We talk to the SNU’s new science lead about all things Science, Spiritualism and his new role…
As the Union continues to explore and strengthen the long-standing relationship between Science and Spiritualism, we sat down with the Union’s new science lead, esteemed parapsychologist Chris Connelly, to discuss exactly that.
Chris has spent over three decades bridging the worlds of Spiritualism and science, merging cutting-edge scientific insight with profound Spiritual wisdom.
Can you give members an overview of what your new role and responsibility is within the Union?
Chris: My new role within the Union is, broadly speaking, to help strengthen the bridge between Spiritualist philosophy, practice, and thoughtful scientific inquiry.
I see it as a responsibility not just to represent science, but to help make it accessible, relevant, and useful to members in a way that supports spiritual development rather than narrowing it. I want to encourage a spirit of open inquiry, where questions are welcomed and where we can explore experience carefully, honestly, and with respect for the values of Spiritualism.
And what are some of the plans and projects you will be undertaking in this new role?
Chris: A key part of what I hope to do is continue developing work that brings together mediumship, philosophy, and research in a practical way. That includes supporting educational material, encouraging discussion around scientific ideas in Spiritualism, and helping members think about how evidence, experience, and philosophy can sit alongside one another.
We’re also exploring reframing the relationship between Spiritualism and Science with respect to what has been referred to as the 3-fold aspect of Spiritualism.
“There is now a much clearer recognition that science does not have to be seen as a threat to Spiritualism; in fact, it can be a powerful ally when used with humility and good methodology.”
The SNU have recently had a strong push for both philosophy but also specifically science. As someone who has longstanding experience of Science within Spiritualism, where do you broadly feel the movement’s understanding of, and relationship with, Science is in 2026?
Chris: I think the movement’s relationship with science in 2026 is in a healthier place than it has sometimes been, but there is still a lot of work to do.
There is now a much clearer recognition that science does not have to be seen as a threat to Spiritualism; in fact, it can be a powerful ally when used with humility and good methodology. At the same time, we need to be careful not to reduce Spiritualism to only what can be measured, because the heart of the movement still rests in lived experience, philosophy, and personal transformation.
You recently curated one of our philosophy pamphlets which asked members whether they feel new scientific discoveries should inform their practice as Spiritualists. Could you tell us a little about how you found that, and what you took from the members’ contributions?
Chris: I found the philosophy pamphlet particularly encouraging because it showed that members are willing to engage seriously with difficult and important questions.
What stood out to me was the variety of perspectives: some members clearly want scientific discoveries to inform practice more directly, while others are cautious about changing tradition too quickly.
What I took from that is that there is a real appetite for dialogue, and that members do not want easy answers so much as thoughtful, respectful discussion.
“I found the philosophy pamphlet particularly encouraging because it showed that members are willing to engage seriously with difficult and important questions.”
And looking back over your work, have there been any particular experiments or research you have undertaken that have been particularly rewarding or memorable?
Chris: Some of the most rewarding work I have been involved in has centred on mediumship, trance, and the search for ways to understand altered states more rigorously. I have found collaborative research especially memorable, particularly work that tries to build better links between scientific investigation and Spiritualist communities.
Those kinds of projects are rewarding because they are not just about data; they are also about trust, communication, and helping people feel that their experiences are being taken seriously.
Looking at those who have come before, there have been a number of scientists and physicists who have either been Spiritualists themselves or have felt science holds the key to proving survival after death. Do you have any particular role models, or individuals you think members and the wider public should perhaps be more aware of?
Chris: I think people such as Sir Oliver Lodge, Sir William Crookes, and other historically important figures who were willing to engage with both science and survival questions remain significant references for members.
More recently, researchers and organisations such as IONS, the Society for Psychical Research, Windbridge Institute who have tried to combine careful experimental work with respectful engagement in Spiritualist settings are also important role models.
I think the wider public should be more aware that the history of science and Spiritualism is not one of simple opposition; there has long been a dialogue between the two.
And looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future when it comes to scientific research in not just the SNU, but the wider Spiritualist movement as a whole?
Chris: My hope is that scientific research in the SNU and the wider Spiritualist movement becomes more confident, more collaborative, and more methodologically thoughtful.
I would like to see more work that is both spiritually meaningful and scientifically credible, so that we can better understand what is happening in mediumship, healing, trance, and related phenomena.
More broadly, I hope the movement continues to embrace inquiry without losing its humanity, because the strongest future for Spiritualism will be one where philosophy, evidence and religious experience all have a place
Chris, thank you so much for your time!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this post, please feel free to get in touch.