Your NEC met via Zoom on 6th December. We covered a wide range of important matters and, most excitingly, spent time reaffirming our shared vision for our religion and our Union for 2026.
President’s Report
We are making positive progress on my promises to Churches and Members and I hope you can feel the Union is strengthening and changing.
Training Hubs
I am delighted to confirm that our Training Hubs will launch on 13th December, piloted in the Northern District and then cascaded out to all Districts. This will ensure members are supported in their important work as Church committee members.
Monthly Newsletter
Our new monthly newsletter launched on 1st December, and we already have 768 members subscribed. Please do sign up so we can stay connected. We will also be introducing a quarterly magazine, available in hard copy to all churches.
Reconnecting with our District Councils
As I travel around the country, it is clear that many churches feel a disconnect from their District Councils. We are looking at how we better address this. Districts are the essential bridge between Churches and the NEC, and it is vital that every church knows it has a voice. The NEC devoted a significant amount of time to exploring how we can empower Churches and strengthen these relationships. We will keep you updated on our progress and this will undoubtedly be part of the feedback from the Presidential Commissions also. Once again this year, the NEC has been invited to attend DC AGMs as part of our commitment to visibility and accessibility. We will be in touch soon to confirm which NEC member will be attending each AGM. Please share with us your thoughts when we visit.
Cenotaph
It was an honour to attend the Cenotaph once again and represent our religion. I am keen for this to be not only a tradition but a meaningful act of remembrance and pride across our entire Union. I am deeply grateful to the churches and DCs who attend their local ceremonies, and to West Midlands DC for representing us at the Arboretum at the Union’s Memorial to Peace.
Vice President’s Report – Les Henderson
Les Henderson, Vice President 1, presented his report, beginning with an overview of our new committees:
Outreach and Community
Overseeing engagement with members and the wider world, championing the SNU’s presence within Districts, churches, and the membership.
Digital & Technology
Seeking funding for technology, supporting churches with new websites, digital tools, the newsletter, and the magazine.
Social Justice and Action
Supporting the SNU’s involvement in social issues and offering members meaningful ways to participate.
Spiritualist Aid
Coordinating fundraising and donations to charitable causes.
Philosophy Development Council
Leading our renewed focus on our beliefs and philosophy, championing the Philosophy Pamphlet and new ways of exploring our teachings.
Ministers Development Committee
Strengthened this year with two new subcommittees:
- Continuous Development Board:
Providing ongoing support and training for officiants and ministers and updating the Official Services Book. - Standards Board:
Addressing concerns about ministerial standards or conduct and recommending retraining or removal from ministry, when necessary.
These committees will be added to our bylaws at the next GPC meeting.
The Ministry
We recognise that our current education and training structures can unintentionally restrict entry into Ministry and favour speakers and demonstrators. The PAS route particularly benefits those comfortable on the platform, leaving fewer pathways for healers, administrators, and others called to serve.
We want our Ministry to remain rooted in compassion, empathy, knowledge, and competency, not in the volume of boards passed. Ministry is a vocation. Therefore, we will be introducing changes to ensure a more inclusive route to Ministry.
Rules for Churches
The Rules for Churches have been updated and are now being reviewed for release in 2026.
We are aware that churches struggle with procedures relating to expenditure. The rules will change to reflect modern circumstances:
- For expenditure on church property, two independent quotes are required, with at least one from outside the committee.
- A church may not spend more than £10,000 on any proposal or set of proposals in a calendar year unless exceptions (i and ii) apply.
- If a church has a mortgage or an SNUT advance, the limit is £5,000.
We are also making provisions to end the practice of charging for entry to Divine Services. As this is our religion, we cannot justify charging people to attend worship.
Individual Members Representative
Maire Davies has taken on this role and is doing a sterling job engaging with members and keeping them informed. She has identified several helpful insights that will improve the overall experience of being part of our SNU family. Thank you Maire for your proactive work as our IM rep.
Overseas Representative
Cathy Leigh Tsoukalas continues to serve in this important role. We fully appreciate how challenging it can be for overseas members to stay connected. Cathy is working hard to bridge this gap and ensure every international member feels valued. Early in the new year she will host Zoom meetings with NEC members so overseas members can ask questions directly. Thank you Cathy for your ongoing work as our Overseas representative and your work for SNUi.
Vice President 2 – Colin Lomax
Colin has been extremely busy behind the scenes. He has led on updating our Safeguarding Policy, ensuring it is robust and fit for purpose. We extend our thanks to Craig Wright and Michelle Dale for their contributions.
