As the nation came together this weekend to honour those who have served and sacrificed in conflict, Spiritualism once again took its place alongside other faiths and communities in remembrance. From the Cenotaph in London to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, representatives of the Spiritualists’ National Union joined thousands of others in paying tribute to the fallen, and sharing in a national moment of unity.
On Sunday 8th November, communities across the United Kingdom fell silent to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice, and those for whom the consequences of conflict remain an everyday reality.
For Spiritualists, Remembrance Sunday has long held a particular significance. It is an opportunity not only to honour those who have passed to the higher life, but also to recognise the courage, service and sacrifice of generations who have helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
This year, the Spiritualists’ National Union was proudly represented at two of the country’s most significant national commemorations.
In London, newly-elected SNU President, Minister Julia Almond, attended the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for what was her first time (having been elected to post at the SNU AGM in September), whilst in Staffordshire, Ministers Tom Haver and Trevor Rushforth joined fellow Spiritualists at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas.
Two different locations, but united in one shared purpose.
Minister Julia Almond, President of the Spiritualists’ National Union, joined representatives and delegates, including His Majesty, King Charles, at the Cenotaph remembrace service in London (images © BBC 2026).
Against the backdrop of Whitehall, Minister Almond joined representatives of the country’s faith communities for the national service of remembrance, attended by His Majesty King Charles III, members of the Royal Family, political leaders, representatives of the Commonwealth and the Armed Forces, alongside many veterans and serving personnel.
It was an especially poignant occasion for the new President, whose attendance continued an important tradition of the SNU’s presence at one of the most significant events in the national calendar.
Representation that is, itself, a relatively recent achievement.
It was only in 2018, following decades of efforts to secure recognition, that Spiritualism was officially represented at the Cenotaph for the first time. Then President Minister David Bruton (who now serves as the SNU’s acting Finance Director) together with Minister Steven Upton, attended the service on behalf of the SNU for the first time.
Eight years later, Minister Almond’s presence continued that legacy, ensuring the Spiritualism remained proudly visible alongside other faiths and beliefs in national life.
“Many people lined the streets clapping as the veterans passed… It was poignant, moving and spectacular.”
“A proud day today representing Spiritualism at our national Cenotaph,” she reflected afterwards.
“I am full of respect for all those who give service for our country.”
Following the service, Minister Almond chose to remain in Whitehall for a further ninety minutes, watching some of the thousands of veterans taking part in the Royal British Legion‘s march.
As the procession made its way through the capital, crowds lined the streets in appreciation.
“Many people lined the streets clapping as the veterans passed,” she recalled. “It was poignant, moving and spectacular.”
Amidst the scale and ceremony of the occasion, her thoughts also turned to an important chapter in Spiritualism’s own history.
Minister Almond, pictured alongside other faith leaders before the Remembrance Service in Whitehall.
During the First World War, Spiritualists raised funds to provide six ambulances for service on the Western Front – a practical and compassionate contribution to the war effort, and an enduring example of the movement putting its Principles into action during a time of extraordinary suffering.
More than a century later, that same spirit of service and compassion remains central to the Union’s identity.
Minister Almond spoke of her pride in being a Spiritualist, and in seeing the religion continue to play its part in national events, offering gratitude to all who serve, along with healing prayers for those who grieve or continue to live with the physical and mental scars of conflict.
It was also fitting that Remembrance Sunday once again marked the beginning of Inter Faith Week 2026, an opportunity to celebrate understanding and cooperation between people of different religions and beliefs.
Standing alongside her fellow faith representatives, Minister Almond’s presence offered a visible reminder that, whatever our individual beliefs, compassion, service and the pursuit of peace can bring communities together.
Meanwhile, more than a hundred miles away in Staffordshire, thousands of visitors had gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum to honour the fallen.
Among them were Minister Tom Haver and Minister Trevor Rushforth, representing the SNU Ministry, together with fellow Spiritualists from the West Midlands District Council.
