Spiritualism the Spiritualist debate

Media consultant and medium Craig Hamilton-Parker. A columnist for the Scottish 'Daily Record.' puts forward a radical highly controversial solution to save Spiritualism from stagnation.

It's beginning to sink in. Spiritualism must change or become confined to the history books. Our churches crumble, congregations diminish, the philosophers have left and our mediums are mediocre. The Movement has stagnated while we fail both spiritually and financially.

Most Spiritualists already know this in their hearts, and some churches and individuals are making heroic efforts to bring about the rebirth of our founders' great dream - to be the universal global religion.

Spiritualism used to be a force to be reckoned with. It was the most radical religious idea to emerge in 2,000 years, born from a society paralysed by Victorian moral values.

William Crookes A physicist and chemist, William Crookes discovered the element thallium, invented the radiometer, developed the Crookes tube, invented the cathode-ray tube, pioneered research into radiation effects, contributed to photography, wireless telegraphy, electricity and spectroscopy.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle risked his literary career for the Movement. Arthur Findlay gave his money. William Crookes suffered the derision of his fellow scientists and the medium Helen Duncan was prepared to go to prison for her beliefs. Would Spiritualists today make such sacrifices?

Now we are the Victorian dinosaurs. In the 1930s we could continue to attract wayward Christians, but this market has dried up and times have changed.

Does a young person weaned on television, rock music and video games want to sit in a pew, say prayers or sing hymns? No-way. And why should they? Surely Spiritualism can offer an inspiring alternative.

Even the philosophers have left, put off no doubt by the crazy utterances of poor mediums who don't understand the basics of Spiritualist teaching.

But the seeds of change are with us. I have spoken to Spiritualists from all over Britain and most recognise the need for a new approach, intending to implement their ideas.Unfortunately, they are all frustrated in their efforts. Some have been banging their heads against a brick wall for so long that sooner or later they, too, will leave us.

There is a simple answer to why change is not forthcoming- committees. This is the cancer which is killing us. If Spiritualism is to rediscover its radical roots, then ideas must be put into action.Committees result only in a consensus of opinion and grey ideas. I call them the tea cosy brigade. They can sit for hours just to decide on a new tea cosy for the kitchen.

We could transform Spiritualism overnight. Just get rid of all the committees at every level of the Movement and give the power to individuals who have the inspiration to make radical changes.

One of my local Spiritualist churches has closed for two months due to petty internal arguments. I would suggest that an experiment be tried here to eradicate the problem forever. This should consist of a president standing for office and putting forward a policy plan for the next year. The candidate elected by church members should then have total control over changing the church as he or she sees fit.

They would have complete control over church policy and select the vice president, treasurer and mediums secretary. Anyone not up to the job could be sacked by the person in charge.And this is most important:they should only be in power for one year.

Unable to stand for two consecutive terms, the former president may be voted in again after a year of absence. Ideas can therefore be implemented with ease. Some presidents may be radical, others traditionalist but stagnation has been destroyed.

Exactly the same system could be applied to the district councils: one year's total power for an individual. Many smug badge wearers will be reluctant to lose their positions, but if they're worth their salt, they, too, will get a turn at the steering wheel.

The same should apply to the president of the Spiritualists' National Union. In this case, because of the complexities of the job, they should be given three years in control and be unable to stand again for this same period after relinquishing office.

It would mean that over our next 100 years we could see 34 presidents. Thirty-four opportunities for deserving individuals to make their influence count. Also, the honour of office would be within reach of all dedicated members who work hard for the cause.

Lastly, we should try to encourage people of intellectual and practical calibre to take office. Don't elect people just because they're good mediums. Look for management, financial and marketing abilities.

Mediums have a great deal of important work to do already and are not necessarily spiritually advanced or intelligent people. I know. I'm a medium.

So, put forward this motion: "Committees are destroying our Movement. They should be abandoned in favour of a three tier presidency." All those in favour....., resign.

Response to the above article by our site member Vi Kipling Click to read

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