failed an
Area Board:-
(a) no application to resit an Area Board may be
made less than six months after the date of such failure;
(b) any such resitting shall take place within
three years of the date of the original failure, failing which any
further application shall be dealt with as a new application.
(7) In the case of a candidate who has failed
for a second time to gain the Certificate of Recognition the Training &
Awards Committee shall have power to fix the minimum interval, not
exceeding three years, before he may make a further application for the
award.
13. Healing Certificate of Recognition
(1) The Certificate of Recognition is awarded by
the Healing Committee.
(2) Every applicant for the Certificate of
Recognition must, at the date of application, have been for the
preceding twelve months a Registered Approved Healer.
(3) Application for the Certificate of
Recognition must be made on the prescribed form to the secretary of the
Healing Committee, accompanied by the prescribed fee and such other
information as the Healing Committee may from time to time require.
(4) Every applicant for the Certificate of
Recognition shall appear before an Area Board of the Healing Committee,
which shall submit a recommendation to the Healing Committee. All
members of the Area Board shall hold the Diploma or Certificate of
Recognition in Spiritual Healing.
(5) In the case of a candidate who has failed an
Area Board:-
(a) no application to resit an Area Board may be
made less than six months after the date of such failure;
(b) any such resitting shall take place within
three years of the date of the original failure, failing which any
further application shall be dealt with as a new application.
(6) In the case of a candidate who has failed
for a second time to gain the Certificate of Recognition the Healing
Committee shall have power to fix the minimum interval, not exceeding
three years, before he may make a further application for the award.
14. The Award of Merit
The Award of Merit is granted by the National Executive Committee to
those persons who are deemed to have given specially outstanding and
meritorious service to the Union at national level and who are and have
been Class B members of the Union for a period of not less than ten
years. Applications for the award will not be accepted.
15. The Gold Service Award
(1) The Gold Service Award may be granted by the
Training & Awards Committee only to those persons recommended under the
following sub-paragraph whose activities shall be deemed by that
Committee to have been beneficial to the Union for a period of at least
fifty years and who are and have been for that period members of the
Union or an affiliated body or a Branch.
(2) Applications by individuals will not be
accepted and only recommendations from District Councils and other
Branches of the Union to the Training & Awards Committee will be
considered.
(3) In exceptional circumstances the award may
be granted directly by the National Executive Committee to those persons
whose activities are deemed by that committee to have been of
longstanding benefit to the Union, whether or not for a period of fifty
years, and who are members of the Union or an affiliated body or a
Branch.
16. The Long Service Award
(1) The Long Service Award may be granted by the
Training & Awards Committee only to those persons recommended under the
following sub-paragraph whose activities shall be deemed by that
Committee to have been beneficial to the Union for a period of at least
twenty-five years and who are and have been for that period members of
the Union or an affiliated body or a Branch.
(2) Applications by individuals will not be
accepted and only recommendations from District Councils and other
Branches of the Union to the Training & Awards Committee will be
considered.
(3) In exceptional circumstances the award may
be granted directly by the National Executive Committee to those persons
whose activities are deemed by that committee to have been of
longstanding benefit to the Union, whether or not for a period of
twenty-five years, and who are members of the Union or an affiliated
body or a Branch.
17. Study Courses
(1) Application for correspondence courses shall
be made on the prescribed form to the appropriate course organiser and
shall be accompanied by the prescribed enrolment fee.
(2) The Education Committee may, on the
recommendation of the Organiser and the tutors of a course, terminate
the participation of any student in that course. In such event a
proportionate part of the fee paid may, at the discretion of the
Education Committee, be refunded to the student.
(3) The decision of the examiners, when approved
and published by the Education Committee, shall be final and not open to
review.
(4) In the event of failure to pass or to sit
for an examination fees paid shall not be returnable but one re-sitting
of the same course examination shall be permitted without payment of
further fees.
