Is Spiritualism a religion?

Yes, Spiritualism is legally recognised as a religion in the United Kingdom. While it differs from traditional religions because it does not rely on a central dogma, a set of scriptures, or a hierarchy of clergy in the same way as many established faiths, it is formally organised and has been for a long time.

A major turning point occurred with the War Charities Act 1940, which allowed Spiritualist churches to be registered as charities. This was a significant step because it gave them the same legal standing as other religious organisations.

Following this, the Fraudulent Mediums Act 1951 was another landmark piece of legislation. It replaced the old Witchcraft Act of 1735, which had previously been used to prosecute mediums. By repealing that outdated law, the government essentially acknowledged that the practice of mediumship was a legitimate activity rather than a criminal offence.

So, while it acts as a philosophy for many people who focus on the personal aspects of communication with the spirit world, it operates as a religion in the eyes of the law. It has its own churches, its own services, and its own national organisation, the Spiritualists' National Union, which oversees the practice and maintains the standards of its ministers and mediums. In short, it is a religion in practice and legal status, but a philosophy in its approach to individual truth.