Is Spiritualist Church a genuine Church?

[Hellyon]

I've just been putting together a guide to what's on and where at work and had listed the local Spiritualist Church in the list of churches. A Councillor has told me this is not a denomination of the chuch and should not be there. Another Councillor (different party) is a member of the Spiritualist Church. Can anyone tell me is the Spiritualist Church a 'proper' church. I want to get my homework right because I'm between a rock and a hard place with this one!!

[Pippa68]

Basically he is right ~ the spiritualist church isn't a denomination, however those who attend are happily doing so and of course regard it as their 'proper church' ;o)

We have lots of churches in my town, and quite a few are in school halls. These are independent churches based on the Evangelist movement (community churches), and although not actual churches they are attended by many.

Incidently, our spiritualist church was opened by Arthur Conan Doyle many years ago.

[warpig3]

Hellyon, you are between a rock and a hard place, as Pippa says it is not a denomination, however those who do attend no doubt believe and worship.

I have read the following link and no closer to answering your question, sorry, guess it comes down to a judgement call.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualist_Chur ch

[sense4all]

Just list it under non denomonational places of worship but I don't think you should leave it off.

[Theland]

I think it is a dangerous satanic deception and should be avoided.

[Hellyon]

Thanks for your replies - I'd googled it too and I couldn't get a clear answer. I think senses answer may be the solution to my problem. One of my friends is local priest ( I'm practically a pagan so it makes for interesting discussions in the pub!) I'll ask him what his view on it would be - that might help.

[Pippa68]

I agree with sense4all too ~ it should be on the list.

[warpig3]

Yes, I agree with sense4all too. That sounds like an interesting discussion you are going to have and I would be interested to know his take on it!

[Octavius]

A �What�s On� list should be all-inclusive so I would include it, regardless of any religious persuasions, its about what is on, not what everyone believes in per se. Perhaps you should change the title on your guide from �Churches� to �Religion and Spirituality� ?

[Hellyon]

Father Ray just texted me and suggested calling them Places of Worship rather than Churches and putting the Spiritualist Church on the list (he enjoys upsetting politicians).
Thanks guys I have two options to go with now and they both sort out the problem, I knew I could rely on you
X

[Hellyon]

It's good suggetsion Octavius.

[joko]

my local spiritualist church is all about psychics and mediums etc... perhaps list it in that section

[neo.]

Hellyon...y have you still got that name

[naomi24]

Good grief! Here's a first. I agree with Octavius!

[Hellyon]

neo. what do you mean why have I still got this name? Do you mean why haven't I gone back to Hellion

[luna-tic]

They are all places of belief, what anyone derives from them is up to the individual.

[Whickerman]

Careful Hellyon - are you really 'practically a Pagan' or an atheist? Just being pedantic for the sake of it probably, but Paganism is a recognised form of religious worship - there's enough of us on here to know!

[neo.]

it was a play on letters Hellion/Hellion

[Hellyon]

Whickerman - Pagan but doing my own thing!