PART IV. GENERAL
18. Interpretation
In these Bye-laws:-
(1) The term 'restricted body' means any
religious organisation which:-
(a) incorporates within its title, principles or
statement of beliefs any reference to the principles, beliefs, religious
leader, symbols, trappings or practices of any other religion or
religious denomination; or
(b) introduces, includes, utilises or otherwise
promulgates any symbols, trappings or practices of any other religion or
religious denomination; or
(c) permits a body which falls within (a) or (b)
above to be accepted into affiliation with, or membership of, such
organisation.
(2) The term 'member' in relation to a
restricted body shall include a person who regularly attends its
services for the purpose of pursuing its beliefsefs.
(3) The term 'Class B Member' means a
subscribing member, being an individual Spiritualist. Except where
the context indicates otherwise the term shall refer to a person
accepted into full membership.
(4) The term "the appropriate committee" means:-
(a) for matters concerning Ministers, Officiants
and Approved Celebrants, the Ministers Administration Committee;
(b) for matters concerning Fellows, the
Education Committee;
(c) for matters concerning holders of healing
awards, the Healing Committee;
(d) for matters concerning holders of all other
awards, the Training & Awards Committee.
19. Education and Awards Procedures
The procedures for education courses and awards shall be in accordance
with the provisions of Schedule 1 to these Bye-laws.
SCHEDULE 1
EDUCATION AND AWARDS PROCEDURES
1. Education Courses
(1) Courses Available
The education courses provided by the Education Committee and their
field of study shall be as follows:-
An Introduction to Basic Spiritualism (B1)
Basic Spiritualism.
Basic Exponents Course (SD1)
Speaking and demonstrating in Spiritualist churches.
Phenomena of Spiritualism (SD2)
Physical and mental phenomena and development of mediumship.
Teachings of Spiritualism (SD3)
The revelation of Spiritualism, the spiritual nature of man. the
spiritual future of man, the history of Spiritualism, the Seven
Principles and the Spiritualists' Lyceum Union.
Public Presentation (SD4)
Basic techniques of public speaking
Spiritualism in Religion (S5)
Comparative religions.
The Practice of Mediumship (D5)
The practice of mediumship, including its legal and moral implications,
mediumship and the media, services, meetings, etc.
Basic Administration (G1)
Basic Church administration, including the constitutional, social and
promotional aspects.
Church Organisation (G2)
The constitution of the Church, publicity meetings and discussion
groups, healing clinics, conduct at services, development circles,
fund-raising, publicity and other Church activities.
Spiritualists' National Union Organisation (G3)
An introduction to the Spiritualists' National Union, together with its
administration as a charity and a limited liability company and how this
is achieved within the District Councils and the Spiritualists' Lyceum
Union.
Basic Healing Course (H1)
Basic spiritual healing.
Practice of Spiritual Healing (H2)
The healer, development phases, healing techniques, contact and absent
healing, grades of control, magnetic healing, organisation of healing
meetings, keeping records, legal aspects and ethics, medical
co-operation.
Theory of Spiritual Healing (H3)
Health and disease, definitions, causes of disease, human constitution,
the purpose of healing.
Basic Anatomy and Physiology (H4)
The respiratory, circulatory, digestive and other systems, the liver,
the thoracic cavity, the abdominal and other organs, the skeletal
system, joints and movements.
The Lyceum (L1)
Lyceum education and training, both theoretical and practical.
Guide to Official Services (O1)
Official ceremonies such as namings, weddings, funerals etc.
The History of Spiritualism (A1)
Origins and phenomena, Spiritualism in the United States of America and
Great Britain, attempts to organise Spiritualism, the Spiritualists'
National Union, scientific study of phenomena, mediumship in the 19th
and 20th centuries, brief biographies of notable personalities.
World Philosophies (A2)
The ancient philosophers, including Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, more
recent philosophers, including Bacon, Spinoza, Kant, Hegel, Spencer,
Bergson, Swedenborg, A J Davis, Allan Kardec, Madame Blavatsky, Stainton
Moses, Vale Owen, Arthur Findlay.
