Spiritualism is the belief that departed souls and other entities can interact with the living directly or through a medium. Spiritualism is too diverse to have a universal code of beliefs; instead, Spiritualists accept sets of more wide ranging principles (in the U.K. members of the SNU agree to 7 principles). But spiritualists are free to interpret them as they wish and many differ about Christianity and reincarnation and the value of different channelled teachings. Spiritualism is strongest in the USA, the UK, and Europe and emphasises service to others through mediumship and healing. Read more.

Spiritism has a core belief in reincarnation and karma and embraces most Christian principles. It began in the 1850s when Alan Kardec submitted hundreds of questions to advanced spirits through mediums. He then collated the answers to form The Spirits' Book and The Gospel According to Spiritism. Although founded on mediumship, Spiritism focuses on mediumship for spiritual and moral guidance rather than personal communication. It is strongest in Brazil and Latin America and emphasises education and service to the poor. Read more.