As part of his work, Colin is also introducing more specific volunteer training and establishing a more accessible safeguarding team. Colin has contacted charities such as Mind, CALM, and Medigold Health to deliver seminars, though responses have been limited so far. We are determined to ensure that we benefit from external expertise.
Accreditation, Curriculum Development, and SNUi – Report by Sarah Deverall
Sarah is doing an excellent job coordinating the work of our Education, Training & Awards Committees and SNUi.
Accreditation & Awards Council
They are busy with FAB boards and enhancing the student experience. We will be revisiting the purpose of PAS, improving mentorships, and ensuring boards are held regionally to reduce travel costs. We want to eliminate unnecessary expense and tear down barriers to education and training in the Union. I know this has been a frustration for many and Sarah is committed to enacting positive changes with this.
Curriculum & Development Council
The courses have been reviewed, and work is underway to fill gaps, especially academic ones. We will be reintroducing DSNUB and Lecturer’s Awards for our thinkers and future philosophers.
A Zoom room is now available for TPS1 and TPS2 study groups, with dates on the website. New course tutors are always welcome so please do reach out to the committee if you can volunteer your time and expertise.
SNUi
SNUi continues to offer an invaluable online service for members worldwide or those unable to attend church. Chairman Francesco Gervasoni leads a diverse committee spanning as far as New Zealand. Membership stands at 558, with 19 new members since 1 October.
Ordinary Director 2 – Pat Redman
Pat is working tirelessly across several areas. She liaises with our legal team and is working with the Church Relations Officer to produce practical “How To” pamphlets (e.g., running an open circle, development group, grief café, etc.).
Pat’s working group is producing training packages for Complaint Panel Chairs and Members, Fast Action Teams, and mediators. She is also exploring an early intervention strategy to triage complaints more effectively. Volunteers are needed so please contact Pat at om2.nec@snu.org.uk if you can volunteer your time.
Ordinary Director 3 – Sean Taylor
Sean’s role centres on ensuring every member feels recognised and supported. He is establishing a working group to develop the most effective approach. A new policy will be available on the website soon. Sean has championed proper training and he is delighted to invite members to an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion training session with Pannone (our legal team). This will take place on 28th January, with 30 spaces for staff, NEC, and National Councillors.
Sean is also collaborating with Sarah Deverall to explore ways to better support our students.
A Pride Event for 2026 is being planned. Financial pressures on councils have created some challenges, but we will update you as soon as details are confirmed.
Healing Report – James Underwood
James reported on the excellent work of the Healing Committee. Unfortunately, some members have stepped down for health reasons, and we thank them for their service.
We welcome Joy Hunter DSNU and Carol Fisher CSNU to the committee.
The Healing Conference on 1st November was a great success, with 127 registered healers. Churches and DCs are encouraged to hold community events to keep this momentum going.
A call for volunteers for the online healing service received a wonderful response – thank you.
The committee is producing a new booklet for Healing Leaders and Supervisors, and an auto-video guide for completing the Healing Logbook (designed by Accredited Healer Gail Selbie) will soon be available.
Friday meditation and distant healing sessions continue to grow in attendance, with many new trainee healers joining.
Church Relations Coordinator
We currently have 25 churches in support;
- 1 managed church,
- 6 in Category 1,
- 16 in Category 2,
- 3 in Category 3.
This support is not a punishment. It is a way to help volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles. Thank you to all of our support officers for your guidance and to these churches for being accepting of the support.
Council Directors Report – Jean Smart
Despite personal and family health challenges, Jean continues to keep council representatives informed and ensures that churches’ concerns reach the NEC. The next Council Meeting will be held on 13th December 2025 via Zoom.
Chief Operations Officer Report
Arthur Findlay College
We have moved college operations to our paid staff. Refurbishments at the college are on track, and ensuite rooms should be completed by early January. These will ensure better quality hospitality for our guests. We are busy modernising the College’s systems and processes.
Combined staffing for AFC and SNU currently stands at 66. Our staff help to ensure students at the College are well looked after and our members are supported. Thank you to our hard working staff.
Christmas closure for the Office and College is 23rd December to 2nd January (phones and emails monitored on the 23rd). Please make sure you get any enquiries into the team before these date. They thoroughly deserve a rest over Christmas.
Both AFC and SNU websites are live, and while there are some teething issues, these are being addressed. It is fantastic to see our online presence improving and we are busy taking feedback to implement further improvements.