An Outline of Science for Spiritualists (A3)
An introduction to certain scientific concepts and their relevance to
Spiritualism, scientific methods, the nature of matter, energy and
energy fields, brain rhythms, the psycho-physical bridge, the aura, the
time-space continuum, etc.
Mediumship in Art and Science (A4)
The wider aspects of telepathy, telepathic inspiration and the part it
plays in human evolution, including the works of William Blake, Rudyard
Kipling and Walter de la Mare examined within the context of mental
psychic phenomena.
Psychology and Mediumship (A5)
The work of Sir Oliver Lodge and others examined within the context of
psychology.
World Religions (A6)
Study of religion in human experience, primitive religions, religions of
India, religions of the Far and Near East, contemporary religious
experiences.
(2) Course Assessments
(a) The following courses shall be continuous
tutor assessment courses for which there is no final examination:-
B1; SD1; SD4; G1; H1; O1; A1;
A2; A3; A4; A5; A6.
(b) The following courses shall be assessed by
means of a final examination:-
SD2; SD3; D5; G2; G3; H2; H3; H4;
L1.
(c) The following courses shall be assessed by
means of a final essay:-
S5.
(3) Types of Course
(a) The following courses shall be designated as
Foundation Courses:-
B1; SD1; G1; H1; O1.
(b) The following courses shall be designated as
Progressive Courses:-
SD2; SD3; SD4; S5; G2; G3; H2; H3;
H4; L1; D5.
(c) The following courses shall be designated as
Advanced Courses:-
A1; A2; A3; A4; A5; A6.
(4) Order of Courses
(a) No student shall be enrolled on any course
listed below unless he has completed the Foundation Course specified in
brackets opposite such course:-
SD2 Phenomena of Spiritualism
[SD1]
SD3 Teachings of Spiritualism
[SD1]
SD4 Public Presentation
[SD1]
S5 Spiritualism in
Religion
[SD1]
G2 Church Administration
[G1]
G3 SNU Organisation
[G1]
H2 Practice of Spiritual
Healing
[H1]
H3 Theory of Spiritual
Healing
[H1]
H4 Basic Anatomy
[H1]
D5 The Practice of
Mediumship
[SD1]
(b) No student shall be enrolled on any course
listed below unless he has completed the Progressive Course specified in
brackets opposite such course:-
A1 History of
Spiritualism
[SD3]
A2 World Philosophies
[SD3]
A3 Outline of Science
for Spiritualists [SD2]
A4 Mediumship in Art and
Science [D5]
A5 Psychology of
Mediumship
[D5]
A6 World Religions
[S5]
(5) Methods of Study
Study of an education course shall be by any of the following methods:-
(a) individual postal tuition;
(b) an approved study group;
(c) a special education week (SPEED Week).
(6) Enrolment
(a) Applications for enrolment must be made on
the prescribed form to the Student Registration Officer, accompanied by
the prescribed fee and such other information as the Education Committee
may from time to time require.
(b) Enrolment of a student on a course shall
cease if he fails to commence such course within twelve months of the
date of enrolment. An extension of the enrolment for a further
term not exceeding six months may be granted by the Education Committee
upon the written submission of extenuating circumstances within the
initial period of enrolment.
(c) Participation of a student on a course shall
cease if he fails to complete such course within two years (or in the
case of an Advanced Course three years) of the date of receipt of the
notes for that course. An extension of the time allowed for
completion may be granted by the Education Committee upon the written
submission of extenuating circumstances before the expiry of such
period.
(d) The Education Committee may, on the
recommendation of the Organiser and the tutors of a course, terminate
the participation of any student in that course.
(e) Course fees are not refundable in the event
of the failure of a student to commence or complete a course. In
the event of termination of a student's participation in a course a
proportionate part of the course fees may, at the discretion of the
Education Committee, be refunded to the student.
