BYE-LAWS, Section H May 2015 SPIRITUAL HEALING ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS 1. General 2. Definitions 3. Healing Code of Conduct Part I. Preliminary Part II. Registered Healers 4. Registered Healers 5. Classes of Registration 6. Qualifications for Registration 7. Registration of Healers 8. Renewal of Registration 9. Church Healers Annual Return 10. Upgrading of Trainee Healers 11. Re-Registration of Healers 12. Cessation of Registration 13. Healing Committee Part III. Healing Committee Part IV. District Council Healing Committee 14. District Council Healing Representative and Committee 15. Complaints 16. Interpretation Part V. General Schedule 1. Schedule 2. A Guide to Organising Trance Healing Demonstrations Procedures of the Healing Committee 1
PART I. PRELIMINARY 1. General The provisions of these Bye-laws apply to all spiritual healing carried out under the auspices of the Union. 2. Definitions 'Spiritual Healing' and 'healing' mean a form of healing by the use of forces and energies from the world of spirit channelled through the healer by the laying on of hands on the body or prayer or the direction of thought from a distance. 'Spiritualist Healer' means a person who practises spiritual healing. (c) 'Trance healing' means spiritual healing practised by a Spiritualist healer in a deep state of altered consciousness. (d) 'Trance healer' means a person who practises trance healing. (e) 'Registered Healer' means a Spiritualist healer who is for the time being entered by the Healing Committee on the Union's Register of Approved and Trainee Healers. (f) 'Prescribed minimum training' means not less than one hundred practical training sessions completed in a continuous period of not more than five years. (g) 'Supervision' means the monitoring of a healer by at least one Registered Approved Healer who is not at the same time administering healing himself. 3. Healing Code of Conduct (1) The National Executive Committee shall publish from time to time the Healing Code of Conduct governing the practice of spiritual healing within the Union. (2) All Registered Healers shall practise spiritual healing in accordance with the philosophy and teachings of the Union and its Healing Code of Conduct. PART II. REGISTERED HEALERS 4. Registered Healers No member of a Healing Group of a Church, Kindred Body or Pioneer Centre and no Individual Member shall be permitted to practise healing under the auspices of the Union or of any of its affiliated bodies or Pioneer Centres unless he is a Registered Approved Healer or a Registered Trainee Healer working under the personal supervision of a Registered Approved Healer. 5. Classes of Registration Registration shall be in two categories:- Registered Approved Healer; and Registered Trainee Healer. 6. Qualifications for Registration (1) Registration as an Approved Healer shall be open only to a person who is not a legal minor and is:- (i) a fully paid-up Individual Member who holds the Union's Diploma or Certificate of Recognition in Spiritual Healing; or 2
(ii) a fully paid-up Individual Member who does not fall within subparagraph above; or (iii) a full member of an affiliated body who is a member of its Healing Group. Except as provided in (c) to (f) below, no person shall be registered as an Approved Healer unless he has, within a period of five years from the date of his registration as a Trainee Healer:- (c) (d) (e) (f) (i) satisfactorily completed the prescribed minimum training; and (ii) passed H1 of the Union's education courses; and (iii) if resident in the United Kingdom, passed a practical upgrading assessment conducted by an Assessment Board appointed by the District Council Healing Committee; or (iv) if resident outside the United Kingdom, attended a Healing Committee course within the first year of his registration as a Trainee Healer and satisfied the Healing Committee of his fitness to be a Registered Approved Healer. The provisions of (i) and (ii) above shall not apply to persons who were Approved Healers of the Healing Group of an affiliated body prior to 1st April 1992 and have been such continuously since. The provisions of (iii) above shall not apply to persons who were Approved Healers of the Healing Group of an affiliated body prior to 1st April 1994 and have been such continuously since. A six months' extension of the time-limit for registration as an Approved Healer shall be allowed to a Trainee Healer whose first application for upgrading to Approved Healer has been refused. The provisions of above shall not apply to a Trainee Healer who, at 1st February 2004, had been registered as such for a period of more than five years. Such healer shall not be registered as an Approved Healer unless he has, by 1st August 2005, complied with the requirements of (i) to (iv) of above. An extension of the time-limit for registration as an Approved Healer may be granted by the Healing Committee upon the written submission of extenuating circumstances before the expiry of the time-limit. (2) Registration as a Trainee Healer shall be open only to a person who is not a legal minor and is:- a fully paid-up full or provisional Individual Member who has been accepted by the Healing Committee as a Trainee Healer; and a full or associate member of an affiliated body who has been appointed by its Committee as a Trainee Healer of the Healing Group. 7. Registration of Healers (1) Except as provided under paragraph 11 of these Bye-laws, application for the registration of a Trainee Healer shall be submitted by him on the prescribed form, sponsored as follows:- for a member of the Healing Group of an affiliated body, by its 3
