British Union Of Spiritist Society

General information

The British Union of Spiritist Societies acts as an umbrella organisation for 16 Spiritist Centres in the UK. It organises seminars, conferences, training courses, gatherings and artistic performances and maintains a website to disseminate Spiritism and unite Spiritist Groups. www.buss.org.uk

Spiritism promotes a moral framework based on Christian principles. BUSS motivates and guides people to live their lives in accordance with the moral codes. The Spiritist teachings inspire people to undertake voluntary work within the community and support charities. The concept of charity is central to Spiritism. It is not simply concerned with promoting self awareness and individual spiritual advancement.

There is no claim to diagnose or cure illness in spiritual healing rather it is complementary to conventional medical treatment. The purpose of spiritual healing is to promote the relief of illness and to help restore the physical, spiritual and psychological balance of the individual and not for relieving or curing particular illnesses.

Communication with the spirits through mediumship is central to Spiritist practice being based on the principles of the Spiritist Doctrine. We understand that mediumship is incorporated within the religious practices of Spiritism.

The meetings are advertised and free to all who wish to attend. Most events are also free and information is made freely available through the website.

The beliefs and practices of Spiritism as promoted by BUSS are capable of advancing religion in charity law as they meet all of the characteristics of a religion as defined in charity law as set out in the guidance The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit. There is evidence of:

* belief in a supreme being;
* worship of, reverence for or veneration of a supreme being;
* a degree of cogency, cohesion, seriousness and importance in the belief system which is outward focused as opposed to being self promoting;
* an identifiable positive moral/ethical framework promoted by Spiritism which is capable of being advanced for public benefit;

Counselling delivers benefits through the provision of solace and comfort to those in need.
BUSS is a member of the INTERNATIONAL SPIRITIST COUNCIL. (CEI)