(7) Assessment
(a) Assessment shall be by:-
(1) examination;
(2) continuous tutor assessment;
(3) final essay
in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) above.
(b) Examinations shall be held quarterly on the
third Saturday of February, May, August and November in each year at
venues determined by the Education Committee.
(c) Applications for examinations must be made
on the prescribed form to the appropriate Course Organiser, accompanied
by the prescribed fee and such other information as the Education
Committee may from time to time require.
(d) Examinations shall be of three hours'
duration and answers shall be handwritten by the candidate or, where
authorised by the Education Committee, either handwritten by a scribe on
his behalf or given orally by means of audio tape.
(e) Continuous tutor assessment shall be based
on written answers to test questions set at each stage of the course.
(f) A final essay shall be on a subject arranged
between the student and his Course Organiser and be of not less than
2,500 words and not more than 4,000 words. The essay shall be
commenced within three months of completion of the course and shall be
submitted to the appropriate Course Organiser within ten days of the
date of commencement.
(g) The final essay may be handwritten by the
candidate or otherwise textually produced by him or, where authorised by
the Education Committee, either handwritten by a scribe or otherwise
textually produced by him on the candidate's behalf.
(h) All examinations, test questions and final
essays shall be marked on a percentage basis. The candidate's
final percentage shall be the average of all marks awarded by his tutors
and/or examiners as the case may be and shall be converted into an
overall grade in accordance with the following table:-
A Grade marks
between 85 and 100
B Grade marks
between 70 and 84.9
Fail
marks below 70
2. Appointments and Awards of the
Union
(1) Fellowship
(a) A thesis for the Fellowship shall be
assessed by Fellowship Readers appointed by the Education Committee,
which shall submit a recommendation thereon to the National Executive
Committee.
(b) Applications for the Fellowship shall be
accompanied by a statement of the proposed subject-matter for the
thesis. The Education Committee may request further information in
connection therewith before making a decision as to whether the proposed
thesis is acceptable and, if so, in what form.
(2) Diploma
(a) Categories
The Diploma is granted in the following categories:-
Diplomas
DSNU(A)
Advanced
DSNU(B)
Basic Foundation
DSNU(D)
Demonstrating
DSNU(E)
Lyceum
DSNU(G)
General Administration
DSNU(H)
Spiritual Healing
DSNU(L)
Lecturing
DSNU(R)
Private Sittings
DSNU(S)
Public Speaking
DSNU(W)
Writing
(b) Course Requirements
No application for any award listed below shall be accepted unless the
applicant has obtained an overall pass in the subject or combination of
subjects specified opposite such award:-
DSNU(A)
SD2, A1, plus any two of A2 to A6
DSNU(B)
SD2, SD3 and S5
DSNU(D)
SD2, SD3, SD4 and D5
DSNU(E)
L1, SD3 and S5
DSNU(G)
G2 and G3
DSNU(H)
H2, H3 and H4
DSNU(L)
SD2, A1, plus any two of A2 to A6
DSNU(R)
Pass at Grade B or higher in SD2, SD3, SD4 and D5
DSNU(S)
SD2, SD3, SD4 and S5
DSNU(W) SD3,
A1, plus any two of A2 to A6
(c) Documentation Requirements
Applications for any award listed below shall be accompanied by the
applicant's current Class B credential card, a Letter of Pass for the
required courses, the prescribed fee and the further documentation
specified opposite such award:-
Diplomas
DSNU(A)
DSNU(B)
DSNU(D)
Copy of CSNU(d) credential card
List of bookings at SNU affiliated bodies for the following twelve
months
DSNU(E)
Copy of CSNU(e) credential card
Letter of Pass for Leaders Course
Teaching skills or TSNU
DSNU(G)
Copy of CSNU(g) credential card
Details of SNU committee service
DSNU(H)
Copy of CSNU(h) credential card
Copy of Registered Approved Healer's credential card
Six patient case histories and recommendations
Details of applicant's healing sessions
DSNU(L)
Copy of DSNU(S) credential card
Title and synopsis of proposed lecture
DSNU(R)
Copy of CSNU(r) credential card
List of bookings at SNU affiliated bodies for the following twelve
months
DSNU(S)
Copy of CSNU(s) credential card
List of bookings at SNU affiliated bodies for the following twelve
months
DSNU(W)
Published work dealing with Spiritualism from a recognised publication
