Memberships
Our different membership structures
Membership for church, centre, or group
To become a full member there are a number of requirements and prerequisites that must be adhered to. Firstly, the definition of a church is different from the definition of a centre or group, however, they each have the same standing within the council itself.
The definition of a church for the purpose of joining is as follows:
- must have been established for at least 12 months; and
- have a registered name incorporating the word Spiritualist or Spiritualism; and
- have a basic constitution; and
- have a committee of management which should include a president or leader, secretary/administration officer and treasurer; and
- have a bank account in the church, name, with two signatories as elected from the committee; and have at least 25 financial members.
The definition of a centre or group for the purpose of joining is as follows:
- must have been established for at least 12 months
- have a name incorporating the word spiritualist or spiritualism
- be administered by a nominated leader
- have a bank account in the centre or group, name
- have no fewer than 10 members.
Once membership is established the church, centre or group has full membership rights and the protection the ICS Inc gives as a denomination for the religion of spiritualism.
Reminder: To gain membership with the ICS Inc, you will need sponsorship from two existing member church/centre/groups. This is in accordance with our incorporate rules.
Membership Enquiry
International support centre groups or spiritualist venues
The second type of membership is entitled “International Support Member Group or Spiritualist Venue”. The ratio ruling in the ICS Inc is set at a minimum of 65% Australian membership and a maximum of 35% overseas membership.
For the ICS Inc to retain denominational status the Attorney General’s Department advised that all the administration, running and control remain in Australia.
The definition of an international support member group or spiritualist venue for the purpose of joining is as follows: A support member group or spiritualist venue shall have presented the teachings of spiritualism and supported spiritualism for 12 months or more and:
- have a name incorporating the word spiritualist or spiritualism; and
- be administered by a nominated leader; and
- have a bank account in the centre or group, name; and
- have no fewer than 10 members.
Membership Enquiry
To enquire about this type of membership contact us, or download the relevant form as per the buttons provided.
Once completed you can either email the form to [email protected] or send it to the PO Box as specified below.
Support membership
The third form of membership “Support Membership” came about as it was recognised that some individuals wanted to investigate spiritualism without being members of any one church, centre or group.
The definition of “Support Membership” is as follows:
Support Member means an individual natural person who has agreed to give support to the objects and purposes of the Association.
To gain membership with the ICS Inc, you will need sponsorship from two existing member church/centre/groups. If unknown by members of the ICS Inc, you must supply three letters of recommendation from persons of standing in your community whom you have known for at least three years. This is in accordance with our incorporate rules.
Entitlements of Support Members
He, she, or they, may attend the AGM each year and may have a voice in the proceedings, however they may not vote.
They may apply to study any of the courses in the ICS Inc Education Program and receive the appropriate certificates or diploma upon completion.