Healing Group Leader and the Church Secretary; in other cases:- (i) (ii) for a resident in the United Kingdom, by two Registered Approved Healers declaring a personal knowledge of the applicant, one of whom shall accept responsibility for the supervision of the training of the applicant; for a resident outside the United Kingdom, by two persons acceptable to the Healing Committee. (2) All applications for registration shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) The Healing Committee may accept, defer or refuse applications at its discretion and without being required to state its reasons. 8. Renewal of Registration (1) An annual registration renewal fee shall be paid by every Registered Healer. The fees in respect of Registered Healers who are members of the Healing Group of an affiliated body may accompany the Healers Annual Return. (2) Except as provided in sub-paragraph (1) above, renewal of registration shall be submitted on the prescribed form, accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) The annual registration renewal fee shall be due on 1st April each year. (4) The Healing Committee may accept, defer or refuse renewals at its discretion and without being required to state its reasons. 9. Church Healers Annual Return (1) A Healers Annual Return shall be submitted on the prescribed form to the head office of the Union by every affiliated body and Pioneer Centre having a Healing Group. Such form shall list all members of the Healing Group and such other information as may be required. (2) The Healers Annual Return form shall be signed by the Healing Group Leader and the Church Secretary. 10. Upgrading of Trainee Healers (1) An application for the upgrading of a Registered Trainee Healer to Registered Approved Healer shall be made on the prescribed form by the healer himself. (2) The prescribed form shall be signed as follows:- for a member of the Healing Group of an affiliated body or Pioneer Centre, by the Healing Group Leader and one other Registered Approved Healer of the Healing Group, declaring a personal knowledge of the applicant such that they can vouch for his ability as a Spiritualist healer; in other cases:- (i) (ii) for a resident in the United Kingdom, by two Registered Approved Healers declaring a personal knowledge of the applicant such that they can vouch for his ability as a Spiritualist healer; for a resident outside the United Kingdom, by two persons acceptable to the Healing Committee. 4
(3) All applications shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (4) The Healing Committee may accept, defer or refuse applications at its discretion and without being required to state its reasons. 11. Re-Registration of Healers (1) A Registered Healer who ceases to be such otherwise than through misconduct shall be eligible for re-registration either as a member of the Healing Group of an affiliated body or as a full or provisional Individual Member. (2) Except as provided in sub-paragraph (3) below:- (c) (d) A former Registered Healer who is submitted for re-registration within twelve months of the date of cessation of the previous registration shall not be required to undergo additional training or practical upgrading assessment. A former Registered Healer who is submitted for re-registration after twelve months but within three years of the date of cessation of the previous registration shall be required to work under the supervision of a Registered Approved Healer for a period to be prescribed by the Healing Committee, such period to be not less than three months. A former Registered Healer who is submitted for re-registration after three years from the date of cessation of the previous registration shall be required to have satisfactorily completed the prescribed minimum training and pass a practical upgrading assessment. A former Registered Healer resident outside the United Kingdom who is submitted for re-registration after twelve months from the date of cessation of the previous registration shall be re-registered on terms acceptable to the Healing Committee. (3) All applications for re-registration shall be made on the prescribed form and accompanied by the prescribed fee. (4) The annual registration fee of a Registered Healer re-registered under the provisions of this paragraph shall be due on 1st April in each year. (5) The Healing Committee may accept, defer or refuse applications for reregistration at its discretion and without being required to state its reasons. 12. Cessation of Registration (1) Registration or re-registration shall be terminated in any of the following events, namely:- (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) death; receipt by the Healing Committee of written resignation; non-payment of registration fees within three months of the date of renewal indicated in sub-paragraph 8(3) or 11(5) of these Bye-laws, as appropriate; loss of any of the qualifications which enabled registration; rejection of the application of a Registered Trainee Healer for full Individual Membership; failure to be upgraded to Approved Healer within the time-limit prescribed by to (f) of paragraph 6 above; a resolution of the Healing Committee, National Executive Committee or 5