(d) Practical Requirements
No candidate shall qualify for any award listed below unless at the date
of application he has satisfied the practical requirements specified
opposite such award:-
Diplomas
DSNU(A)
National Area Board
DSNU(B)
National Area Board
DSNU(D)
CSNU(d) for not less than twelve months
Not less than two of three anonymous Church assessments
National Area Board
DSNU(E)
CSNU(e) for not less than twelve months
Leaders Course at not less than Grade B
Teaching skills or TSNU
Presentation of prepared lesson from Lyceum session
DSNU(G)
CSNU(g) for not less than twelve months
Not less than three years' service within the last seven years on any
Committee within the Union
National Area Board
DSNU(H)
CSNU(h) for not less than twelve months
Six patient case histories and recommendations
One anonymous Church assessment
National Area Board
DSNU(L)
CSNU(s) or CSNU(t) for not less than twelve months
Submission of title and synopsis of proposed lecture
National Area Board
DSNU(R)
CSNU(r) for not less than twelve months
Not less than two of District Council private sittings
National Area Board
DSNU(S)
CSNU(s) for not less than twelve months
Not less than two of three anonymous Church assessments
National Area Board
DSNU(W)
Submission of published work dealing with Spiritualism from a recognised
publication
Submission of written task of not less than 1,250 words
National Area Board
(3) Certificate of Recognition
(a) Categories
The Certificate of Recognition is granted in the following categories:-
CSNU(d)
Demonstrating
CSNU(e)
Lyceum Union
CSNU(g)
General Administration
CSNU(h)
Spiritual Healing
CSNU(r)
Private Sittings
CSNU(s)
Public Speaking
CSNU(t)
Spiritualists' National Union Tutor
(b) Course Requirements
No application for any award listed below shall be accepted unless the
applicant has obtained an overall pass in the subject specified opposite
such award:-
CSNU(d)
SD1
CSNU(e)
SD3
CSNU(g)
G1
CSNU(h)
H1, H2
CSNU(r)
Pass at Grade B or higher in SD1
CSNU(s)
SD1
CSNU(t)
Pass at Grade B or higher in SD1
(c) Documentation Requirements
Applications for any award listed below shall be accompanied by the
applicant's current Class B credential card, a Letter of Pass for the
required course, the prescribed fee and the further documentation
specified opposite such award:-
Certificates
CSNU(d)
List of bookings at SNU affiliated bodies for the following twelve
months
CSNU(e)
Current Lyceum Union membership credential card
Letter of Pass for Leaders Course
Teaching skills
CSNU(g)
Details of SNU committee service
CSNU(h)
Copy of Registered Approved Healer's credential card
Four patient case histories and recommendations
Details of applicant's healing sessions
CSNU(r)
List of bookings at SNU affiliated bodies for the following twelve
months
CSNU(s)
List of bookings at SNU affiliated bodies for the following twelve
months
CSNU(t)
Evidence of not less than three years' teaching experience within the
Union
(d) Practical Requirements
No candidate shall qualify for any award listed below unless at the date
of application he has satisfied the practical requirements specified
opposite such award:-
CSNU(d)
Not less than two of three anonymous Church assessments
District Council interview, oral and practical tests
National Area Board
CSNU(e)
Full or associate membership of Lyceum Union for not less than twelve
months
Leaders Course at not less than Grade B
Teaching skills
Presentation of prepared lesson from Lyceum session at not less than
Grade B
Letter of Pass for SLU segment
CSNU(g)
Not less than one year's service within the last three years on any
Committee within the Union
District Council interview and oral test
National Area Board
CSNU(h)
Registered Approved Healer for not less than twelve months
Four patient case histories and recommendations
One anonymous Church assessment
National Area Board
CSNU(r)
Not less than two of three District Council private sittings
District Council interview, oral and practical test
National Area Board
CSNU(s)
Not less than two of three anonymous Church assessments
District Council interview and oral tests
National Area Board
CSNU(t)
Completion of three-year training programme
National Area Board
(4) Approved Teacher
(a) Documentation Requirements
Applications for the award shall be accompanied by a copy of the
applicant's current Class B credential card and the appropriate DSNU and
CSNU(t) credential cards and the prescribed fee.
