Our Beliefs And The Seven Principles

What We Believe

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Spiritualism is the Science, Philosophy and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World.

We believe we are never truly separated from our loved ones, and that communication between this world and the Spirit World is a natural fact. We use the wisdom gained from these connections to build a life of integrity, compassion and purpose.

Science: the search for evidence. We don't expect you to believe something just because it's written in a book. Through mediumship and the study of consciousness, we explore the "how" and "why" of spirit communication.

Philosophy: the logic of life. We study the natural laws that govern the physical world we see and the spiritual world we feel, and use reason and common sense to understand our purpose.

Religion: the practice of love. To us, religion isn't about rituals or judgment; it's about connection. It is found in our conduct, our character, and our commitment to leaving the world a little brighter than we found it.

What Spiritualism Teaches

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That there is no death, only a change of condition, and that all who have passed on still live. That the spark of divinity dwells in all. That we are spiritual beings now, and take personal responsibility for our lives. That as we sow on earth, we reap in the life to come. That every soul will progress, and that communication with those in spirit brings comfort to the bereaved and removes the fear of death.

The Seven Principles

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The Seven Principles form the heart of our community. Rather than a fixed creed, they are a meaningful compass for the soul's journey. They were brought to us in 1871 by Robert Owen, in spirit, through the trance mediumship of Emma Hardinge Britten. We recite them together at the beginning of each service, and you will see them above the front fireplace in our church.

1. The Fatherhood of God. We acknowledge a Universal Creative Energy, a loving, infinite intelligence and the source of all life.

2. The Brotherhood of Man. We share the same spiritual origin, so we are all connected as one human family, with equal dignity for every person.

3. The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels. The bridge between our world and the next is always open, and we are supported by the loving guidance of those in spirit.

4. The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul. Life is eternal. Our personality and our love continue in the Spirit World.

5. Personal Responsibility. We are free to choose our thoughts and actions, and we take ownership of their impact.

6. Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all Good and Evil Deeds Done on Earth. The natural law of cause and effect: what we put into the world returns to us, here and in the life to come.

7. Eternal Progress Open to Every Human Soul. The door to growth is never closed, in this world or the next.

Pioneers We Honour

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Portraits of these pioneers hang in our church and History Room, in recognition of their contributions:

Robert Owen (1771 to 1858), social reformer, who brought forth the Seven Principles from spirit.
Emma Hardinge Britten (1823 to 1899), through whose trance mediumship the Seven Principles were given, and author of Modern American Spiritualism.
The Fox Sisters, whose experiences in Hydesville, New York in 1848 played an important role in the beginnings of Spiritualism.
Andrew Jackson Davis (1826 to 1910), seer and author of over 30 books, including The Principles of Nature.
Maurice Barbanell (1902 to 1981) and Silver Birch, founder of Psychic News and the trance medium of the Silver Birch teachings.
Harry Edwards (1893 to 1976), renowned spiritual healer and founder of the National Federation of Spiritual Healers.
Gordon Higginson (1918 to 1993), one of the finest mediums of the last century and Principal of the Arthur Findlay College.