the Complaints Committee pursuant to paragraph 15 of these Bye-laws. (2) The cessation of registration from any cause shall not affect the right of the Healing Committee to enforce payment of debts and the fulfilment of other obligations incurred before the date of such cessation. PART III. HEALING COMMITTEE 13. Healing Committee There shall be a Healing Committee appointed annually under Bye-laws A to carry out the duties and functions assigned to it, subject to any directions given from time to time by the National Executive Committee. The procedures of the Healing Committee shall be as provided in Schedule 2 of these Bye-laws. PART IV. DISTRICT COUNCIL HEALING COMMITTEE 14. District Council Healing Representative and Committee (1) District Council Healing Representative Each District Council shall have a Healing Representative elected annually under Bye-laws B, who shall be the Chairman of the District Council Healing Committee. (2) District Council Healing Committee Each District Council shall have a Healing Committee appointed annually under Bye-laws B to carry out the duties and functions assigned to it under the Byelaws, subject to any directions given from time to time by the District Council Executive Committee. (3) Notification to District Councils The Healing Committee shall send to each District Council Healing Committee each quarter a list of Registered Healers within its district. PART V. GENERAL 15. Complaints Any complaint relating to healing shall be dealt with in accordance with Bye-laws F. Pending the outcome the registration of any healer who is the subject of the complaint may be suspended by resolution of the Healing Committee and for the period of suspension such healer shall not be permitted to practise healing under the auspices of the Union or any of its affiliated bodies. 16. Interpretation In these Bye-laws:- (1) The term ' incompatible religious body' means any religious organisation which:- 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 6
(c) introduces, includes, utilises or otherwise promulgates any symbols, trappings or practices of any other religion or religious denomination; or permits a body which falls within or above to be accepted into affiliation with, or membership of, such organisation. (2) The term 'member' in relation to an incompatible religious body shall include a person who regularly attends its services for the purpose of pursuing its beliefs. (3) The term 'Individual 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. 7
SCHEDULE 1 A Guide to Organising Trance Healing Demonstrations The following is intended as a guide for Churches, Kindred Bodies and Pioneer Centres which wish to hold demonstrations of trance healing. It should be noted that it is not permitted to hold such demonstrations at regular intervals and that they should be isolated events. Attendance should be by previously purchased, or issued, tickets only. Trance healing is covered by the SNU Public Liability insurance provided that such healing is done in accordance with the Code of Conduct. Trance healing is, and has been, recognised as an integral part of Spiritualism and spiritual healing for many years and it is recognised by the SNU that some mediums work in a state of altered consciousness referred to as trance. WHAT IS TRANCE? Trance is a form of altered consciousness; however, it is accepted that many levels of trance exist. In light trance, or overshadowing, the medium is fully aware of what he is doing and what is said and done and he can easily influence the things that happen. It can take only seconds for the medium to slip into this state of light trance and it could be said that this is the most common form of mediumship. In semi-trance the medium is aware of what is going on and what is said and done. However, the medium experiences a feeling of daydreaming, as though he is viewing what is happening through a haze, a feeling of detachment. In this semi-trance the medium is easily able to influence what takes place and is able to return to a normal state of consciousness easily and quickly. When most people refer to trance, they usually mean a deep trance state where the medium is totally unaware of what is happening, being said or done. During this time the medium experiences a state described as being sleeplike. He is unable to influence any part of the proceedings and, therefore, the spirit working through him has total control of the movements his body makes and the words that are spoken. This is a special state or partnership between the medium and the spirit working with him where a strong bond of mutual trust and respect has developed, usually over many years. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW IN RESPECT OF PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS OF TRANCE HEALING? Trance healing is covered by the SNU Public Liability insurance provided that such healing is done in accordance with the Code of Conduct. In respect of public trance healing demonstrations, the organising body must carry total responsibility for that event. This means that the Church Committee, and ultimately the Church President, are totally responsible for all that takes place: there is no responsibility on the part of the Spiritualists National Union for the safety of the public attending the event. Trance healing demonstrations involve huge responsibilities and should not be undertaken lightly. 8