(b) Practical Requirements
No candidate shall qualify for the award unless he has completed the
Teacher Training Course.
SCHEDULE 2
Code of Conduct for Holders
of SNU Appointments and Awards
1. Interpretation
1.1 SNU - The Spiritualists' National Union.
1.2 Union - The Spiritualists' National Union.
1.3 Award-holder - (for the purpose of this
Schedule only, this definition includes holders of appointments) Any
Class B member who has been granted a Certificate of Recognition (CSNU),
a Diploma (DSNU), the award of Approved Teacher (TSNU) or a Fellowship
(FSNU), or who has been appointed as an Officiant (OSNU) or Minister.
2. Objects
2.1 To act in a manner which promotes and
encourages the practice, study and investigation of the art, science,
religion and philosophy of Spiritualism as based upon the Seven
Principles.
2.2 To act in a manner at all times to bring
credit to Spiritualism and the Union.
3. Advertising and Promotion
3.1 Award-holders must not use any title or
description which is calculated to give the impression that he is a
medical practitioner, an ordained Minister or a university graduate or
holds any other professional qualification unless he holds such
qualification from a bona-fide and generally recognised institution;
3.2 Award-holders should endeavour to ensure
that the award which they have is promoted/announced precisely.
3.3 Certificate-holders and Diploma-holders must
also endeavour to make it clear in what category their award was
granted, i.e. speaking, demonstrating, healing or administration.
4. Award-holders and the Law
4.1 At present mediumship is not illegal in
Great Britain.
4.2 The relevant law is enshrined within trading
standards and consumer protection legislation. In case of doubt
the award-holder should state the facts of any problems encountered to
the General Secretary of the SNU and seek guidance.
4.3 It is essential that every award-holder,
particularly anyone who practises outside of an SNU Church, understands
and observes the law as it relates to mediumship. Disregard of the
law may result in legal difficulties for anyone involved.
5. Ethics and Courtesy
5.1 The SNU wishes to ensure that the impact of
mediumship is properly understood: accordingly, award-holders must
maintain the highest standards of competence and conduct.
5.2 Award-holders must remember that they have a
responsibility to perform in consoling the bereaved, assisting people
when they are at their lowest ebb and being relied upon to be truthful
and caring at all times.
5.3 Award-holders must not pretend to be in
communication with the spirit world if they are not: it is morally
wrong to do so.
5.4 If an award-holder wishes to take another
exponent (who has not been booked) to participate in a service, he must
obtain prior permission from the Church.
5.5 When taking a booking award-holders should
advise the Church how much they charge for expenses and how much their
fee will be.
5.6 If an award-holder does not receive a
reminder from a Church he must try to contact a Church representative to
confirm his booking: if unable to do so, then he is not obliged to
attend.
5.7 Award-holders must make every effort to keep
bookings: however, if it becomes necessary to cancel a booking,
they must inform the Church and (if giving less than fourteen days'
notice) they should offer a replacement if possible.
5.8 If an award-holder honours a booking but
finds that the Church has double-booked, he is entitled to receive his
expenses.
5.9 'Award-holders must not take part in psychic
fairs or similar events in the UK.
