FAQ: Canberra Spiritualist Association

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Spiritualism?

Spiritualism is a religion. It brings proof of the survival of the human consciousness after physical death through evidential mediumship. It has no dogma and no demands on adherence to its philosophy. It combines philosophy, science and religion. It is guided by 7 Principles.

Does the Spiritualist movement have a leader?

No. Spiritualists do not believe in following any “gurus” and – unlike mainstream religions – do not have any “holy writings”, although many books have been written about all aspects of Spiritualism. The philosophy stresses the individuality of spiritual paths and emphasises the importance of personal spiritual experiences.

Where is Spiritualism based?

Although Spiritualism is not a hierarchical group, regional and national associations do exist. The Canberra Spiritualist Association is an affiliate of the Victorian Spiritualists' Union, the longest-lived Spiritualist institution in the world. The United Kingdom is home to the Spiritualists' National Union, and the USA to the National Spiritualist Association of Churches.

What is the cost of membership?

Membership is $20 per financial year. This fee is subject to change.

What benefits do I have being a member?

Being a member gives you access to our extensive library of Spiritualist books; it entitles you to vote at the AGM, and enables you to stand for election to any committee position. You will also receive our quarterly newsletter keeping you up to date with our events.

What are the goals and visions of the Canberra Spiritualist Association in particular?

Our mission is to bring a modern knowledge of eternal life, encouraging each individual and humanity as a whole, to recognise their highest spiritual potential through embracing Spiritualist principles. Our Goals are:

To serve those in the spirit world by providing a vessel for communicating with loved ones.
To promote the education and understanding of Spiritualism.
To provide high quality training in evidential mediumship and psychic awareness.
To provide proof of eternal life through evidential mediumship.
To be the organisation of choice for demonstrating mediums.
To uplift those in grief.
To provide the environment to experience the conscious and personal experience of the reality of life after death.
To provide healing through the power of spirit within the context of mediumistic healing.
To create a space for healing through music, inspiration, philosophy and community.
To provide guidance and support.
To inspire individuals to recognise their own spiritual and eternal nature thus encouraging them to truly live.
To build a safe, inclusive and understanding community.
To build a community that both supports the CSA financially and practically.

What makes Spiritualism different to other religions?

The main difference is that Spiritualists ask for ‘proof of survival’ rather than faith. In other words, Spiritualists look for evidence that the human personality survives physical death and continues to exist eternally as spirit. This evidence is given especially when mediums give ‘demonstrations’ in which they communicate between the spirit world and physical world.