With Remembrance Sunday also forming the first day of Inter Faith Week 2026, you can watch Minister Matthew Smith’s 2026 IF Week Address now by clicking on the link above.
For Minister Haver, who had been invited to officiate at the subsequent Spiritualist remembrance service, it was a particular privilege.
The group first attended the main national service at the foot of the impressive Armed Forces Memorial, joining the assembled crowds for a moving programme of music, reflection and ceremonial tribute.
Soloists performed songs reflecting upon the freedoms secured through the sacrifices of those who had served in conflict, while speeches and personal moments of remembrance added to the emotion of the occasion.
Minister Haver recalled the powerful atmosphere amongst those gathered, particularly those remembering family members and loved ones lost through war.
“The outpouring of love from everyone could be felt,” he reflected, describing the shared emotions of the thousands in attendance.
At eleven o’clock, the assembled crowds rose for the sounding of the Last Post, followed by a profound two-minute silence, before the notes of Reveille brought the ceremony to its conclusion.
It was, as Minister Haver described, “a very emotional and moving tribute to the fallen.”
Following the national service, the SNU representatives made their way through the Arboretum grounds to the Union’s own dedicated memorial.
“The outpouring of love from everyone could be felt… a very emotional and moving tribute to the fallen.”
Joining Ministers Haver and Rushforth were Loraine Todd, a former District Council President, Officiant Lynn Edwards, Anita Bryant, Angela McGhee, Mandy Malagoni and Kevin Armstrong, together with two members of Fleetwood Spiritualist Church, whom the group met at the memorial.
Here, away from the larger national gathering, they came together for a service of remembrance conducted in accordance with the SNU Ministers’ Service Book.
Minister Trevor Rushforth read the Ode to the Fallen, before laying a wreath of poppies on behalf of the SNU Ministry, past, present and future, while those assembled also shared a respectful silence.
For Minister Haver, the opportunity to officiate was both an honour and an opportunity to reflect upon the Union’s wider role in national remembrance.
“I hope that in the future we can make a bigger contribution there,” he commented, also welcoming the significance of the SNU being represented at both Alrewas and Whitehall on such an important occasion.
As the ceremonies concluded, the significance of the day extended far beyond the laying of wreaths and the observing of silence.
Remembrance is about honouring those who served, remembering those who died, and recognising the sacrifices made by countless families and communities. But it is also about looking forward, recognising the freedoms inherited from previous generations and the importance of working together for a more peaceful and compassionate world.
Following the main service at the National Memorial Arboretum, Ministers Tom Haver & Trevor Rushforth officiated a private service alongside other members and representatives, at the SNU’s own memorial in the grounds of the NMA.
For the Spiritualists’ National Union, the presence of its President at the Cenotaph, alongside its Ministers and members at the National Memorial Arboretum, was a welcome reminder of Spiritualism’s place within that national conversation.
And, across the country, Spiritualist churches, centres and members also marked Remembrance Sunday in their own communities through services, reflection, prayer and healing.
In every corner of the Union and its branches, bodies, centres and members, the message remained the same.
That those who gave so much must never be forgotten. That those who continue to carry the scars of conflict deserve our compassion and support.
And that, whatever our individual beliefs, there is something powerful in standing together, united in remembrance.
We will remember them.
.
by Kyle Pedley, SNU Communications.
with contributions from Minister Julia Almond & Minister Tom Haver.
first published Friday 13th November 2026.
If you would like your Church, Centre or District to be considered for an upcoming Spotlight visit and article, please drop us an email on communications.events@snu.org.uk, outlining your interest and reasons for a visit.
The Spotlight series is intended to showcase, highlight and champion good practice and notable achievements at church or district level.
Queries & Accessibility options – Paper copies of this page are available on request. To receive a paper copy, or if you have any questions, or would like to discuss accessibility needs or other requirements, please contact SNU Head Office via email at snu@snu.org.uk or telephone on 01279 816363.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this post, please feel free to get in touch.