5.10 When giving a private interview to a child under the
age of 16 it is required to have a responsible adult present for the
benefit of both the award-holder and the child. If no such third
person can be present, it is required to obtain the prior permission of
a parent or guardian.
6. SNU Policy
6.1 An award-holder must not be a member of,
hold an award or appointment of, or take part in the management of, a
restricted body.
6.2 An award-holder must not serve, be a member
of, hold an award or appointment of, or take part in the management of,
a body which imposes restrictions on his services to the Union or its
affiliated bodies.
6.3 An award-holder must not use the award in a
manner which constitutes serious misconduct harmful or potentially
harmful to the Union or any part thereof.
6.4 Award-holders must behave with integrity,
courtesy, dignity and discretion. Their attitude should be
competent and sympathetic, hopeful and positive at all times.
6.5 Award-holders must not claim an ability to
contact a particular individual in spirit.
6.6 Award-holders must treat as strictly
confidential all information of a personal nature which is confided to
them.
6.7 Award-holders are entitled to place after
their names the abbreviation appropriate to their award, subject to
3.1(2).
6.8 (1) The use of any
device (including the use of flowers previously touched by the
recipient) during the course of a demonstration of mediumship shall not
be allowed: the use of such aids shall be limited to experimental
sessions for training purposes only.
(2) During private consultations the medium
shall use only his mediumistic faculties and the use of aids is
forbidden.
6.9 Healing award-holders must also comply with
the Healing Code of Conduct.
7. Presentation
7.1 People attending a private interview should
be asked whether it will be their first experience of a private sitting:
if this is the case, then an explanation of what to expect should be
given.
7.2 Award-holders should always remain in front
of the congregation or audience during a public service or
demonstration. An award-holder should not move amongst the
congregation or audience during the proceedings.
8. Dress Code
When appearing on the platform it is important that exponents present
themselves well. Whilst there are no 'hard and fast' rules,
speakers and demonstrators should dress appropriately for the occasion,
because what is worn on the platform should be complementary to their
work as exponents of the SNU and as representatives of Spiritualism
itself.
For men, the ideal dress
is a suit, shirt and tie, with shoes suitable for a formal occasion.
However, as an alternative, a semi-formal dress code could be adopted
such as jacket, trousers, shirt and tie, with smart shoes. With
the consent of the chairman, who is in overall charge of the service, it
would be acceptable in hot weather for a man to remove his jacket and
wear a short-sleeved shirt with a tie.
For women, a dress and jacket, trouser suit, or two-piece outfit such as
skirt and blouse, together with smart shoes, would be suitable.
All fabrics worn should be of a density that cannot be seen through when
standing in bright tight. Skirts should be of a moderate length to
preserve modesty when standing or sitting on a raised platform.
Chairmen have a responsibility to ensure that professional standards are
achieved and maintained during events and should be aware that the SNU
dress code applies to them also, as representatives of the Church.
In all cases colour, style, texture and fabric should be taken into
consideration, together with an assessment of whether the chosen outfit
is appropriate for a formal platform appearance. Jewellery should
be kept to a minimum. Casual wear such as T-shirts, sweatshirts,
jeans, tracksuits, trainers, open sandals and so forth would not be
considered suitable for the platform.
All platform workers should remember that they are representatives of
the Church. Appearance, posture, demeanour, manner of sitting and
standing are all part of good presentation. Decorum and
professionalism should be displayed at all times in order to present a
pleasant picture that will allow members of the audience to feel relaxed
and enable them to enjoy the event to the full.
9. Trance Mediumship
Award-holders should be aware that trance mediumship is not recognised
in law. The law does not recognise the third party working:
the responsibility and liability rest with the medium. However, it
is recognised that some mediums work in the altered state of
consciousness (trance) and where this is practised it is mandatory that
all trance mediums obtain the permission of a Church or organising body
before conducting an address or demonstration in trance. It is
strongly recommended that a third party be present at all times during
private trance sittings.