To minimise the risks involved, prior to booking the Church should obtain:- - a recommendation from a respected source as to a suitable trance healer; - a copy of the medium s current Certificate of Public Liability Insurance. If the medium has no Public Liability Insurance cover then the responsibility for all that takes place falls on the organising body. If you still want to go ahead: - Ask the trance healer to produce a valid certificate of membership of a recognised healing organisation or body. - Demonstrations of Trance healing must be by prior appointment; therefore, it is necessary to produce and sell or distribute tickets well in advance of the event. - Only those with tickets are to be allowed into the trance healing demonstration. - It is recommended that tickets carry a disclaimer on the back. This disclaimer should state that the person purchasing or using the ticket has been warned in advance that he is to attend a demonstration of trance healing. - It is also recommended that it be made clear that the ticket-holder may not be able to participate in the healing demonstration and that there is no guarantee that he will receive healing. - It is essential that it be clearly displayed that all forms of mediumship are experiments and that should a person be asked to take part in the demonstration of trance healing there is no guarantee of a cure. At the event: - Ensure that only ticket holders who obtained tickets prior to the event are allowed entry. - Ensure that Committee members are stewarding the event. - Ensure that there is First Aid equipment available and, if possible, someone with a qualification in First Aid. - Ensure that all necessary health and safety precautions have been taken and emergency exits are kept clear. Prior to the Demonstration: - Give a short explanation of what could take place during the demonstration, stating that all demonstrations of trance healing are experiments and that there can be no guarantee that healing will take place. - Make any other announcement the trance healer requests you to make. - Announce that this is the appropriate moment for anyone to leave, if he wishes, as it will not be possible to leave during the demonstration. 9
SCHEDULE 2 PROCEDURES OF THE HEALING COMMITTEE 1. Meetings of the Healing Committee (1) The Healing Committee (the Committee) shall meet not less than three times in each year on such dates as may be decided by the Chairman. Not less than fourteen days' written notice shall be given of the time, date and place of each meeting. (2) The Chairman and the Secretary of the Committee may at any time summon a meeting of the Committee. 2. Procedures (1) The Chairman shall be responsible to the National Executive Committee for the supervision of the work of the Committee and for the despatch of business between meetings of the Committee and shall make such decisions in an emergency in co-operation with the Officers of the Union as he deems necessary subject to report at the following meeting. (2) The Committee may exercise its functions either by majority decisions of meetings of which all members have been notified and at which a quorum is present, or by agreement in correspondence of all the members of the Committee. For this purpose any proposal may be submitted to the Committee in correspondence by the Secretary and if no reply is received within fourteen days from any member dissenting from the proposal it may be assumed that that member has assented. (3) The quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be the smallest number constituting a majority of its members. (4) The Committee may act notwithstanding any vacancy or vacancies in its membership, provided that a quorum is obtainable. (5) The Secretary shall cause minutes of the proceedings of the Committee, whether transacted at meetings or intermediately, to be produced and a copy submitted to the Union for consideration by the National Executive Committee. The Secretary shall conduct correspondence on behalf of the Committee, cause registers to be kept in regard to Spiritualist healers and undertake such other duties as may be allocated to him. (6) It shall be the duty of the Secretary on behalf of the Committee to submit periodical reports to the Union as follows:- not later than 30th April in each year a report on the work of the Committee for inclusion in the Annual Report of the Union for the preceding year; such other reports as may be called for by the National Executive Committee from time to time. 3. Conflict of Interest In the conduct of his office it is the duty of each member of the Committee to consider the interests of the Union as a whole and not the special interests of any other body of which he may also be a member. 10
4. Cessation of Membership of the Committee The position of a member of the Committee other than the Chairman shall be vacated:- (c) (d) (e) if for any reason he loses the qualification which entitled him to be appointed; or if by notice in writing to the Committee he resigns; or if he becomes of unsound mind; or if the position is declared vacant in pursuance of Bye-laws F; or by resolution of the National Executive Committee. 11